Author Topic: Dipstick length  (Read 7370 times)

Gary Crutchley

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Dipstick length
« on: April 24, 2011, 05:13:04 »
Guys, I have a serious dipstick question that hopefully someone can help me with.

I've attached a few photos of the dipstick which I suspect is not original.  Just for fun I've also attached two of the car – because I've just been out for a quick squirt and couldn't resist.

The first photo shows the entire dipstick which is missing the top baffle/breather (?) section.  Is it a problem not having the top baffle section?  The overall length of the dipstick from tip to collar is 20.5 inches or 520mm.  Does this sound like the correct length.

The second photo shows the dipstick markings.  The bottom mark (blue) is 1.75 inches or 45mm from the tip.  The next mark (red) is 3 1/16 inches or 75mm from the tip.  In addition someone has filed a third mark (blue) on the stick which is 5 inches or 130mm from the tip.

All of this uncertainty makes it difficult to confirm that the oil level is correct and as I didn't perform the last oil change I don't even know how much was used.

Is any body able to confirm that overall length of the stick is correct and that the first two markings are correct please?

Many thanks Gary

Larry & Norma

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Re: Dipstick length
« Reply #1 on: April 24, 2011, 08:43:42 »
Can't make out what engine you have but my '70 280SL measures
Overall length 530mm (i.e length that goes into engine)
Low level 20 mm from bottom
high level 50 mm from bottom
Hope this helps
Larry
Larry Hall (Gnuface)
2023 Ioniq6
2005 C230
1970 280SL

thelews

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Re: Dipstick length
« Reply #2 on: April 24, 2011, 14:35:37 »
I think my dipstick is the longest.
Enjoy some pictures at this link:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8292359@N06/sets/72157603240571101/show/

John - Wisconsin
1967 Early 250 SL Red/Caviar, Manual #1543
1961 190 SL 23K miles
1964 Porsche 356
1970 Porsche 911E
1991 BMW 318is
1966 Jaguar XKE
1971 Alfa Romeo GTV 1750

Naj ✝︎

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Re: Dipstick length
« Reply #3 on: April 24, 2011, 18:07:20 »
68 280SL

Gary Crutchley

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Re: Dipstick length
« Reply #4 on: April 24, 2011, 21:13:24 »
Thanks Naj, Thelews and Gnuface, I realised sometime after I posted the message that I hadn't specified the engine.  It's an early 230SL with the large diameter oil tube.

(I wondered how long it would take for some one to comment on the length of their dipstick :) .

The link that Naj posted is very usefull - thanks Naj.

However I'm still none the wiser regarding overall length and markings.  (I'm a bit worried about what Thelews might come back with.)

thanks

Naj ✝︎

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Re: Dipstick length
« Reply #5 on: April 24, 2011, 21:29:27 »
Hi, Gary,

A 230 SL with a large dia. tube should have a dipstick with a breather and marked '220SE'

Naj
68 280SL

Gary Crutchley

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Re: Dipstick length
« Reply #6 on: April 25, 2011, 07:14:03 »
Thanks Naj, looks like I need to order a new one.  In the meantime I'm still keen to check the length and position of the markings.

cheers

Garry

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Re: Dipstick length
« Reply #7 on: April 25, 2011, 09:06:38 »
Gary,

Before ordering a new one from MB try these two second hand parts places

Unique Motors  in Dandenong Phn 03 9701 7382 or
 MB Spares in Canberra Phn 1300 787 300

They may have a second hand one, no association with either

Garry
Garry Marks
Melbourne/ Kyneton, Brisbane. Australia
1969 MB 280SL 5 speed RHD SOLD.
1965 MB 230SL Auto RHD Lt Blue 334G, Top 350H, Tourist Delivery.
1972 MB 280CE Auto RHD 906G
2005 MB A200
2006 MB B200
2019 Izuzu DMax 4x4 Slide-on camper.
2022 Volvo XC40 Electric
2024 Volvo EX30 Electric

Gary Crutchley

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Re: Dipstick length
« Reply #8 on: April 25, 2011, 21:46:30 »
Thank Garry, I'll give both of them a call tomorrow.  My plan for the first couple of hours of this Anzac Day public holiday are to go for a quick squirt up to the top of Blackspur - )hopefully the fog will clear) and then stop at Healesville on the way back for a coffee.

Gary

Ulf

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Re: Dipstick length
« Reply #9 on: April 28, 2011, 13:57:28 »
I think my dipstick is the longest.
Love your sense of humor!
1965 230 SL in silver (DB180)
1982 Land Rover Series III SWB
2008 Jaguar XF 3.0
2005 Mini Cooper

thelews

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Re: Dipstick length
« Reply #10 on: April 28, 2011, 14:10:17 »
My wife loves having her oil checked.
Enjoy some pictures at this link:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8292359@N06/sets/72157603240571101/show/

John - Wisconsin
1967 Early 250 SL Red/Caviar, Manual #1543
1961 190 SL 23K miles
1964 Porsche 356
1970 Porsche 911E
1991 BMW 318is
1966 Jaguar XKE
1971 Alfa Romeo GTV 1750

W113SL

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Re: Dipstick length
« Reply #11 on: April 28, 2011, 15:50:42 »
Gary:  I have a NOS dipstick for a 230SL with breather tube just as in the photo.  Are you interested.  Please email me off line if you are.

W113SLs@aol.com
Pete Lesler
1967 250SL