Proper technique to check engine oil level?

YYZRC

What’s the best way to check the oil on a 350 MAG?

I have always warmed the boat up to operating temp, let it rest for 15 and then check. Add oil if needed and wait 15 mins and re-check. 

212rowboat

there is really no need to warm it.  not when just 'checking'.  changing? yeah- simply because it pours better.... but even then i'll pull the plug (thank God for the hose kits that extend through the transom) and drain just a second- to check for water. 

starting the engine will agitate water... depending on the type of oil you have in there it either a disperses (separates) it or emergent, breaking it up and mixing it far and wide... not to stir into another oil debate, but it matters depending on how you use and how often you use your boat, which also includes time of season/year.

letting the oil warm exchanges and recharges hydraulic lifters- one thought would be the oil contaminants get mixed up so warming is better... another says the lifters have bled down and the sump won't be fuller than it is right then.... 

but back to oil compounds- oils high in zinc and meant for marine or classic cars is good for winter... the shear (ability to cling to hard parts) is superior.... meanwhile, oils that emerge the oil allows water to evaporate much faster- which means it isn't resting in the bottom of your oil pan waiting to eat through, and is better for engines that are used a lot whether in the water or not... generally, they lack clinging/shear strength in comparison...  use the emergent one during 'the season'.. use the clinger (shear strength) in the off season/storage... it's just a nice thing you can do to your engine that will hopefully come back to you later. 

Ian

To check I do cold.

aero3113

I check cold also.

69fastback

So in my world, my boat lives on a trailer and I always check it before putting it in the water. On the trailer it may read full, but in the water it could read as much as a quart low, or a quart high, depending on the fuel/pax load. Also, on the trailer I can see the same disparity depending on where the jack is. What’s right? 

212rowboat

question is a good one... slap a level over the valve covers? in my case, set my beer on the airhat and observe the attitude on either side of the bottle?  yes... beer is the solution. 

honestly and seriously, i DO level the boat when doing this- and simply by watching the bilge purge of water... i usually do these things after a wash and rinse so there is water in the bilge... after the majority of water runs out, and when i raise the trailer and hear/see more water pouring out- even i trickle- i'll stop... it doesn't mean it's level, it just means it's consistent.... .er... uh... somewhat consistent.  I guess i could mark the jack and make it easier...  

Dream_Inn

well, I don't really have any choice except to check mine in the water.  I would think in the water it would typically sit more level than on a trailer.  (I guess I could level it while in the lift)

Black_Diamond

I check in the water too, cold engines. 

The manual for a 2003 vintage 350 MAG MPI calls for 4.5qts w/filter. 4.0qts fills it. 🤷🏻‍♂️  Even checking hot 4.5 is overfilled.