Hard to Read Oil Dipstick

[mike508]

After an oil change with today's less viscous oils it is almost impossible to see on the dipstick. I have found several threads on this subject over time but no real great solution. The suggestions I found were to drill holes in the dipstick, rough it with sandpaper, or wash it with water before inserting.
Has anyone come up with a better solution lately that works?

 

[TechWrench]

After an oil change with today's less viscous oils it is almost impossible to see on the dipstick. I have found several threads on this subject over time but no real great solution. The suggestions I found were to drill holes in the dipstick, rough it with sandpaper, or wash it with water before inserting.
Has anyone come up with a better solution lately that works?

Can't say that I have had that problem with mine, but I always wipe mine before taking a reading. One suggestion might be to paint the last 5-6 inches of the dipstick with a white paint that will not be effected by the oil. This should give you a better contrasting surface to see the oil level against.

 

[mike508]

That is a good idea except I would be afraid that any paint would come loose that could cause bad problems. It is asking a lot for paint to stick to the slick surface and withstand the heat and wide temperature changes.

 

[TechWrench]

That is a good idea except I would be afraid that any paint would come loose that could cause bad problems. It is asking a lot for paint to stick to the slick surface and withstand the heat and wide temperature changes.

Not to say I know exactly which type of paint will work, but it should be possible. Just think about it, years ago, auto makers used to paint all their engine blocks, and other under-vehicle components and that paint withstood years of abuse from all sorts of normal engine fluids and the extreme variations of temps as the engine heated and cooled with normal use. I would think, that as long as the metal surface of the dipstick was properly prepared, it should be no problem to get the right paint to adhere to it, and stay in place. Maybe some of our members with a chemical background in paints could provide some insight.

 

[jeober]

I drilled out the dimples with the tiniest of drill bits -- I think 1/32". The full and add marks become very clear in lower light but I can't say this helps to read the level with clear, fresh oil.

I can't imagine that painting would improve the contrast over the reflective metal surface already there. I've learned over time how to read both sides of the dip stick and know which fluid residues are indicating the real level. You just need the confidence to believe the reading.

Otherwise, you could check the oil level after the engine has been off overnight. Here you would just pull the dipstick out and read without the wiping step. You should see a clear level line.

 

[Kmvreter]

Not to say I know exactly which type of paint will work, but it should be possible. Just think about it, years ago, auto makers used to paint all their engine blocks, and other under-vehicle components and that paint withstood years of abuse from all sorts of normal engine fluids and the extreme variations of temps as the engine heated and cooled with normal use. I would think, that as long as the metal surface of the dipstick was properly prepared, it should be no problem to get the right paint to adhere to it, and stay in place. Maybe some of our members with a chemical background in paints could provide some insight.

It may be possible but all the other painted surfaces you mention are external. I don't know of any internal painted engine surfaces, especially subjected to a constant flow of hot oil.

30 seconds with some sandpaper (15 seconds/side) should do the trick. Better yet, do one side only and see if it works for you.

 

[MikesToy]

Has anyone come up with a better solution lately that works?

Pull dipstick, wipe with rag and check the marks, put it back in engine, pull dipstick and read. Other than that, buy a new one.

 

[eskimochaos]

I have found that looking at the "opposite" side is more helpful. The side concave side of the dimples.