Hi,

Have two brand new strange things:

1.) When i start the engine again after running, the thermostat of the water is going up to the highstes peak and then get down after 1 sek...why?

2.) Filled up one liter oil but cannoot see a diffrent at the dipstick...

thanks
pete

Dodge Ram B250 Custom Van
1984

 

1. Heat soak. when you shut the engine off, the coolant stops circulating. The heat around the cylinder bores gets transferred to the coolant and rises and bathes the temp sensor in the super hot coolant. Once the engine restarts, the water pump mixes all the coolant again and the gauge quickly drops.

Newer vehicles basically have dummy oil and coolant temp gauges that only give a general range. They don't want wild gauge swings freaking out the owners and having them return demanding unneeded warranty work.

2. A sludged engine might only slowly allow the oil to settle into the pan where the level is measured.

Sludging was more common with oils of the early and mid 80's and the 3000 mile oil change was a necessity then. Trying to desludge an engine quickly can kill it if too much sludge breaks free at once and clogs the pick up screen. I'd just recommend more frequent oil changes with an oversized filter like Purolator L30001 if it is sludged.

Removing a valve cover would be required to see if sludge is an issue. The oil level not rising quickly when oil is added is just a possible indication of it, not a definitive diagnosis.