Every time I change the oil on my '96 Maxima (or top it off) I'm reminded what an awful location the dipstick is in. Nissan cast a slot into the cylinder head in which the dipstick sits, which leads right down an oil drain hole in the head/block that eventually goes to the oil pan. Convenient placement and doesn't take up much room. The problem is, if you've added oil recently or just shut down the engine, say, in the last hour or so, the whole dipstick is completely slathered in oil. Even if you remove the dipstick during an oil change, just inserting it after having added oil covers the entire thing from top to bottom. It takes at least 3-4 insertions and wipes to get a semi-accurate reading. What a dumb design. Every time I have to add oil (which thankfully is not often), I feel like half of it goes into a paper towel just checking it afterward. I've tried waiting 10-15 minutes, that helps some, but still doesn't eliminate the problem.
Despite being a chore during some engine repairs (they get in the way), I much prefer the tube that's usually held to the engine block via a bracket, that leads directly to the oil pan.
Do other engines use this design? Surely I'm not the only one frustrated by it.
Despite being a chore during some engine repairs (they get in the way), I much prefer the tube that's usually held to the engine block via a bracket, that leads directly to the oil pan.
Do other engines use this design? Surely I'm not the only one frustrated by it.