Hi Guys please can someone  tell me if this is normal but I seem to be having a nightmare trying to get an accurate engine oil level on dipstick I end up trying it several times but not a solid level seen on stick but a broken stream above the max mark is this normal as its driving me potty ?? and I want to ensure level is correct especially in light of the DPF filter generation of fuel into sump chance and overfilling of oil thanks in anticipation folks .

Hi Les and Welcome to the Club,

As you did not say what method you're following to check the oil level apologies in advance if I'm teaching granny to suck eggs here but: -

1. Start and run the engine until normal operating temperature is reached.
2. Stop at engine and what for ten minutes or so to allow the bulk of the oil to flow back to the sump.
3. Pull the Dip Stick and wipe it clean.
4. Re-insert the dip stick making sure to press it home onto it seating.
5. Pull the dip stick out to get your first reading.
   1. You should be looking for a clear line across the width of the dip-stick between the Min and Max markers. You can ignore any vertical streaks, that do not cover the entire width of the dip-stick, above the Max marker as these will result from contact with the dip-stick barrel.
6. Leave for five minutes and repeat to get a second reading.

If you still cannot get a reading you are comfortable with the next bets option is to drain the oil and refill with a measured amount.

Hope this helps.

Cheers

Steve

Cheers Steve I had done all that but the dipstick seems a very flimsy piece of crap which allows it to wander still I got fed up with it and had an oil/filter change today so will monitor closely !

Hi Jes.

Yes checking the Dipstick is a nightmare, the way Cubist mentioned is probably the best way off checking the Dipstick.

As you mentioned about having a Diesel Particulate Filter, i hope you have used a Low Ash C1 Oil WSS M2C 934B this number is not mentioned in the x type Handbook and jaguar couldn't advise me on the oil needed to use with an engine with a DPFILTER.

It was Castrol who gave me the information that i needed, when filling with oil i just add 5 and1/2 litres some xj owner's those with a Dipstick have the level between the low level and maximum level so that if a Regeneration is disrupted and diesel enters the sump it won't push the level above the maximum level which can cause problems.

The best way is to change oil and use genuine jaguar fuel and oil filters and remember how much oil you have added  and when the next time you  check the oil level and providing that you have know leaks and the Dipstick is showing a level below the minimum level do not add Oil as this is your first reaction and if you have know oil warning light you should be quite happy that everything is as it should be.

I checked my oil level yesterday and had 2 readings with the level below minimum so i am going out now to do another check.

With having a Diesel Particulate Filter you should never switch off the engine when a Regeneration is taking place the way you will know it is happening, is the Revs will be higher by about 150 when the engine is idling and the exhaust will making a noise like it has a hole in it and their also could be a burning smell also some members also see less miles per gallon when a Regeneration is taking place. I use premium diesel and sometimes drive quite aggressively and using the Revs like when coming out off a roundabout and touch wood i have had know problems with the DPFilter.

Regards Tom.

Thanks Tom 

I had it done at my friends car /tyre business and they used the recommended Ford low ash oil /filter I have not had any DPF  issues as yet but I do very little mileage and a few short journeys but try to give it  a blast for a few miles once or twice a week time will tell I guess .

Hi Les.

I'm like you i do about 6,000 per year, it doesn't matter about mileage per year as long as we don't do a lot of short journeys as the engine doesn't reach the temperature needed to start a Regeneration.And another thing is the Air Conditioning they say it should be used at least once a week to stop the seals from leaking which I'm afraid i never do and always keep the climate control setting to Auto as this stops any misting.

Regards Tom.