Can you open Oil Cap when Engine is hot?
Almost everyone has the habit of refilling engine oil when they’re driving, and once they’ve turned off the engine, they usually prefer doing so before heading back inside.
This prompts the question: Is it permissible to open the oil cap when the car is hot, or should you avoid it?
When the engine is hot, the oil temperature can exceed 250 degrees Fahrenheit, which significantly increases the risk of injury.
This stands as the primary rationale for refraining from opening the oil cap immediately.
Another important factor is that you’re most likely inspecting the oil level and adding oil, a task that can be performed more accurately when the oil has had a chance to cool down.
Source: (vehiclefreak)
Is it safe to remove the oil cap while the car is in operation?
The vehicle itself doesn’t impose any restrictions on opening the oil cap while the engine is running.
However, it’s important to exercise caution due to the hot oil.
When the engine is running, the oil circulates with significant force.
Removing the oil cap can result in the oil spraying out forcefully, which poses a risk of hot oil burns, mess, and clothing stains.
Therefore, it is advisable to turn off the engine before attempting to open the oil cap, or at the very least, this will prevent oil from spraying out.
How long should you wait before opening the oil cap?
As previously mentioned, it’s possible to open the oil cap right away.
However, if you’ve just assessed the oil level with the engine hot, it won’t be accurate.
It typically takes about 20 minutes for the engine oil to cool down adequately and for all the oil to return to the oil sump.
It’s advisable to wait at least 20 minutes before unscrewing the oil cap and checking the oil level.
How to inspect the oil level
To examine the oil level, you’ll need a clean cloth that you don’t mind getting oil on and gloves if you want to avoid oil or dirt on your hands.
Once the engine has sufficiently cooled:
- Carefully remove the dipstick.
- Wipe the dipstick clean with the cloth and then reinsert it into the engine.
- Take out the dipstick from the engine once again.
- Avoid lifting the dipstick beyond a 90-degree angle, but instead, hold it up to the light to gauge the oil level.
- The oil level should fall between the minimum and maximum markers on the dipstick.
- If it’s below the halfway point on the dipstick, consider adding a small amount of oil to prevent the risk of running the engine with insufficient oil. If the oil level is at or above the halfway point, it’s unnecessary to top up the oil at this time to avoid accidental overfilling.
- Make sure to reinsert the dipstick and replace the oil cap if you had removed it.
How to add engine oil
- Turn the oil cap counterclockwise to open it; don’t force it.
- Place the cap in a safe spot within the engine bay.
- Hold the oil bottle sideways when pouring to avoid spills.
- Have a rag handy to clean any spills promptly.
- A minimum to top marker on the dipstick equals about 1 liter of oil.
- Add a small amount, wait a few minutes, and recheck the level as needed.
Source: (vehq)
What to do if the oil cap is stuck
Oil caps can become stubborn, especially on cars that sit idle or lack regular maintenance.
You can sometimes use large pump pliers to grip and forcibly unscrew the cap, but be cautious because a weak cap may break, making removal difficult.
This may require using a chisel and hammer to carefully extract it, which can be time-consuming.
If all else fails, you’ll need to replace the camshaft cover, gasket, and get a new oil cap.
This is a manageable task that can be done at home without draining the oil.
Simply remove the cover’s securing bolts (usually 8-12), clean away the old gasket, and replace it with a new gasket and the cover.
Failing to remove the old gasket can lead to oil leaks later.
If this is beyond your mechanical abilities, seek professional assistance from a mechanic who can open the cap or replace the camshaft cover for you.
In conclusion
It’s advisable to wait for 20 minutes after shutting off the engine before attempting to open the oil cap to check the oil level.
This wait time is essential for an accurate reading and to prevent potential injuries.
When the engine is hot, the oil temperature can soar to 250 degrees Fahrenheit (120 degrees Celsius), and touching it can be extremely painful.
Sometimes, oil caps can become stuck, and if you encounter this issue, a professional mechanic can assist in loosening it without causing damage.
In some cases, additional components may need replacement to free the stuck oil cap.