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Broken dipstick handle
Posted: Sat Mar 14, 2015 10:25 am
by Silvia
It broke off in the yellow plastic part just above the rubber seal ring . What is usually done when this happens? Is it a common Mazda one or do you send away to a MX5 specialist? thanks
Re: Broken dipstick handle
Posted: Sat Mar 14, 2015 11:17 am
by NitroDann
I commonly see a small hole drilled in the plastic and a keyring fitted.
Re: Broken dipstick handle
Posted: Sat Mar 14, 2015 11:50 am
by sailaholic
Definitely a mx5 specialist. most Mazda dipsticks of that era look the same but have different markings dependent on which engine they were fitted to and FWD vs RWD. Incorrect dipstick could cause terminal engine failure!
Re: Broken dipstick handle
Posted: Sat Mar 14, 2015 12:05 pm
by beavis
its just a dipstick. if its still filling the hole, leave it.
Re: Broken dipstick handle
Posted: Sat Mar 14, 2015 12:22 pm
by Okibi
Get a small toy, drill a hole in the bottom and glue it on.
Re: Broken dipstick handle
Posted: Sat Mar 14, 2015 12:45 pm
by The American
You can repair this with a specialist HPDE glue. Don't bother using any other 'super' glue.
Make sure the glue specifically states that is works with HPDE.
Re: Broken dipstick handle
Posted: Sat Mar 14, 2015 12:51 pm
by Silvia
Thanks guys. Sailaholic....the metal part is ok just the plastic handle broke. I noticed when trying super glue that there are fractures all along it, so I doubt the glue solutions will work for long. If it breaks again I'm inclined to go the fingernails method of grabbing it where it protudes out of the tube. Only 87k kilometers too.
Re: Broken dipstick handle
Posted: Sat Mar 14, 2015 2:20 pm
by manga_blue
Youtube plastic welding or HPDE welding.
Re: Broken dipstick handle
Posted: Sat Mar 14, 2015 3:57 pm
by Nevyn72
Re: Broken dipstick handle
Posted: Sat Mar 14, 2015 4:33 pm
by Mr Morlock
Kilometres has nothing to do with its failure imo it is more likely age. Plastics do degrade and it may well be a common item to fail. American is probably right as standard super glues simply don't work on some materials. If the handle which you put your finger thru to withdraw the dipstick is 2 part then in theory any extension will make it easy to remove. Maybe a rubber fitting is a possibility. The UK site seems to show a grossly overpriced part which gives a general idea of the shape you want.
Re: Broken dipstick handle
Posted: Sat Mar 14, 2015 5:51 pm
by Vat
Did this myself last year - Automotive Plus (site sponsor in Qld) carry them for a reasonable price.
Re: Broken dipstick handle
Posted: Sat Mar 14, 2015 10:43 pm
by Nevyn72
Mr Morlock wrote:The UK site seems to show a grossly overpriced part which gives a general idea of the shape you want.
Overpriced? Maybe but it's a specialised chrome piece and it's shiny!
Re: Broken dipstick handle
Posted: Sun Mar 15, 2015 12:11 pm
by manga_blue
I must admit that after 8 years of having a broken one I lashed out a few weeks ago and ordered a new one, along with a whole lot of other bits, from Amayama. I think this is the first non-performance improving part I've bought since 2007.
Amayama Trading wrote:Mazda BPE810450 GAUGE, OIL LEVEL - 11.95 USD, 1 items
Note: this is for an early NA8, you really do need to get the right one for your model.
Re: Broken dipstick handle
Posted: Sun Mar 15, 2015 1:49 pm
by mattyredlocks
Mine was snapped off before I bought it - took my a year of ownership before I knew there was meant to be more on the handle.
Does it matter? Still enough left to plug the hole and grab onto, right?
Re: Broken dipstick handle
Posted: Sun Mar 15, 2015 6:51 pm
by project.r.racing
It is a pretty easy fix for $12.00.