hey thanks for all the grat advice, but it was time for an oil change anyways so I did one to see if dirty oil was the problem. when I drained old oil out, I only got about 3qts! Changed out filter, and refilled with 5w30 amsoil. i usually only change the oil once a year but saw no indication of loss of oil, no spot in driveway, smoke coming out exhaust, nothing. after the change, everything now works great. Normal readings at startup and after its warmed up. thanks for all the good advice, hope this helps you dejacks50!

 

Oh good grief.

 

Must be to much trouble to pull the dip stick once in a while!

 

No, it was the loose nut behind the wheel!