topping off oil?

[jharpphoto]

I'm a 2,500 miles into my 2018 LX 570 ownership w/ 50K on the odo. This vehicle underwent a full service from the dealer before I purchased. I checked the oil level today and the oil level is approximately 1/3 up the dip stick. Level is in the normal range but on the low end. This is the 1st time I've checked the oil in this vehicle and am a little surprised the level is on the low side of normal after only driving 2,500 miles since purchase. I guess it's possible the oil level was never at the high end of the dip stick but thinking I should add a qt of oil to bring it up the stick a bit. I'm also wondering if the LX is consuming excessive oil based on the current oil level. Any thoughts?

 

[manofthewoods]

I'm a 2,500 miles into my 2018 LX 570 ownership w/ 50K on the odo. This vehicle underwent a full service from the dealer before I purchased. I checked the oil level today and the oil level is approximately 1/3 up the dip stick. Level is in the normal range but on the low end. This is the 1st time I've checked the oil in this vehicle and am a little surprised the level is on the low side of normal after only driving 2,500 miles since purchase. I guess it's possible the oil level was never at the high end of the dip stick but thinking I should add a qt of oil to bring it up the stick a bit. I'm also wondering if the LX is consuming excessive oil based on the current oil level. Any thoughts?

Without knowing the level shortly after the last change, and absent any obvious leaks...
Not enough information.
I do know that the current level is more than sufficient for safe operation.
I don't want to jinx myself, but I do all my own work and I fill to the top line - every time. That way I'd know if I'm losing oil. Can't remember adding any on any vehicle
Did I mention, I love Toyotas

 

[gaijin]

I'm a 2,500 miles into my 2018 LX 570 ownership w/ 50K on the odo. This vehicle underwent a full service from the dealer before I purchased. I checked the oil level today and the oil level is approximately 1/3 up the dip stick. Level is in the normal range but on the low end. This is the 1st time I've checked the oil in this vehicle and am a little surprised the level is on the low side of normal after only driving 2,500 miles since purchase. I guess it's possible the oil level was never at the high end of the dip stick but thinking I should add a qt of oil to bring it up the stick a bit. I'm also wondering if the LX is consuming excessive oil based on the current oil level. Any thoughts?

I suggest you need a fourth option: Add enough oil to bring the level on the dipstick to the upper mark.

Generally, the amount of oil between the low mark and the high mark on the dipstick is 1 quart/Litre. So... in your case I would suggest adding less than one quart to bring the indicated level up to the high mark. Then monitor level over the next 5,000 miles to see what change (if any) is observed.

HTH

 

[HUZZAH]

Something else to consider is how long after your turn off your engine to wait to check your oil. Manual tells me to wait at least 5 minutes after turning off engine, but if I wait 5 minutes my dipstick will tell me I’m just barely above the low mark, yet when I check it after waiting overnight the reading will be close to the high mark. Just something to consider.

 

[bloc]

The reason the manual states to check the oil with the engine warm is the fluid will expand with heat. So in theory setting the level at the top mark with it cold could result in it being too full if you work the engine hard and heat up that oil significantly. Realistically they design enough margin for error that this is unlikely to cause damage, but it helps understand their thinking on the recommended procedure.

Personally I’d get a quart of the correct oil, do what the manual says and check it 5 minutes after shutting off, after the engine has been good and warm for a while like normal driving around town, and top it up til you get to the top mark. That will give you a known reference to monitor further conditions.

Without knowing what the level was 2500 ago you can’t make any assumptions about whether it’s burning oil. And if you think even dealer service departments take the time to check the dipstick and dial the oil level in to the top mark… they don’t.

Also a 50k mile Toyota 5.7 burning oil would be highly unlikely.

Lastly, any time you bring it to the dealer lock your glove box and keep the key blade with you!! This is the only 100% reliable way to avoid them breaking your recirc door.

 

[Sandroad]

I think it’s extremely likely the last service didn’t get the oil level correct. Sadly I’ve learned to have a low opinion of the skill level in the express lane at dealerships. I think your engine is fine. Just add oil to the correct level.

 

[ryanCA]

Also a 50k mile Toyota 5.7 burning oil would be highly unlikely.

Google infamous Tundra 5.7 Cam Tower leak...

Lots of 5.7 guzzle oil from day one.

 

[bloc]

Google infamous Tundra 5.7 Cam Tower leak...

Lots of 5.7 guzzle oil from day one.

I meant burn internally.

 

[rherrco]

I'm a 2,500 miles into my 2018 LX 570 ownership w/ 50K on the odo. This vehicle underwent a full service from the dealer before I purchased. I checked the oil level today and the oil level is approximately 1/3 up the dip stick. Level is in the normal range but on the low end. This is the 1st time I've checked the oil in this vehicle and am a little surprised the level is on the low side of normal after only driving 2,500 miles since purchase. I guess it's possible the oil level was never at the high end of the dip stick but thinking I should add a qt of oil to bring it up the stick a bit. I'm also wondering if the LX is consuming excessive oil based on the current oil level. Any thoughts?

You could also just call the dealer and ask them what their SOP is. Maybe they only aim for halfway up the distick because the oil is still cold. If the say they double check to make sure oil is topped off, then maybe a cause for concern. The independent shop I use takes photos of everything they work on, something that I think all dealership should do.

 

[gasman4u]

I'm a 2,500 miles into my 2018 LX 570 ownership w/ 50K on the odo. This vehicle underwent a full service from the dealer before I purchased. I checked the oil level today and the oil level is approximately 1/3 up the dip stick. Level is in the normal range but on the low end. This is the 1st time I've checked the oil in this vehicle and am a little surprised the level is on the low side of normal after only driving 2,500 miles since purchase. I guess it's possible the oil level was never at the high end of the dip stick but thinking I should add a qt of oil to bring it up the stick a bit. I'm also wondering if the LX is consuming excessive oil based on the current oil level. Any thoughts?

When did you check the oil? When filling up with gas in the 200 series natural habitat of fuel station ecosystems (not waiting the 5 min as recommended in the manual)?

Did you check when it was cold (after overnight sitting)?

Lots of good suggestions above. I’d be hesitant to fill until top mark while engine is cold. As mentioned earlier, fluid does expand a bit when heated. How much depends on the fluid iirc. But anyways, something to consider.

EDIT: Assuming

Volumetric (Cubic) Thermal Expansion

Volumetric temperature expansion calculator.

www.engineeringtoolbox.com

is correct when starting with 8.5 qts of oil at 70°F ambient temperature and running up to 219°F operating temp, it looks like 9.4 qts is the volume you end up with.

First time I’ve run that calculator. Pretty cool. There’s a video on YT where they swapped the oil pan to a plastic transparent one and would watch as they progressively overfilled the crankcase with oil. That was cool too.