I'm having problems with my dipstick!

[tyasman]

I bought a '70 Elan S4 this year. The dipstick seemed wrong as it was difficult to slide down the "tube" and on closer inspection was obviously adapted from another car. So I bought a new one. Part no. 105E6752B. Then I filled the engine with the correct amount of oil - 7.5 pints, as per the book. Measured properly. ( Yes, I fully drained the sump). Problem is -the oil level is still showing about three quarters of an inch over the "full" mark on what I believe to be the correct dipstick!. Dimensions are as follows on the new stick. From knuckle to base - 10.5" (27cm). From tip to "fill" line - 3/4 ". From "fill" line to "full" line is 3/4 ". I get a big puff of blue smoke when I start the car which then disappears which suggests the oil level is too high, but I know I have put the correct amount of oil in. The previous owner confirms it is a standard sump. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Dag-Henning]

- as long as you know that the amount is correct, you just have to remark the stick.... ! There are more than one dipstick that fits, I guess the Ford Anglia maybe hade a shallower sump than the late 1600 Kents , but the sticks still look the same.....( Also, the installed height of the tube will ofcourse affect the reading...... )

Dag

[oldelanman]

You have the correct dip stick. The 7.5 pints capacity includes the oil filter. If you just drained the sump and did not renew the filter it will be slightly overfull with 7.5 pints added. Another thing to consider is the length of the dip stick tube - on my engine it protrudes 70mm - it is possible it's the incorrect tube or that it has been inserted too far through the front cover (if that's possible)

Regards,

[hatman]

Also, with years and years of use, dipsticks gradually cut a recess into the tube, causing the stick to poke lower than intended into the sump. Mine has this problem - does yours?

[ppnelan]

...or the tube can sometimes wear away the dipstick 'stop' with the same result

Matthew

[frearther]

I was tempted to make a ribald remark about the previous couple of posts, but I refrained from doing so out of respect for the tender morals of this community

[hatman]

You show commendable restraint Art.

[tyasman]

I too have commended Art on his circumspection (I was the originator of the post!)

[oldokie]

Yes, I'm sure it was quite painful at his age.

[frearther]

Lots of things ARE painful at my age, but that's not one of them.