That darn 993 unreadable dipstick.

[yellowperil]

For all you guys who hate that swirl area on your cars DS, here's what I did. I sandblasted the bottom 5" and now it's much easier to see where the oil is.

When the oil is new, just after a change it's still not real easy but better. Also I came very close to flattening that swirl with heat/hammer/anvil (blacksmith style). (And I might yet)

Thanks for looking. YP

[R K T]

Good idea! That was a problem on each of my 993s.

[1990C4S]

First world problem.

[yellowperil]

Originally Posted by 1990C4S

First world problem.

What?? We're supposed to be curing world problems? Sorry, I'll get right on it. Watch this space.

[cairns]

I hit lightly with the dremel tool. Really helped.

[KNS]

I've figured out a foolproof way of reading the 993 dipstick without guessing or hoping you've got it right.

The problem is when you remove the wet dipstick you're coating the inside of the dipstick tube with oil as you draw it out. When you re-insert it you cover the stick with oil and get a lousy reading when you remove it again. The tube has such a narrow inner diameter.

Try this: On a cold engine remove the dipstick and set it aside - leave it out. Cover up the opening of the dipstick tube, something that will keep out debris but won't fall off (some sticky tape works fine). Wait an hour or two before you go for a drive - you're letting the tube "drip dry".

Now go for a drive and get the engine/oil hot like you normally would, park it on a level surface, idling, remove the tape and then insert your clean, dry dipstick.

When you remove it the stick will read like any other dipstick: the lower half wet with oil and the upper half dry (if your level is correct to begin with). There is zero head scratching or guessing.

It's a little unconventional but will completely eliminate any frustration. After all, you're not going to read this way all the time just once in a while.

If you don't like the method or are happy with your gauge - don't do it. Try it once though and see how clear the dipstick is to read.

[rattlsnak]

painted mine yellow. worked perfect..

[yellowperil]

Originally Posted by rattlsnak

painted mine yellow. worked perfect..

OK, How do you keep the paint from washing away? What's your prep method?

[rattlsnak]

I bead blasted it and then sprayed it with two stage automotive acrylic lacquer PPG paint.

[Mark Howard]

Hmm, at least you HAVE a dipstick...