What is up with this dipstick?

Toastunburned · Post by **Toastunburned** » 27 Jul 2024, 13:25

It sticks out about an inch above the tube. Very odd because I’ve been reading the oil taking account for how much it’s sticking out. But I did an oil change the other day and it was at the top fill line, like normal. So I’m confused. It does not go in, tried cleaning and pushing, it just seems too big for it even tho it looks exactly like other ones for my car I’ve seen online. 1998 Volvo s70 glt.

Here is a link for a picture:

Post by **scot850** » 27 Jul 2024, 13:39

Wrong dipstick?

Did you just pick that up from the junkyard? There are 2 different dipsticks. The top of the tube has different diameters. If yo pulled that stick and not the tube as well it won't fit.

Compare to the old one you had, did the old one have only 1 o-ring?

You also have to make sure the length of the dipstick that protrudes out of the bottom of the tube from where the seal butts up against is the same to the measuring parts. Again there is a different part number for some engines so it is important.

Neil.

Toastunburned · Post by **Toastunburned** » 27 Jul 2024, 16:59

This is the one that has been in it since I’ve had it

Post by **scot850** » 27 Jul 2024, 19:27

So did it use to sit with the 2 o-rings in it all the way into the tube so the wider lip under the pull handle acted as the stop?

If it did and still does not all the way down, take it back out and see if the shaft has slipped out from the handle making it longer.

Try rotating the dip-stick to different positions so the flat on the end for level measurement is side to side across the car and see if it will slide down.

Final think is there is a build up of hardened oil in the bottom of the tube preventing the tube going fully home. In that case you will have to remove the outer tube and clean it out.

I can't find the thread with the different dipstick comparisons with the different shape and fitting of the tubes. This thread is the bast I can find:

viewtopic.php?t=55156&hilit=1998+Volvo+ ... k&start=20

I'm not sure this will show up from this link. There is a picture that has a link to MatthewsVolvoSite that shows the 2 different dipsticks. For some reason then link to the forum does not show the picture, sorry. The difference is one has 1 o-ring and the other one like your picture shows 2. I think your picture is of the correct tube but hard to say.

The other issue is the O-rings have gone hard and won't collapse sufficiently to allow the dipstick to go fully home.

I had an issue with worn o-rings and a blocked PCV system that would push the dipstick out!!

Neil.

Post by **Goupil** » 28 Jul 2024, 02:35

This very much look like a 99+ dipstick in a -98 tube. I dont think you can get the old one brand new anymore and the new style one is often advertised as compatible, so a previous owner probably replaced it without noticing

Image borrowed from IPD dipstick page https://www.ipdusa.com/products/9673/En ... vo-9497557

Post by **scot850** » 28 Jul 2024, 08:19

I'm not sure it has the wrong tube, but it is hard to say as it is too small an image to see clearly.

Can you post a picture of the dipstick and tube from closer. As Goupil has found the picture I was struggling to find, the old style has a parallel tube at the top and the newer (upper) had the bulge out for maybe 3cm or so.

The old style dipstick can still be found aftermarket.

Neil.