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Oil Level Dipstick

Discussion in 'Engines' started by Codger, Feb 25, 2008.

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  1. Codger, Feb 25, 2008
    #1
    Codger

    Codger YF Wisdom Dept.

    Joined:
    May 29, 2005
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    923
    Location:
    Western Canada
    After reading these posts was reminded of chasing a problem some time ago.
    http://www.yachtforums.com/forums/55238-post6.html
    http://www.yachtforums.com/forums/55224-post5.html
    I thought that I'd create this thread with a a pertinent title just in case someone else does a search sometime.

    Calibrate the dipstick.
    There is a very good reason to do this other than those listed in the noted posts.

    You could actually have the wrong dipstick.

    I won't go in to how I know this or how much was spent trying to figure out what the problem was before it was discovered that the incorrect dipsticks were the issue.:eek:
  2. K1W1, Feb 26, 2008
    #2
    K1W1

    K1W1 Senior Member

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    Hi,

    That reminds me of a story I was told when doing my apprenticeship about a customer who had come in to the spares dept looking for a new dipstick.

    The customer was under the impression that the one they were using was too short as it would no longer reach the oil.

    Have no idea if it was fact or fiction but it made us laugh at the time anyway.
  3. C4ENG, Feb 29, 2008
    #3
    C4ENG

    C4ENG Senior Member

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    K1..as simple as it sounds to add oil to a motor...I am going to complicate it some...

    I read your post about adding the recommended amount of oil listed from the tech manual.
    Now.. what about when you are dealing with motors that are installed in different angles? Should it make a difference of how much oil to be added or should the dip stick simply just be re-calibrated? Because the engine manufacture has the dipstick set for a motor sitting straight I would assume.
  4. K1W1, Feb 29, 2008
    #4
    K1W1

    K1W1 Senior Member

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    Hi,

    There is always a maximum angle that manufacturers say their engines can run at.

    Calibrating the stick when you know you have the correct oil quantity in the sump is the best way of not over filling