Broken dipstick handle

Silvia · Postby **Silvia** » Sat Mar 14, 2015 10:25 am

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

Postby **NitroDann** » Sat Mar 14, 2015 11:17 am

I commonly see a small hole drilled in the plastic and a keyring fitted.

sailaholic · Postby **sailaholic** » Sat Mar 14, 2015 11:50 am

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!

Postby **beavis** » Sat Mar 14, 2015 12:05 pm

its just a dipstick. if its still filling the hole, leave it.

Postby **Okibi** » Sat Mar 14, 2015 12:22 pm

Get a small toy, drill a hole in the bottom and glue it on.

The American · Postby **The American** » Sat Mar 14, 2015 12:45 pm

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.

Silvia · Postby **Silvia** » Sat Mar 14, 2015 12:51 pm

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.

manga_blue · Postby **manga_blue** » Sat Mar 14, 2015 2:20 pm

Youtube plastic welding or HPDE welding.

Nevyn72 · Postby **Nevyn72** » Sat Mar 14, 2015 3:57 pm

Bling it up man! :mrgreen:

http://www.mx5parts.co.uk/chrome-dipsti ... -1265.html

Mr Morlock · Postby **Mr Morlock** » Sat Mar 14, 2015 4:33 pm

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.

Vat · Postby **Vat** » Sat Mar 14, 2015 5:51 pm

Did this myself last year - Automotive Plus (site sponsor in Qld) carry them for a reasonable price.

Nevyn72 · Postby **Nevyn72** » Sat Mar 14, 2015 10:43 pm

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! :mrgreen:

manga_blue · Postby **manga_blue** » Sun Mar 15, 2015 12:11 pm

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.

mattyredlocks · Postby **mattyredlocks** » Sun Mar 15, 2015 1:49 pm

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?