Are there any aftermarket dipsticks available? 4Runner’s dipstick is so poor designed that every time I check the oil level, I have to pull it out and wait for at least 10 minutes then insert it into the tube to get the correct level. Really annoying. My MB ‘s dipstick is so much better even with synthetic oil.
After market dipstick?
- Thread starter dcjeeper
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Saker
Senior Member
So how is changing the dipstick going to shorten your wait time?
What is there some majic fast acting dipstick your MB used?
Please explain!
Yes, I know how to check the oil level with a dipstick. It’s just the design that makes it very difficult to check. You have to pull it out and let it sit for at least 10min so the oil in the tube clears. Otherwise it’s everywhere on the wall and you can’t tell where is the line. The picture I posted is a MB dipstick that has a thick and brown plastic tip that prevents it from rubbering the wall. It works much better than Toyota’s.
lewdog998
New member
You are spot on. My e550 was super easy to read and service. I could change the oil (using an extractor) and filter all from top with zero mess and it took maybe 15 minutes tops.
Whippersnapper02
Senior Member
Unfortunately nothing. I like the "scoop" style dipstick on my uncle's Accord but Toyota has moved forward past useful dipsticks.
rightyouareken
New member
This is probably my biggest gripe with the 4Runner as well. I guess that's saying something lol.
I think the problem is a combination of the blade style dipstick, the narrow/long/winding tube that smears oil everywhere inside, and really thin/light colored oil. You really only get one shot with fresh-ish oil before you basically can't read the level.
Like you, I find my e36 M3's dipstick very easy to read because it also has a plastic end piece, a short/straight tube, and thick-ish oil which doesn't run and smear all over the inside of the tube. Even my 3rd Gen 4Runner's dipstick was a cinch to read with it's short length and thicker oil.
I think the problem is a combination of the blade style dipstick, the narrow/long/winding tube that smears oil everywhere inside, and really thin/light colored oil. You really only get one shot with fresh-ish oil before you basically can't read the level.
Like you, I find my e36 M3's dipstick very easy to read because it also has a plastic end piece, a short/straight tube, and thick-ish oil which doesn't run and smear all over the inside of the tube. Even my 3rd Gen 4Runner's dipstick was a cinch to read with it's short length and thicker oil.
lewdog998
New member
i think the combination of the flat blade and smooth surface hurts the oils ability to cling to the stick (that sounds dirty).....
I think I may try scribing some hash marks in it with a carbide scribe....maybe that would help more oil cling, making it easier to read...just a thought.
I think I may try scribing some hash marks in it with a carbide scribe....maybe that would help more oil cling, making it easier to read...just a thought.
08TxRunner
Member
Having owned a 4th gen, the day after I got my '20 I ran the last two inches of the dipstick (both sides) across my bench grinder stone. It helps some, but not much. Maybe a little bit with the reading in that area, but as noted, it's the long swipe of oil from the tube that distorts the reading the most.
ElectroBoy
Banned
You can rough up and scratch hash marks into the blade so the oil has a chance to stick better. But one side of the blade always gets a smear.
Good thing these beasts use so little oil. After an oil change I’ve never had to top off the oil level.
Good thing these beasts use so little oil. After an oil change I’ve never had to top off the oil level.
Old Tanker
Member
Clearly, we need an Overland Dipstick - $250, but on sale with free shipping and 10% off. Zero functional difference, but the buyers will be so invested that they will swear it is better.
Saker
Senior Member
Wow, this is right up at the top along with real world problems !
Never had any issues reading oil level on the dipstick of my 14’, no issues yet on my 21’.
One side will have a smear, the other side will read correctly.
Just rotate the dipstick to see where the level falls in regards to the full mark.
It’s really not that hard guys/gals!
YMMV
Never had any issues reading oil level on the dipstick of my 14’, no issues yet on my 21’.
One side will have a smear, the other side will read correctly.
Just rotate the dipstick to see where the level falls in regards to the full mark.
It’s really not that hard guys/gals!
YMMV
Seriously, it’s horrible. I just did an oil change then pulled the stick out and said wtf is this, There’s oil everywhere lol. I’m assuming it might be easier to read with dirty oil.
My VW has a braided cable with a nice chunk of textured metal at the end. There’s even a centering bead on the cable so that it doesn’t touch the edges. You can read it from 6 ft away if you wanted lol. Which is probably a good thing because it burns oil like crazy lol.
My VW has a braided cable with a nice chunk of textured metal at the end. There’s even a centering bead on the cable so that it doesn’t touch the edges. You can read it from 6 ft away if you wanted lol. Which is probably a good thing because it burns oil like crazy lol.
Old Tanker
Member
I pull my dipstick and lay it flat on a paper towel, then slide it sideways to rub the oil onto the towel. I can then see where the oil level on the towel and match it against the dipstick.
Is there some sort of dye that could be added to the thin synthetic?
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