An oil dipstick dilemma

[dmsfrr]

Originally Posted by 40cpe

Wipe down the stick with your thumb and fore finger. That will tell you if there is oil on the stick

Or a clean tissue / paper towel.

[Ford56]

Originally Posted by dmsfrr

Or a clean tissue / paper towel.

Yup, I do both, at different times, and yup there is a sheen of oil that I feel, but don't really see in a well defined way, and certainly not at the full line or slightly below. In actuality there is a sheen of oil higher than just the full line, but it doesn't cover across the width of the stick, which is pretty normal in other sticks I've wiped over the years.
So, to recap, yes I wipe down the stick after withdrawing it the first time, reinsert it, ensure its all the way in to the maximum of the stick including the little rubber grommet area at the tip top, withdraw it, and eye-ball the oil line to see whether it is at 'safe' or below, or at 'full', or above. There is a clear indication of oil at the very bottom tip covering about a quarter to a half inch on the stick, and then a very slight sheen above, up to, and about at, the 'full' line or 'safe' (I don't remember which, but, you get the idea).

From this point on, I'll just drive it, and watch the oil gauge to ensure steady pressure. I'll check the oil after I get some more miles on it, and we'll see what it looks like then.

Thanks again for all the suggestions.

[40 Deluxe]

Originally Posted by 40cpe

Wipe down the stick with your thumb and fore finger. That will tell you if there is oil on the stick

That's too easy! We like to complicate things!

[bobss396]

Shoot some flat black paint on it, let it dry and stick it. It should show up.

[Ford56]

Originally Posted by bobss396

Shoot some flat black paint on it, let it dry and stick it. It should show up.

Not a bad idea; white paint should work even better.

[40cpe]

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I would be concerned about the paint releasing from the stick and peeling off in a sheet. I had a car once that had small holes drilled in the stick at full, add, and in between. The oil would span the hole and be visible.

[dmsfrr]

Originally Posted by bobss396

Shoot some flat black paint on it, let it dry and stick it. It should show up.

Originally Posted by Ford56

Not a bad idea; white paint should work even better.

I suspect the purpose of using flat black is that with any oil on it, the 'flat' will appear to be 'gloss' instead and very easy to notice.

Originally Posted by 40cpe

I would be concerned about the paint releasing from the stick and peeling off in a sheet.

Some solvent or paint remover...
A good cleaning after checking the oil would take care of the dipstick.
.