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Discussion summary
YOUR RESEARCHDipstick length
Leading reported evidence
Replace oil last fall, and i noticed the discrepancy
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
I think this is a new issue, my old indy changed the oil last fall, and I noticed the discrepancy when I brought it out for spring, but just now resolving it.
Leading evidence: 'Replace oil last fall, and i noticed the discrepancy' (no explicit attributable resolution; this is a reported action or suggestion). Across 1 matching discussions, The most frequently discussed action is 'Lubricate area all the way' (1 discussions). For that action, 0 discussions report a resolution and 0 report an unsuccessful attempt. No action has an explicit, attributable resolution report under the current rules. These are forum reports and suggestions, not a confirmed diagnosis.
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Suggestion
Your knowledge explains why my dip stick the way it is in AZ and it is always able to penetrate the lubricating area all the way.
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Suggestion
near the beach, you may find that your dipstick is longer than normal, which could result in deeper penetration into the lubricating fluid.
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Suggestion
Anyhow, there is the possibility that over the span of a couple of years of a model run changes are made that require a longer or shorter dipstick to properly reflect the amount of oil in the sump.
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Suggestion
And there was a software change needed to bring the dipstick and dash indication of oil level into synch.
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Suggestion
Anyhow, there is the possibility that over the span of a couple of years of a model run changes are made that require a longer or shorter dipstick to properly reflect the amount of oil in the sump.
Replace oil last fall, and i noticed the discrepancy
No successful repair reported for this finding.
0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
I think this is a new issue, my old indy changed the oil last fall, and I noticed the discrepancy when I brought it out for spring, but just now resolving it.
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17 eligible posts · 0 unverified posts · 1 discussions match the subject in their title or opening post.
Rennlist: 1 discussions
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Generation: 20261026T113718Z · outcome-qualification-6. Deterministic extraction; no AI model inference. How we use sources
I need a favor please. Someone please measure length of oil dipstick and post it up, thanks.
I have oil level mismatch (stick vs. gauge), gauge says 1 bar above empty, but stick says overfull, on level ground, cold/warm/hot. I'm in the rely-on-stick camp, so I need to verify its length.
Spent a few hours searching, but vast majority was opposite mismatch, gauge higher than stick. I realize a way to recalibrate is oil change, but if I'm overfull, I'd prefer to not wait that long.
First, I have to ask, why you suspect the dipstick length might have changed?
Next I have to point out you have to be aware of the possibility that not all dipsticks are the same length. (Oh, my. Here come the jokes...No maybe not. I'm sure the participants here are above that level of humor.)
Anyhow, there is the possibility that over the span of a couple of years of a model run changes are made that require a longer or shorter dipstick to properly reflect the amount of oil in the sump.
The real way to know the dipstick is right is to drain the oil as per factory service manual guidelines.
Then add in the proper amount of oil. This too can vary from model year to model year. My info is the amount to add is obtained from Porsche's references based on the car's VIN.
Anyhow, once the correct amount of oil is added then the e-oil level system and the dipstick can be checked to confirm they indicate the correct level based on a good known level of oil in the engine.
No particular reason, other than realizing that anything's possible whenever the car is out of your possession for any length of time, if only for an oil change.
Direct response with no editorial comment is as follows.
2002 C4 Cab with original motor is 22 and 5/8 inches long (metal part only, including the plastic tip that goes into the sump) and the entire dipstick is 25 and 1/4 inches long including the removal ring.
You are my hero. Providing the correct info AND withholding commentary...wow.
I understand that dipsticks are shorter in Turbos, REALLY short in lifted domestic 4x4's, and that dipsticks in Ferraris are almost immeasurably short.
OP, what's the weather like? I have noticed that when it's exceptionally cold, the dipstick may shorten slightly; I imagine this would influence the indicated oil level. Similarly, if you are in a hot climate,
especially
near the beach, you may find that your dipstick is longer than normal, which could result in deeper penetration into the lubricating fluid.
I can confirm that MY02 carrera has that ^^.
To the OP, push in you dip stick HARDER. It has to click and you have to apply some force so it goes in all the way. Dead serious, don't make dip stick comments.
Edit: well 5CHN3LL, your insight into dip stick sizes is enlightening. Your knowledge explains why my dip stick the way it is in AZ and it is always able to penetrate the lubricating area all the way.
If the high stick reading is erroneous, the stick is already further into the oil than it ought to be. If there's supposed to be a spacer/gasket at the end of the dipstick (I just can't remember if this is the case), ensure it's intact.
Phil, is this a new issue? Did they jive previously (or had you just not noticed previously)?
Dear God, this is challenging. I haven't had this much trouble keeping it out of the gutter since 7th grade.
@Brighton and @Kalash - thanks for those measurements, those are key.
@Schnell - good point about the spacer, I'll check that. I think this is a new issue, my old indy changed the oil last fall, and I noticed the discrepancy when I brought it out for spring, but just now resolving it.
I think I got all the info. I need. There's some serious comedic talent in here with you core guys.
996s have at least two different dipstick lengths.
Originally, the dipstick had a more round finger pull hole in them, and Porsche had reports of cars smoking at high lateral G loads. So, the brain trust decided that an oil level a half-liter lower was a good cure. And so, a revised part was issued.
The later dipstick, which indicated "full" at a half-liter less was manufactured. This had a more oval finger pull, two clips to hold it on the dipstick tube, and a cut around the dipstick shaft near the o-ring. And there was a software change needed to bring the dipstick and dash indication of oil level into synch.
I have no idea when the change was made, if dealers applied it to cars that didn't report smoking, or if someone came to the realization that a bit of smoke was preferable to oil starvation, but there are at least two lengths of dipstick out there.
And the winner is - Brighton. He wins the coveted plastic rivet award, which is highly valued in my garage.
I actually like the 23 and 5/8 inches measurement, which is the "Lid" of the dipstick which meets the tube when pushed all the way in. So if you find yourself with no dipstick, just get any old wire and push it in 23 and 5/8 inches from the top of the tube.
I noticed a number on the dipstick handle, "014.54". Of course I'll look to see if that has any significance.
When is the "Plastic Rivet Award Show", where is it (Hollywood or Caen) and is it black tie? I promise to accept the award with proper humility and keep my speech to less than 90 minutes.
