when I pulled the dipstick to check my car engine oil, oil sprinkled out..is this normal?

Question

it happened when the engine was idling

Answer 1

As all the other said - you check when the engine is off, and has been off for a while (so the oil has a chance to get back to the crankcase). One other point to make though - make sure you're parked on a relatively flat surface to ensure an accurate reading.

Answer 2

It is almost certainly due to your short trips. There's always some blow-by in the cylinders, and what blows by is a mixture of steam and CO2. The CO2 departs via the crankcase breather, and the steam condenses. Start the engine from cold, and let it run for ten minutes The top of the radiator should be cold, because the thermostat prevents almost all cooling until the engine reaches proper working temperature. Look at the dipstick, the oil should not be milky. You seem to be using a bit too much oil. This could indicate worn cylinders/piston rings or valve guides. How old is the car? Go for a 1 hour drive, that will boil off any moisture.

Answer 3

The best way to check the oil is to check it when the engine is not running. The best time is first thing in the morning with the car parked on a level surface. Pull the dip stick and wipe it off with a shop towel or paper towel. Put the stick all the way down, pause, then pull back out. When you check the oil after the engine has warmed up, it will read a bit lower. As long as it is at the full mark or between that mark and the add a quart mark your okay.
Oil will drip off the stick and it will kinda spit some out if you have the stick out and the engine is running.

Answer 4

Your oil pump puts oil pressure on the sump (oil pan), causing the oil to be pushed around to any open crvice in the engine, including where your dipstick seats. That's why the oil should be checked with the engine off, to avoid mis-reading the level. If you read that manual for your car, (if you have one, if not you can find a Chilton on Haynes book at your local automotive store, or order the manual from your local dealer) the first thing it will tell you is to check you oil with the engine off, while the block is still cold, or slightly warm. Remove the dip stick, wipe it clean on a lint free rag or paper towel, then reinsert it. When you remove it the second time, pull it up and keep it level, noting any metal shavings, foreign debri, or anti-freeze. :)

Answer 5

Yes this is normal when the engine is running due to oil being slung around by the rotating parts and the air circulation created by the same moving parts. Also too the oil is being pumped through out the engine by the oil pump, there for you will not get an accurate reading either. You must always shut the engine off and wait a couple of minutes to allow the oil to settle down first to check oil levels properly.If you are checking your automatic transmission fluid , you must have the engine running and warm while you check it.

Answer 6

It is normal when the engine is running. To ensure you get an accurate reading of the oil in the engine you should turn the engine off, remove dipstick, clean it, reisert it and remove it again...this time take note of the level of oil on the dipstick. It should be between min and max.

Answer 7

You don't check engine oil with the car running, and usually not when it has been running. Check your oil when the engine is cold, as before starting it. That way you get a true reading of the level of the engine oil.

Answer 8

engine oil is to be checked with engine switched off, automatic transmissions are checked with engine ideling in park. unless otherwise stated.
Regards Alex

Answer 9

No this is not normal, your crankcase is being pressurized, check your P C V valve, positive crankcase vent.