1998 S70 Broken dipstick

[mar601]

Thanks -- bought the part at VP store -- wasn't familiar with them so I may order more from them. Is it all oem parts there?

Why they can't build a no fail dipstick is beyond me. I'll take the old fashioned formed metal hook to pull it out if that's what lasts.

[cn90]

Thevpstore dot com is the Volvo dealer in Kansas City.

The reason for the plastic handle is it helps prevents burn to your hand from a hot engine. Although I have to agree with you that an all-metal dipstick is the way to go.

[regent]

In fact, the way to go is get rid of the dipstick completely - look at a BMW N52 engine

[abscate]

Then you can monetize checking the oil at 115 USd per hour

[cn90]

I know about the BMW no-dipstick design (they have level sensor and tells you the oil level in the dash).
I think it is OK as long as the sensor works.
However, if you want to look at the oil condition, you are stuck because opening the cap and look does not help.
The dipstick tells more than the level, it tells the color of the oil.

So, BMW does something very dumb, but remember they cater to the well-to-do population lol...

[Dutchtouch1]

Hi Volvophiles. Actually, there are two different dipsticks for these cars. The original is the round wire style shown in earlier photos on this string. That one has the part number on the flattened measuring section. If you can find one of these somewhere, you do not need to replace the tube. Sadly, it's hard to find. The newer dipstick is a flat blade-style sheet metal dipstick; this new stick does need a new tube to get accurate readings - slightly different length. Good luck.

[cn90]

The original round type is NOT hard to find. Please read my post above!
Go to dealer and ask for the dipstick for Volvo 850, you will be fine.

[mar601]

The VPstore.com -- do they sell just OEM parts? (at good prices?) Good place to buy?

I know some parts need to be OEM. For example, I need some control arms right now and I hear that OEM is the best choice so I may get them there.

Thanks.

[cn90]

Yes,

TheVPstore: they are Volvo dealer and sells only Volvo parts.

The control arms, search for Lemforder which is OEM.

For each and every component, whether it is tstat or control arm, search for PNs, then compare prices between Volvo dealer vs aftermarket and go from there.

Lemforder is cheaper and is OEM.
Someone told me MOOG is good too, I just don't have any experience with it.

[DragosGD]

Don't listen to the dealer that you need new housing and new dipstick all that jazz.

Been there done that with my 1998 S70...

This has been discussed here before, so the answer to the issue is that: one does NOT have to change the dipstick housing.

I thought that I had no choice but to update my dipstick housing.....until I did my research.

If you go to Volvo dealer and ask, they will say 1271921 is no longer available, you have to buy the new dipstick and new housing! It is simply not true!

So I took my chance and ordered 1271920, which is for 850 cars, guess what, the label says 1271920 but the dipstick clearly has 1271921 engraved on it!

So technically speaking the PN is identical to my cracked old dipstick.
Volvo somehow sneaks it in (using 1271921 for 1271920).

However, there is a very very slight difference in length, if you look at the Min. mark, it is about 5 mm in length difference.

In the big scheme of things, it makes no difference anyway. Just order 1271920 and you will be fine. Just keep oil level near the Max mark.

I personally would upgrade to the new design tube/dipstick. I got tired replacing the old style dipsticks and... the reading is off.
The new dipstick is shorter with 5mm then 1271920.