more oil questions

When my engine is off the dipstick shows that there is just about no oil in
the system. When the engine is running the dipstick shows that it is full
and then some. What would cause this? And is it normal for wisps of white
smoke to come out of the dipstick tube when checking the oil? (With the
engine on.)

Also, when getting the oil changed it was jet black in color and fairly
sticky. What would cause this?

Because it was black and sticky they said there is some sort of "engine
flush" that can be done. Legitimate service or just another way to take
money?

 

Always check the oil when NOT running.

You are dangerously low on oil. Probably 2 quarts low would be my guess.
Add a quart, let it sit for 3 minutes without running it. Check again.
Repeat as needed and with smaller amounts until you show full.

Joe - V#8013 - '86 VN750 - joe @ yunx .com
Ask me about "The Ride" on July 31, '04:
http://www.youthelate.com/the_ride.htm

 

When the engine is running, oil is being thrown all around the inside
the crankcase. Some of it lands on the dip stick, some of which id high
up the stick. This runs down the stick. When you pull it out, it looks
like the oil level is hight - it isn't. You should check your oil with
the engine off, after enough time has elasped to allow most of the oil
to drain back into the sump. The white stuff coming out of the dip stick
tube is likely to be water vapor and is probably normal. However,
checking the oil with the engine running is not normal - don't do it.

Instead of paying for an engine flush, just use good quality oil and
change it more often. If the oil is really dirty, I suggest doing a
couple of 1000 mile oil changes.

Ed

 

The oil should be checked with the engine off (and after it has set
for 2-3 minutes to "drain down"). Make sure the car is level. When
the engine is running the oil is splashing around and cannot be
measured accurately.

The whisps of white smoke are "blowby" exhaust. A little is OK, but
lots indicates bad rings.

Oil will normally be dark (though not jet black) even after 100
miles or so. It should not be particularly "sticky" or "gooey",
though -- it should flow about as freely as when new. Jet black
would suggest combustion products are ending up in the oil (bad
rings or valve seals). Sticky would suggest either lots of
combustion products or a coolant leak.