My book calls for oil level to be 1/2 on the dipstick cold.

Hot oil level should be at the top of the dipstick.

My levels were there when I changed oil. The cold level

is getting higher and the hot level lower, as time goes by.

As oil breaks down with miles, does it expand and contract

less? If it does, and I go by the cold level I would running

with low oil levels.

I always go by the hot level. I am just curious about this.

I am sure someone in here has the answer.

 

The different readings are due to a dry sump system have been just turned off and a dry sump system that has been allowed to leak back (into motor). Neither expansion nor contraction is what your seeing just oil moving back to the motor.