How To Check Oil Levels

The first thing you want to do before checking any oil level is to wipe the area down and get it nice and clean. You do not want to pull the dipstick out and have dirt fall into your oil. 

Pull out the dipstick and wipe it clean. Note the marks on the dipstick. Most have 2 marks spaced apart or a roughly inch long area with a rough surface. You, ideally, want the oil somewhere in that area. 

If you have a Yanmar tractor with a threaded dipstick, inset the dipstick in the hole but do not thread it back in. 

If you have a Yanmar with a push in dipstick, push the dipstick fully into the hole. 

Remove the dipstick and hold it horizontally so that the oil line does not move. Note the location of the top of the oil line. You might need to use a bright light and look for a change in gloss level or even blot the dipstick onto a paper towel to see the oil level if the oil is very clean oil. It is normal for diesel engine oil to get very dark after just a few hours of use.