I'm doing some work for an extended warranty insurance company. I looked at a series of 11 engine failures over a two year period. These cars were lease cars that were used by sales people that put on a lot of miles in a short time. The drivers were very good at getting the oil changed sometimes at dealers, shops and quickie oil change places. Each of these cars had a dip stick failure. The stopper on the dip stick slipped up the dip stick causing the dip stick to fall lower into the engine crankcase. Evidently when the oil was changed the level was set at the same mark on the dip stick that was now lower in the pan and this led to stress on the lubrication system, being in some cases 50% low on oil. I wonder if we all verified the accuracy of our dip stick how many would not be giving a correct reading?
Dip stick issue
- Thread starter OneEyeJack
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With my filter and pan a nice 5 quart jug fills me right to the top. I usually verify later that day that its at the top. If nothing leaks out though i don't worry about it.
Hol' on a minute. Not to sound cynical, but exactly how far up a dip stick can a "stopper" slide? On every dip stick I've ever used, the "stopper" is pretty much integral to the pull handle at the end. And if that slipped up the dip stick, the stick itself would separate from the stop/handle. Even if it did slide a little, like a half inch, that's usually only 1/2 or maybe even 1 quart low. That's not enough to cause damage to most engines.
Before this discussion continues, I'd hope the OP would enlighten the group on exactly what engines are involved here.
Before this discussion continues, I'd hope the OP would enlighten the group on exactly what engines are involved here.
Well now, it's good to see that someone is thinking with their dipstick!
(Sorry, couldn't resist).
How about a picture of one of these dipsticks with the stopper slipped?
(Sorry, couldn't resist).
How about a picture of one of these dipsticks with the stopper slipped?
I guess just another reason to do it yourself. I change my oil and add the capacity stated in the owner's manual. If I forget, I can always re-check my owner's manual, pennzoil's site even lists the capacity for many vehicles. You'd think quick lubes, and especially dealerships would have this info, and fill based on that rather than checking the dipstick. The other potential problem, may have been if these cars had a consumption issue that couldn't be detected with the faulty dipsticks.
Originally Posted By: Hokiefyd
Hol' on a minute. Not to sound cynical, but exactly how far up a dip stick can a "stopper" slide? On every dip stick I've ever used, the "stopper" is pretty much integral to the pull handle at the end. And if that slipped up the dip stick, the stick itself would separate from the stop/handle. Even if it did slide a little, like a half inch, that's usually only 1/2 or maybe even 1 quart low. That's not enough to cause damage to most engines.
Before this discussion continues, I'd hope the OP would enlighten the group on exactly what engines are involved here.
must be a late april fools post.
Hol' on a minute. Not to sound cynical, but exactly how far up a dip stick can a "stopper" slide? On every dip stick I've ever used, the "stopper" is pretty much integral to the pull handle at the end. And if that slipped up the dip stick, the stick itself would separate from the stop/handle. Even if it did slide a little, like a half inch, that's usually only 1/2 or maybe even 1 quart low. That's not enough to cause damage to most engines.
Before this discussion continues, I'd hope the OP would enlighten the group on exactly what engines are involved here.
must be a late april fools post.
Originally Posted By: stenerson
must be a late april fools post.
That's all I can figure.
must be a late april fools post.
That's all I can figure.
The post was not an April fool joke. I was just wondering if anyone had this problem. On some of the Honda Civic's the dip stick slipped several inches. And it did cause the oil level if kept on those marks to go out of spec. So if this is not a suitable topic I'll go away.
and the oil pressure light never came on?
Originally Posted By: OneEyeJack
The post was not an April fool joke. I was just wondering if anyone had this problem. On some of the Honda Civic's the dip stick slipped several inches. And it did cause the oil level if kept on those marks to go out of spec. So if this is not a suitable topic I'll go away.
Stop whinning! nobody wants you to go away. posters were just asking for some clarity. My dipsticks are fused to the end as well so, you cleared it up.
The post was not an April fool joke. I was just wondering if anyone had this problem. On some of the Honda Civic's the dip stick slipped several inches. And it did cause the oil level if kept on those marks to go out of spec. So if this is not a suitable topic I'll go away.
Stop whinning! nobody wants you to go away. posters were just asking for some clarity. My dipsticks are fused to the end as well so, you cleared it up.
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