I'm sure the owner manual should give all the alternative "dip stick" end alternatives and explain which mark means what.
As to "pinking" I thought that was something only spark ignition engines did when the ignition was too far advanced see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Engine_knocking
I don't think diesels can do so.
If the oil is as overfilled as you tend to think then probably it hasn't been touched for some time. As the engines have hydraulic tappets that are controlled via engine oil pressure, regular oil changes are a very necessary evil
As to "pinking" I thought that was something only spark ignition engines did when the ignition was too far advanced see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Engine_knocking
I don't think diesels can do so.
If the oil is as overfilled as you tend to think then probably it hasn't been touched for some time. As the engines have hydraulic tappets that are controlled via engine oil pressure, regular oil changes are a very necessary evil