Thread: Effect of No Dipstick?

I have an oil dipstick that needs to be replaced and I know is not sealing when its in place (I know this because that part is broke off).

It occurred to me after realizing this, what effect does this have on the motor? I mean its there for a reason right? How would it affect something say like the PCV system? The PCV system depends on a certain amount of vacuum/pressure doesnt it? What if there is no pressure in the system because of a non-sealed dipstick?

Just something to talk about since I was curious about this.

debris and water would be my only worry especially since it's only a temporary thing

Well I just changed the oil yesterday. I had to reseal the oil level sender as it has had a very slight leak since Ive had the car but it wasnt until I got a spare oil pan that I realized how easy that thing came out of there. The first time I tried to fix it, it was very resistive so I thought that it may be a permanent fixture of the oil pan.

But some brake cleaner, wire brush and Permatex High Temp. thread sealant and letting it sit overnight before filling it back up with oil and I think its going to be good to go.

The dipstick I gotta get taken care of though, that is buggin the crap out of me that its like that. But I was curious as to any effect it had on the engine after giving it a moment or two of thought.

I hadnt notice anything abnormal, but thats not always a good measuring stick either.

when you have crankcase pressure it likes to blow the diptsick out of the tube................. found that out when my engine exploded into tiny pieces.

Yeah, I wouldn't think it would have any difference on your engine at all. The only thing it is doing is releiving crank case pressure. And there are many people that totally delete the PVC system and just put in a breather. Does the same thing. Just lets pressure out of your crankcase so you don't blow seals. You don't really want you engine all sealed up tight. It needs to breathe.

And like someone else said, the dipstick doesn't really seal all that well anyway. It is more just to keep dirt out of the engine. So that is what I would really be worried about. Make sure nothing can get down in your crankcase and you should be fine.

Well good, I wasnt sure. I still have a dipstick in there, but it doesnt have the seal on it or anything. But Im going to place an order for one soon.

Originally Posted by Ron Vogel

It will be a vacuum leak, so the PCM's will give positive trims. Just throw a rubber vacuum cap over it for now.

^^^ Thats what really prompted me to ask the question. Ron, is there any way I can measure the difference. If I got a vacuum gauge, where would be the best place to hook it up at to measure vacuum with and without the dipstick.

What would I be looking for in the trims, go negative or positive and any idea by how much? Would I be able to see this at idle or would I need to be under a load?

I have a new dipstick on the way so I can compare them easily enough.

Cool, thanks Ron for the information. I'll hook up the scan tool when I get the new dipstick and I'll check that out.

what? your dipstick is broken???

your useless to me :P

Originally Posted by nutcase

what? your dipstick is broken???

your useless to me :P

HOLY OLD TOPIC BATMAN!

Originally Posted by WhiteDevil

What ron said, one of my later model (center bolt) 350's developed this problem, not only did the thing break but it also blew the O-ring, it did create a vacuum leak, and it was noticeable on the vacuum gauges, both underhood and in the cockpit.

I got a new o ring seal and used black rtv as insurance. and just replaced the dipstick itself.

Where does your mount to the engine at? that welded on bracket is known for pin hole leaks too.

Ehh I think this was resolved awhile ago? Just throwing this out there but I may be wrong.