Mattsdad

I ran thru my first tank of gas on the new truck. As always, I checked the oil when I refilled the tank. Is it me, or are the dip sticks extremely flexible? I could not push it back it without grabbing the middle and pushing from there. Definitely not a good experience.

Has anyone else noticed this? If so what can I do to fix it? Does it become easier over time? Is there an alternative dip stick, or am I just being too picky?

Thanks

motorhead2013

Mine is flexible but i don't have a problem pushing it in from the end. Be sure you get it in all the way. I didn't check my oil until 2000 miles and found the dip stick was left out about an inch, it had blown over a quart of oil out on the lower part of the motor.

Mattsdad

Thanks for that tip. I was sure I pushed it all of the way in, but after reading your comment I'm not so sure anymore. Out into the dark with a flashlight
I go.

Velosprout

Like you, I check oil with every gas fill, a habit from back in my farming days. I do wish that the new trucks did have an under-hood lamp so you wouldn't have to don the flashlight; the factory under-hood light in my 1993 XLT F150 is very helpful.


It seems like all manufacturers aren't making checking oil easy...the top of the oil dipstick tube is recessed under a plastic shroud on my wife's 2014 Jeep, and it is difficult to replace the dipstick, day or night.

130428

the dipstick is a 2-foot piece of extremely thin metal, it is expected to flex some... especially since I don't think the "tube" is straight so at some point you will catch a bend on the way down.
not sure why this would be an issue? it's not like it's structural or anything, you really only need the bottom inch of it and the handle on top, the rest is just a connecting piece.

1st world problem, thank you internet

Gadgitz

I'm going to say you are too picky. I grew up working at a gas station and oil change shop. The majority of vehicles required you to use 2 hands when inserting the dip stick or you would bend the crap out of them.