Dipstick!

[Diver3284]

Does anyone else find it really difficult to see the oil level on the dark dipstick in the petrol engines?? I can't readily see the level except in sunlight or using a torch. Any ideas on how i might re-finish the end of the stick to highlight the oil mark??? I'm not sure painting it would be such a good idea. How about a home brew nickel plating job

[bestyjny]

Not a problem here. I have even a photo I made using my phone.

[bestyjny]

Can't attach photo to post using forum Insert Image option ... and also tinypic.com don't want to accept this one, specified file

HAWKEDIT: It seems like it did grab the photo in the end so I have restored the post with it's photo.

If you have a problem to "read" oil level, try to remove dipstick, clean it, put it back, and remove it again to check level. I'm doing this way from ... always ... and never had a problem with checking oil level.

[theresanothersteve]

...If you have a problem to "read" oil level, try to remove dipstick, clean it, put it back, and remove it again to check level. I'm doing this way from ... always ... and never had a problem with checking oil level.

I always remove the dipstick, wipe it, and put it back in before removing it again to check the oil. I've noticed modern oils cling remarkably well overnight and you don't get a true reading if you don't wipe the dipstick first.

[Diver3284]

I always remove the dipstick, wipe it, and put it back in before removing it again to check the oil. I've noticed modern oils cling remarkably well overnight and you don't get a true reading if you don't wipe the dipstick first.

Agree that this is the proper way to get an oil level reading, but my problem is possibly with my eyesight; I find it difficult to see the oil against the similar coloured metal except in bright environment. At a servo at night I really struggle. Does anyone have any experience with something like this to plate the end of the dipstick.

Copper and Nickel plating at home. - YouTube

[theresanothersteve]

Agree that this is the proper way to get an oil level reading, but my problem is possibly with my eyesight; I find it difficult to see the oil against the similar coloured metal except in bright environment. At a servo at night I really struggle. Does anyone have any experience with something like this to plate the end of the dipstick.

Copper and Nickel plating at home. - YouTube

Ahh, now I understand. All I can suggest is holding the dipstick at a similar angle to that in the photo and twisting it until you can see the shape the bubble forms. This is helped by the surface where the oil is supposed to be (the guy in the photo needs 500ml of oil).

I'm a bit wary of home plating techniques, some of that stuff is carcinogenic and the fumes are not healthy either...

[bestyjny]

Yes, it's more clear where the problem is. And I can confirm, you need to find proper angle because it may be a problem.




@The_Hawk thank you for help with photo