My car is a 98 A4 1.8t FWD. When i change the engine oil I put in exactly 4.3 quarts and the dipstick read about 2mm above the overfull mark. I noticed this guy changed his and got the same condition after only 4 quarts. http://www.audiworld.com/tech/eng10.shtml

My manual also says it takes 4.3 quarts. The thing is, I read that there are many different dipstick sizes so i'm wondering if maybe the right amount of oil is in there despite the reading. Anyone know what the deal is?

My second question is how long do you have to run the engine before you get to the proper trans fluid temp to check the level? My Haynes manual says "about once around the block", but is that a cold start or should the trans already have been warm somewhat?

 

did u change the filter?

 

right .you have to consider the filter volume,start engine then recheck.

 

Yup the filter was changed, and the engine has been run for many days. I've done so many oil changes in the past, i didn't even think to check it.

 

98 A4 1.8t oil and filter = 3.5 litres
on changing the oil and filter just run the engine for a minute so it fills he filter then recheck - a run round the block is required,

 

Weird, so both the Haynes manual and the owners manual are wrong, and to make things more odd, i have the larger oil filter. What's going on there? I asked an Audi tech about it today, he assumed the dipstick was where is should be.

 

my data is from autodata technical which garages use and is supplied by the manufacturers to autodata regularly so its reliable otherwise I wouldn't post it, oil above the mark is definitely not recommended as the excess pressure could blow seals " its as bad as having low oil if not worse" I always have my level slightly below the mark because this allows the engine to breath better when booting it

 

spelling got a little crapped up there hence the edit

 

Oh thanks, i really appreciate the info.

ps. my spelling sucks as well, no shame (i have to use google toolbar spellcheck in order to show my face on forums.)!

 

Make sure you remove the oil filter first and then drain the oil. If you dont oil will drain into the pan when you pull the filter but the plug will not allow it to drain out so you will already have oil in the pan when you begin filling. The 1.8 should take 4.2 quarts of oil with the new larger filter. Sometimes a little less but right around there.

As for getting the proper trans temp you need a scan tool for that. Theres way to many variables to "drive it around the block". Some trans heat up really fast and some take a bit of time.