Peter wrote: Those are maximum and minimum volume marks, not recommended levels.
That statement makes good sense. So the upper mark is not saying "this is where you should run the oil level" rather, it's saying "do not fill it higher than here". AND... David Wrote: On some engines it also helps get the oil away from the crankshaft, which makes it foam less at high RPMs. Thanks for reminding me of that - the baffle. Yes, mine does have it, and I was taught that it was chiefly to keep the crank from sloshing around in it, thus being robbed of some power. I know, that could fall under the voodoo category. It does seem more important to avoid foaming. AND... Peter wrote: Below the bottom mark and you don't have enough oil reserve, it will run hotter, and you risk reduced engine life. Do you mean run hotter due to lower volume of oil (as in, it's harder to heat up a swimming pool than a bath tub), or, do you mean that it will run hotter because of more friction due to insufficient oil delivery to parts? Brian 83 240D On 4/28/06, Peter Frederick <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
Higher than the top mark and the oil may get "thrashed" by the crank, foam out the breather, and cause oil foam to get pumped to the bearings. All bad. This can also cause impact damage to the crank. Below the bottom mark and you don't have enough oil reserve, it will run hotter, and you risk reduced engine life. Most MB engines will burn off oil near the top mark, although not all do. If you have one of those, and insist on the oil being at the top mark, you can use upwards of a quart in 300 miles filling it up only to have the engine get rid of it pronto. I don't not know where it goes (that is is it burned internally or does it just end up in the air filter housing), but it's well known to most of us. If the level drops rapidly to about half way between the marks and then stays there, don't add to get it to the top mark, wait until it's lower. Only add oil when it reached the lower mark, and don't fill it all the way up -- one quart will do. Those are maximum and minimum volume marks, not recommended levels. Peter _______________________________________ http://www.striplin.net For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://striplin.net/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_striplin.net
