Having recently bought a 1.8 6speed Mk2 decided to give it a precautionary full service (all fluids, filters, plugs, cambelt, water pump etc.).<o:p></o:p>
Reason for the post is that amongst other bits and pieces the dipstick needed replacing due to broken handle (I believe this is a common problem). Comparing new (ref no BP4W on handle) with old I noticed they are of differing lengths. The old dipstick measures 426mm to fill level, whereas this is the measurement to low position of new dipstick, with full now measuring 413mm.<o:p></o:p>
Please could someone let me know which dipstick is the correct one for the car.<o:p></o:p>
I’ll do some research. On quick check there is only one type of dip stick listed for all NB, part number BP4W-10-450 so they should be all the same. NA dipsticks are BPE8-10-450. It could be they use the same handle and put it on different wires so the number on the handle is not representitive of the part number of the complete dip stick. Where are you measuring from?
If it is of any help to you I have just measured the dipstick on my Mk2.5. From the bottom of the shoulder on the yellow handle, 7mm. above the centre of the O ring seal. To full mark, 414mm. To low mark 427mm.
The dipstick part number for your import NB is BP4W-10-450 which is the same part number as for Geoff’s NB facelift. His measurements are the same (near as) yours so I reckon your new dipstick is correct for your car. The original one seems to be wrong.
Anyone with an NA 1.8 care to measure their dipstick please? (ooer)
Thanks everyone for your help, looks safe to say old dipstick was for an NA engine and new for NB
I’d better check engine number against V5, but the Coil pack is on drivers side and recessed lettering to cam cover which I believe indicates an NB engine. Also is the 6 speed box an indication of an NB engine, or could they be retro fitted to an NA engine?
Just signed in for the first of many visits? Please pop your location in your profile, and the year and model of your MX5 in your sig. This helps enormously when we try to answer questions…
Thanks for the welcome Geoff, now amended my profile as suggested.
Not sure this holds true for NB engines, haven’t checked engine number against V5 yet, but number is on passenger side of engine and begins BP which according to owners manual indicates its a 1.8.
I think the recesed lettering is only true for NA. All NB have recesed lettering. I would think it’d be an NB head anyway as it’ll need the later type separate cam and crank sensors, different injector mounts etc. I was thinking maybe just the block is an earlier type. It’s probaly fine and just had dipstick swapped at some point. I can’t think of a easy way to tell if it’s an early or late block…
I wasn’t aware that there were early and late NB engine blocks; just happy to have found with help from yourself and others on this forum that the new dipstick is the correct one for the engine.
Lets hope the dipstick tube hasnt been replaced for one of the wrong length in the block otherwise you could be chasing your tail trying to work out the correct level.
Could always try calibrating whatever dipstick you have by giving the car an oil change, re-fill with the correct ammount of fresh oil to bring it to the minimunm level ( assuming 3.6 litres will fill it to maximum, then allowing 0.8 litres between full and low marks, 2.8 litres should show the low level) then try the dipstick you have and put a file mark where the full and low marks should be…
The tube doesn’t look to have been changed, car has been given filter and oil change with correct oil capacity to full level of new dipstick. So I’m happy everything is now as it should be; the unanswered mystery is why it had the wrong one in when I bought the car.
So I’m happy everything is now as it should be; the unanswered mystery is why it had the wrong one in when I bought the car.