Just did my first oil change on my coupe--used Mobile One 5w-30. However, I cannot read the darn dipstick to see if I've put in the right amount--the oil is too clear and doesn't really register on the cross-hatched area. I wipe it each time I re-insert (btw, not entirely straight-forward insert, is it?). I put in about 4 and three quarters quarts, so I'm OK, but does anyone have suggestions about how to do this right? Thanks.

 

That dip stick is some thing isnt it !!! You have the right amount of oil in it so dont worry .Wait a week and then check it ...You should be able to read it then .

Couldnt afford it when young...gonna play when Im old

 

I still can't get a accurate reading on the dip stick. That thing totally sucks.



2003 G35 Coupe 6mt Diamond Graphite
1992 Jeep Cherokee Blk 5.5 RE lift /w 33s
AIM= bkchang79

 

I couldn't get a reading either. But I found that if you wait a few hours and let the oil settle, you can get an accurate reading. I know the most accurate reading is when the engine is warm, but the only way I can get any decent reading at all is when the engine is cold.

 

Whoever designed that thing needs to be whipped with it! I can barely get it back into the shaft after I try (note the word "try") to get an accurate reading. The only way to get even close to an accurate reading is to check it cold.

It's here!!! '04 G35 Coupe DG/G/5AT/Leather/Premium

 

I agree. As for the oil change, the drain plug and filter are right next to one another, which is sweet, but it takes more time to unscrew the 14 screws on the engine guard than it does to change the oil. The instructions in the FAQ section say to take a 10mm wrench, but they're wrong--requires a 10mm nut driver, or better yet, a power nut driver to more comfortably remove and replace all those screws. After that, wrestling with the dipstick got frustrating. I'm going to check it tomorrow after it sits overnight.
Having said all that, warding off all the guys in the garage who wanted to drool over the G was my biggest problem. It's a real ego boost to take that car out in public, no doubt!

 

Join the club!!! My first infiniti was the 2002 I35, and the first time I checked the oil I thought it was down a half quart...so I added some...next time I checked it it was over full!!!!! I have learned from this...with the G I leave it alone since I change the oil every 3,000 miles..I can not get an accurate reading unless the car sits on level ground for at least two hours....and as far as the dipstick...the one main reason I change to oil so often..WHAT A PAIN!!!!!!!2old 4this

04 cpe ivory pearl/willow/5at/prem/sport wheel pkg

 

Oil should always be checked when the engine is cold (has sat for many hours). This will provide the most accuracy, because all of the oil will have drained into the pan. If you check the oil just after running the engine, much of the oil will still be up in the valve train and pistons, so you won't get an accurate reading of how much oil is really in the engine and will risk overfilling.

 

I took some fine sand paper and roughed up the cross hatched area a little. The oil level shows up a little better for me now than it did on the smooth surface.

 

hazbin (funny name!):
Thanks! I'll try it.

 

Just a reminder that our engines need to be broken-in.

Do not switch to synthetic too soon!

You did not say how many miles are on your car, only that this was your 1st oil change.

There are many thoughts on when is best - some say 7k, 10k, or 15k miles. Just do a search for synthetics and you should find tons of threads on the subject. I know of one G owner who switched at only 1000 miles and had problems.

As for the oil change frustration, I only take-off 3 or 4 screws on the right side, bend down the sheild, shove my hand in and change the filter. It's quick but messy.
I've also switched out my drain plug with a futaba oil valve so that part is quicker too.

Good luck.

2004 6mt Laser/Graphite/Aero/Premium/BSM/splash