It seems with my car ('74 2.0L dual carbs) I must let the car sit for at least 12 hours to get an accurate oil level reading on the dipstick. If I wait only 6 hours I get a bogus reading that is almost 1/3 quart on the low side. Is having to wait 12 hours to drain down into the pan after running excessive? Is this normal? I am using, and have always used, Castrol 20W-50 conventional oil and the ambient temp is around 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Running temps are normal as well as my CHT temps and I never find any excessive oil in the rebreather box. What have others experienced with this issue?

Ansbacher

I’ve a ‘73 2.0 and have always checked after getting up to operating temp, parking and powering down, then checking about 5-10 minutes later.

Really? I always thought oil level was to be checked with the engine cold... Wrong??

Ansbacher

Do you have an external catch can or something? Cant think of anywhere in the motor itself that oil could get to that would take 12 hours to drain back.

The 914 (bus, 411/412) has to be level, even small ground grade differences can wildly swing the oil level.

Seems like I read numerous threads on this site, saw an Ian Karr recommendation on YouTube (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=drmeeVKdGrk )and found this in the manual.
Click to view attachment

...and I’m open to a better idea.

Very true with the T-4 engine. Even an unnoticeable slant will throw the reading off. Another over looked item is the anti drain back valve in an oil filter.

You can overfill by a 1/2 qt too

Right MUST be level if I have the rear wheels on on ramps it shows overfull

@Ansbacher As stupid as this sounds, its the same deal on my 73 2.0. If I check the oil reading the morning after a drive, I get a slightly higher reading on the dipstick. It makes no sense and checking oil levels is pretty straight forward, at least until now.