[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Don, the underlying intent is the oil has settled back to the crankcase after the engine has sat idle for a period (-typically overnight). Prior to engine operation, the driver would check all engine fluid levels, and would open the hood and remove the dipstick to verify the oil in the pan was within safe operating limits before starting the engine. Because the engine was designed to be operated with the dipstick fully inserted (-squeezed together and fully inserted on your application), it stands to reason the level markings are designed to read correctly when the 'oil level indicator' (-correct name for dip stick) is fully inserted.


On a side note, it has been my experience that there are no adverse effects if the oil level is one quart overfull or under full. If someone has shared with you otherwise, there likely is some other issue creating the problem and not the actual oil level.