A dry sump oiling system is designed to keep the engine fully lubricated during high cornering loads. It is considered to be a high performance oiling system and is not common on all vehicles. Most automotive engines use a wet sump system. In a dry sump system, the oil is stored in a reservoir external to the engine. Unlike a wet sump system, the crankcase in a dry sump system contains a minimal amount of oil at all times.
Warm the engine up before checking the oil system on a dry sump. If the engine is cold, it will not give a correct oil reading. When the engine is warmed up to at least 175 F (80 C), turn the engine off. Checking the oil while the engine is still running will also produce an incorrect oil reading.
Allow the vehicle to sit without the engine running for five minutes. Avoid letting the vehicle sit for more than 20 minutes. Locate the yellow-handled dipstick in the reservoir. With one hand, pull the dipstick out and carefully wipe it with a clean, lint-free cloth in your other hand. Replace the stick in its hold, pushing it all the way in until it stops.
Remove the oil stick again, keeping the tip pointed downward. Note the oil level on the crosshatched area. If the oil is within the crosshatched area, it is considered to be at a normal level. If the level if below the crosshatched area, more oil is needed (usually added one quart at a time).
