i know its a silly question but recently my valves have been ticking on colt startups. I checked the oil level and it was pretty low. however this was after I ran the engine. Are you supposed to check the oil level when its dead cold, like after sitting overnight or after the oil has circulated? If i check with the engine cold the level is full. No lights on either.

5 mn after it ran should be enough for the oil to settle. There's no silly questions, only silly answers.

cold, although 5 minutes after running is close enough...

Ive always let it sit long enough to go inside, use the facilities, get something to drink, and check the ball game score.

were you on a flat level surface?

well, I wouldnt check the oil on the side of a hill.......

leveler the surface the better id guess