oil circulating in the OEL Flap when I look with the motor is running - normal?

[sunlion]

Is this normal for my '72 T MFI car? Seems difficult to get a good reading on the oil level. Your thoughts?

[Flieger]

What do you mean by OEL Flap? I use the dipstick with the car on a level surface idling at a temperature of at least 180 degrees (when I come back from a drive). The oil gage will bounce around a lot when driving but should be a pretty good measure when you are stopped on a level surface.

[sunlion]

It's a '72 car with the oil flap door on the passenger side. When I open the flap door and remove the cap for the dipstick, I can see oil circulating in that area with the engine idling. Just curious if that is what it should be or if perhaps she's overfilled.

[Flieger]

I am not familiar with a '72 but the oil should still enter the tank from the top and is drawn from the bottom so that there is some time for it to get rid of the air that is entrained in it. So oil should be circulating in the general vicinity of the dip stick.

[sunlion]

Perfect, thanks.

[Johan911]

YES. Same on my 1972T.

[72t4tom]

Yes, it is messy. but that is the best way to get an accurate reading. Be careful to slide the dip stick into the tube so as not to loose it in the tank

[Mr9146]

I always thought the swirling was kinda neat to watch...

[sunlion]

I always thought the swirling was kinda neat to watch...

Much more so now that I know its how it should be........kind of mesmerizing, like watching clothes spin around in a dryer.........

[Kris Clewell]

I always thought the swirling was kinda neat to watch...

same. amazing how "thin" such heavy oil looks when its that frickin hot.