Dipstick

[21RAMidnight]

Checked my oil for the first time (2021 RAM 1500 w/5.7 etorque) noticed dipstick is two pieces riveted together. Anybody know why? Seems like a problem waiting to happen!

 

[mikeru82]

Checked my oil for the first time (2021 RAM 1500 w/5.7 etorque) noticed dipstick is two pieces riveted together. Anybody know why? Seems like a problem waiting to happen!

What are your concerns about this? I've owned several vehicles with two-piece dipsticks and have never had an issue with them. I don't know for sure but I suspect they make the upper section to fit a variety of engine types, and rivet on the correct extension based on the engine it goes into. I'm sure it's cheaper for them to make them this way. They will try and save $$ anywhere they can get away with it.

 

[21RAMidnight]

Never had a vehicle with two piece dipstick...seems wierd!?!

 

[mikeru82]

Haha I guess I might have thought the same thing on my first. All it needs to do is indicate oil level. It's a pretty low tech piece of equipment.

 

[kapinallinen2]

It is a long way to the pan, could be a cost cutting measure perhaps?

 

[bigdodge]

how about a picture?

 

[SD Rebel]

It's a long dip stick, but I know what you mean. My main issue isn't it breaking apart, but catching a piece of paper towel while wiping off during a check and having it fall in without me noticing.

Try a German car, they usually have the end indicator being a small block of plastic bolted to the metal dipstick, that's even scarier what could happen there

 

[mikeru82]

It's a long dip stick, but I know what you mean. My main issue isn't it breaking apart, but catching a piece of paper towel while wiping off during a check and having it fall in without me noticing.

Try a German car, they usually have the end indicator being a small block of plastic bolted to the metal dipstick, that's even scarier what could happen there

My Audi doesn't even have a dipstick. Oil level is checked using their equivalent of uconnect.

 

[SD Rebel]

My Audi doesn't even have a dipstick. Oil level is checked using their equivalent of uconnect.

Absolutely, I'm talking about the older ones like my BMW E46 and Crossfire (Mercedes R170).