on 11/2/2007 11:29 AM Redigoogle said the following:

I have a similar problem. My simple fix is to wear my glasses. :-)

Has this got the alloy block cast on the end of a wire cable type of
dipstick?

Check all 4 sides of the indicator block, the lowest is the one you
take as the oil level. at least 2 sides of the indicator tend to
collect oil from the bend in the dipstick tube and give a false full
reading. If engine has run all sides will have excess  oil on them.

2 ways to get a good indication of level.

1: Sneak up on it! Check the level when it's cold first thing. Most of
the oil will have drained from the tube so won't be collected by the
dipstick indicator block.

2: If engine has run you have to get all the oil out of the tube so it
can't transfer to the level indicator. Repeatedly insert dipstick
about 1" short of fully in, remove and clean the dipstick. When the
level indicator comes out clean of oil, push the dipstick fully home
and extract, then it shows the correct level.