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Observation about oil dipstick insertion 'smoothness'

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by UltraJetRefill, Feb 6, 2019.

  1. UltraJetRefill

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    I noticed after a few oil changes that inserting the oil dipstick in my Prius is smooth, but the one in my wife's (same year, 2017) seems to bind (grabs, maybe?) a bit. I always insert them so the flat side of the dipstick bends with the dipstick tube (if that makes sense).

    Just wondering if anyone else has noticed this?
     
  2. padroo

    padroo Senior Member

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    That's the way I do it.

    Maybe the tube is damaged?
     
  3. UltraJetRefill

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    I'll take a better look at it after work.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
  4. UltraJetRefill

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    Tube looks ok from what I can see. I'll have a better look tomorrow. I'll have a better look at the dipstick too. I wonder if it's just a little rough at the end, who knows.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
  5. kithmo

    kithmo Couch Potato

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    Try your dipstick in the wife's car and vice versa, that should tell you if it's the stick or the tube.
     
  6. FuelMiser

    FuelMiser Senior Member

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    You might have to twist it as it begins to bind and this should free it up. That's what I do.
     
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  7. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    Did you try oiling it? :D

    Sorry. Can't help myself sometimes. :oops:
     
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  8. UltraJetRefill

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    Good call. Going to try that today.
     
  9. UltraJetRefill

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    Sadly, I did. ;)
     
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  10. padroo

    padroo Senior Member

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    If the dipsticks are the same try swapping them, just an idea.
     
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  11. UltraJetRefill

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    Yep, going to give that a go in a day or so. Dipsticks are only US$12 or so, so if it's a little rough I'll probably just buy another. If it's the tube, I'll just live with it.
     
  12. kithmo

    kithmo Couch Potato

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    See post #5 :rolleyes:
     
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  13. cnc97

    cnc97 Senior Member

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    I can tell you from experience the dipsticks between Gen 3 and Gen 4 are the same. The tubes are bent slightly differently. There are boltholes cast into the block. The Gen 3 uses the outer (crankshaft) side hole to bolt to, and the Gen 4 uses the inner hole to bolt to. I would even guess that any car that uses the 2ZR engine design has the same dipstick.
     
  14. alanwagen

    alanwagen Member

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    Ours has become easier with time. It was sort of rough at first.
     
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