When is the best time to check the oil in a 454 or 460? Cold, hot or inbetween. I had always checked mine at a rest stop so it would be hot. But, then I read somewhere to check it first think in the morning.

Same question on coolant. Should it be on the line when it is cold or hot??

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Oil can be checked any time the engine has sat a while. The oil needs a few minutes to run down from above. Should be on level ground.

Most coolant reservoirs should have a cold and a hot mark. I check mine cold by checking for water in the rad neck itself.

Check the differential once a year. A fellow at the AZ rally had his diff run dry and start a fire. The shop that he paid to check all fluids ate it big time.

I thought that was what the light on the dash was for, when the 'OIL' light comes on, you add oil.

Jack, you're close on the "oil" light.

Some later Mercedes have a computer that monitors miles, speed, duty cycles, temp, etc, and tells you when to change the oil.

My Jag has all the electronics. GPS, etc. When the "oil" light comes on, it dials a tow truck, a rental car company, arranges an engine replacement and bills your credit card or arranges a loan with the car as collateral. Don't even ask how much.

Based on my employee's use of company vehicles, it's when the lifters start rattling or trade-in time, whichever comes first........

Bill H. you are indeed an extraordinary person. Just when I think you are one of the left brained mathematics/engineering wizards, you spring forth with Right brained creativity. Kind of like Clint Eastwood and jazz. By the way, I think you can get all that Jaguar stuff on a Saturn now.

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I'm a funny person about the oil check. I check before starting and check it "HOT" both way. I like it on full line hot,over full cold. When checking Rad go by tank marking,should be higher than cold mark on tank if "HOT" or even with "HOT" mark,cold on the cold line,I add when needed when it cold.

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Jay&Shelby 95 Regency 34ft. 300 hp.