Oil Dipstick

[sonerick]

OK, so most people who have the V6 know that the oil dip stick sucks. On my previous car (volvo s60R), there were criss-cross grooves that helped the oil adhere better, thus giving a solid reading every time. I've modified my dipstick by using a dremel to cut this criss-cross pattern into the metal, and it helped me to obtain a somewhat accurate reading... until now.

I went out to check the oil yesterday, and the dip stick would not come out of the tube! It was wedged in there pretty good. After tugging on it for awhile, fearing I would snap the thing right off, it finally came free, but what a PITA!

Upon further inspection, it seems like the tube is starting to corrode a little bit, probably a combination between all the salt we've seen here in MA this winter and the fact that my hood scoop lets water dribble into the engine bay. This corrosion seems to be hanging up the rubber O-ring on the dip stick itself. Has anyone else had this problem?

I'm def. going to remove the hood scoop and seal it up with some RTV silicone, but might even have to go so far as replacing the dip stick tube. Has anyone done this? Doesn't look too hard to do, but maybe difficult to access.

Any other suggestions?

Edit: '05 Sport V6

 

[matroe11]

You know, I had this same issue the other day when I changed my oil. I noticed that that tube was beginning to rust or something. I also noticed that my o-ring was really dry. I put some o-ring conditioner on there but I forgot about it until I read this post. I should probably go check on it

 

[sonerick]

O-ring was dry as a bone on mine too... starting to deteriorate. I think I'm gonna swing by Home Depot or something n see if I can find a new one. If not, I'll fork over the 10 bucks for a whole new dipstick.