Dipstick improvement - NC

Technical Area Engine, Transmission, Exhaust etc
2

I concur with the consensus that the Mk.3 dipstick is difficult to read consistently. I find it easier to use the reverse of the measured part, the indented side is a poor design.

I understand that the 3.75 dipstick is improved. Can owners of new cars confirm this? Thanks. If so, is the later dipstick a DIRECT replacement for the earlier Mk.3 items? That is, same length and identical fill levels?

Does anyone sell the later stick?

3

Am interested in this myself. The stock one is a pig. Checked it the other day and it looked half empty, added 200mls ish of oil, checked again and no change. Went away and drilled 4 divets in it and now it looks overfull by about 300 mls (assuming the hi to lo measurement is 1 litre). Looks like I’m going to have to remove some somehow but would like to have some sense of certainty.

4

I hope so I have ordered a new one because mine was just to dirty to clean and being OCD wanted it bright yellow not yellow with black mixed in.

I have heard they are the same but cannot confirm that.

 

Edit: MX5 parts advertise their Mazda Genuine one has 2005 - 2015: http://www.mx5parts.co.uk/dipstick-mazda-mk3-35-p-2337.html 

5

My handbook states that the difference between ‘min’ and ‘max’ levels is 0.75 litres.

I wouldn’t be concerned with an overfill of 300ml. I’m guessing that you would have to overfill by a couple of litres to risk aeration - although an expert contribution would be welcome.

6

cheers camtwister, would be nice to have an element of certainty in the process. have checkex oil on all sorts of cars and machinery at work and never had a problem before. Would a Mazda dealership be able to get one of the newer flat dipsticks in maybe?

7

 

I would be interested in a dipstick that could be read without a problem.

Ned

8

I’ve replaced the wire dipstick on my NC with a flat type one from a facelift. They are a straight swap.

9

Can I help? (LOL)

10

Thanks Robbie.

I’ll source a stick from a facelift car and report back.

11

These dipsticks (and on other cars I’ve owned) are best read after the car has stood overnight, that way the oil has drained from the tube giving a true read.

I have even left the dipstick out overnight to have a clean check the next day, of course there are problems with this method if you don’t remember to replace before using the car next day.

 

12

Thanks to the contributions of Robbie Marsh and Andy, Operations Manager at MX5 Parts, I have some finer detail to mention.

There are two versions of the NC dipstick and the Mazda part reference is LFE-210-450C or LFE-210-450D. However, the change of final letter in the code does not denote the change in design but perhaps a change in manufacturer. Mazda use the same part number for both versions.

MX5 Parts sell the later ‘easier to read’ version, made in the USA, sourced from Japan. Their reference is SI4806.

 

 

13

Cheers for that,…Ordered.

Ned   

14

cheers camtwister, off to order one.

15

I received the later dipstick today. The o-ring seals are identical, as is the colour and shape of the ‘handle’. Pressed the new one into service immediately. Instant reward! It’s now possible to check the oil level confidently and consistently. I did a little dance.

16

I also received the later dipstick today, all the same apart from flat metal end with two holes.

will be nice to be able to check the oil without having to get the light in the right place so as to be

able see where the level is.

Thanks boys

 

Ned 

 

17

None in stock now :frowning:

 

18

Just ordered one from MX5 Parts a few hours ago .
Gales

19

It’s likely that Gales grabbed the last one of the current stock. I’m confident that MX5 Parts will have more shortly.

20

I told the wife that I’d ordered a new dipstick, she replied " I hope it comes quickly" :slight_smile:

Gales