who else thinks the dipstick was poorly placed/designed? you've got all the weird curves and such. To make matters worse, it doesn't pull straight out, you gotta jiggle and wiggle it to free it! By the time you've done so, the oil that WAS on the dipstick has probably been scraped off by the side of the tube that it originally came from. Then you've got oil all over the dipstick and not knowing where the right amount of oil is on the darn stick! Anyone else have this problem? or is it just me that can't pull the dipstick properly?
Any tips would be great.

 

Yeah, dude, i'm right there with you. it's even harder with my CAI. i was just reflecting on this the other night, in fact.

 

yeah...lots of people dont like it. it's even harder to put back in. it's a damn 2 hand affair

 

The whole dip stick design is pretty retarded. How are the dipstick in other VQ35DE cars in the Nissan Family?

My brother's Mercedes has a flexible plastic coated metal wire dipstick which is really easy to slide in and out. May someone can design on for the Z.

 

I'll 2nd that, but all I know is that whenever I change my oil 5 qt poured in is all good on my book .

 

Yup, it's so that the best time to check the oil would be after it's been sitting for awhile... only way to get any type of reasonable reading

 

Dipstick SUCKS!!!

 

The one on my 02 Maxima (same engine) is a lot better.

 

LOL. I thought I was the only one who thought this.
I remember taking it out the first time to check the oil. Looking at it I thought, "Well, this tells me absolutely nothing."

 

Quote heard at the Nissan factory in 2002: "Lets put the new guy on the design for the dip stick. He can't f*** that up."
"After he's done, let's have him design a cup holder."

 

"If he's finished with those two projects, maybe he can head up the power outlet/cigarette lighter installation."

 

Yeah, the design totally sucks. Reading it is an acquired skill. Usually the lowest glob of oil is the actual level. Been figuring mine out since 12/02.

 

3 years ago my dad sold grinding wheels to nissan. specificly the engine plant in deckard TN.

the guys came over from japan to show them the Z before anyone had ever seen it in person. the japanese fellows left the room to go do something or other, and it was just 3 plant managers and the Z, they pop the hood, look around, and find the dipstick; pull it out for fun.

10min later the japanese guys are coming back and they havent a damn clue how to put it back in. they quick lay it on the engine, close the hood and look innocent.

then the japanese say, "lets go for a ride". they got caught

 

theres a dip stick for the Z ? I didnt even know we had it ? Oh you mean the paper clip with yellow handle....

only a dip stick could design a dip stick as such...

 

It would ALMOST appear that they forgot to consider the addition of a dipstick and then fit it in at the last minute. Thus the awkward location...

 

C'Mon , someone out there has to fabricate and sell a new one . Make a FORTUNE in the process ! Any takers ????????? We're waiting !


FrankieZZ

 

Maybe Nismo could offer an R-tune dipstick...

 

lol... it's almost worth the trouble with the dipstick to read some of these posts. yeah, i've got $$$ for whoever fabs a fix for this issue too.

 

I checked my oil and it was almost black...I have 8300 miles. I forgot when my last oil change was, but I do know I've only had one. I hope my Z isn't running too badly because of the dirty oil. Gotta get it changed tomorrow...