How to improve dipstick?

[Lynn]

On all the vehicles I've ever had I've found it difficult to accurately read the oil level on the dipstick. Anyone have a tip on how to make a dipstick more readable?

I haven't googled it yet, as I would like to solicit ideas on what actually works from y'all first...

 

[Bullseye240]

Drill a hole at the full and add mark. A lot of Japanese engines already have this from the factory.

 

[Lynn]

Drill a hole at the full and add mark. A lot of Japanese engines already have this from the factory.

Thanks, I have seen that. Guess I just forgot... Sucks getting old...

While I'm at it, maybe I'll drill a series of holes below the add mark, so I can see how much more I need to add to bring it up...

 

[WESBC]

I've seen people sanding the dipstick so the oil sticks better. Also I've seen a guy use a thin piece of clear tube and marked of the full and add mark. Just stick the tube in, put thumb over the tube end, pull out and read.

 

[PNWDad]

I have to read 10 dipsticks(or more) up to 12 times a day, 7 days a week. Drilled holes, or very solid full marks make a huge difference.

As far as how much oil to add, you can make marks, but I dont see the point. If your engine is at the low mark, add one quart and see how much it raises it. Keep adding until full and remember how much each quart raised it.

 

[Eric S.]

Besides drilling a hole you could also file a notch into the dipstick at the full and add marks. You might want to check that the full mark is in the proper place after an oil change, just run the motor and let it sit for a few minutes first.

 

[Lynn]

Thanks for the ideas.

Just for clarification, I can see the existing marks OK, the hard part is seeing where the oil level on the dipstick. Drilling holes will help becase after being dunked, submersed holes will hold oil inside.

 

[UK4X4]

leave the oil in the engine longer


its gets blacker and easier to read !

 

[StumpXJ]

leave the oil in the engine longer


its gets blacker and easier to read !

Close the thread,

we have a winner!

~Stump

 

[74Pickup]

The Japanese didn't come up with drilling a hole, my 1948 8N ford tractor has this.:wings:Yes U.S.A.

 

[Cody1771]

taking a small file and notching slight cross marks in it will hold more oil on the stick for longer, or roughing it up with a course file.

 

[DaveInDenver]

The Japanese didn't come up with drilling a hole, my 1948 8N ford tractor has this.:wings:Yes U.S.A.

Why did they stop using them? Such a simple solution.

 

[Hill Bill E.]

I usually use a small punch, and put a 'dimple' at the full and 1 quart low marks.

Roughing it up with helps also with seeing the oil on the stick.

The newer synthetic oils don't seem to show well, especially with clean oil.

Holes, notches, dimples, all should oil enough to see I would think.