Rex4Life

Yep pretty common for rotaries to have some condensation in the oil fill neck.

mwillman

FYI to all, I know this topic has been discussed many many times, but I thought everyone would like to hear this. I too discovered the mysterious milky substance a few days ago when I checked my oil and was unable to get an accurate level reading. After checking the postings, I was relieved to hear it was semi-normal. A few days later, I mentioned it to the dealership while getting my oil changed. To my surprise, this particular dealership has not seen this issue yet. Perhaps it's because I live in FL and this issue only appears during colder temperatures.

Well, they contacted Mazda and were told to hold my car for 24 hrs. So, away I go in the Camry loaner. Today, I get a call from the dealer informing me that Mazda has come up with a dipstick insulated sleeve to prevent this problem from occurring and apparently I'm one of the first to be getting it.

So, to all that have trouble checking their oil during the winter or just don't like the look of frothy cappuccino in your oil reservoir, I suggest you make a call to your local dealership to get the fix.

Mark W.

zoom44

interesting. no tsb about this. it'd be nice to have the part number. ill see if i can track it down or get it from someone. i have to stop by my dealer today. thanks Mark.

Gomez

Oooh Ahhh,..........progress. This is a good thing . Great news, Mark.

Gomez.

mwillman

Just returned from dealership. Unfortunately, they could not give me a part number. But they did tell me it's called a "Countermeasure Dipstick Kit" that was overnighted by the Mazda "Tech Line".

They replaced my entire dipstick drain with a new one that has an insulated sleeve installed on the inside. Will be anxious to check this fix, but we're getting 70 degree temps this week. I guess I'll have to wait for the next cold front.

Looks like this will be an official recall, Mazda told the dealership they will be replacing them on all the 8's.

That's all I have to report at this time, will post again after I've had a chance to test this mod out.

Mark

Gomez

Don't suppose you could lay your hands on a digital camera, Mark??!!!! As they say....this thread is nothing without pics!!! Well, not really nothing, it's been most enlightening .

Gomez.

Nemesis8

iTrader: (3)

I hate to say this, but is this a rubber for our dipsticks? Sorry, had to.. :D

zoom44

thanks for the update mark!

Atacdad

I can't see how this is going to help...every car I have ever had has had this "problem"...perhaps its an issue for the rotary since it wants to inject oil? The water/oil emulsification might clog something up? Anyway, every single car I've had, no exceptions, got this during the winter. I'd usually flush the oil (ATF fluid or GUNK Flush) in the spring. I've heard NOT to do this with a rotary though...might not be so friendly with the rotor or seals??

Haze

I'm definitely getting the above referenced insulator, but I really wonder how much it will do to solve the problem. Guess, I'll find out.

mwillman

Good idea Gomez, not sure why I didn't think of it first. Anyways, here's a closeup of the new mod for the dipstick drain. You can see the blue sleeve inserted into the dipstick drain.

In my earlier post, I mentioned that I was given a whole new dipstick drain. Well, as you can see from the looks of the dirt, that was not the case. Not that I care, as long as it fixes the issue.

Hope this helps everyone.

Fellow Wankel-fan,
Mark

Gomez

Excellent shot Mark, kudos to your cameraman....! I shall wait the obligatory six months required before this shows up Down Under, then I will pester the dealer .

Gomez.

Nubo

Lol. Glad to see they used my idea. Well, sort of :D

https://www.rx8club.com/662313-post/

Go48

I think this "fix" is only aimed at reducing or eliminating customer complaints with respect to this goo on the dip stick. I can't see any way it will actually corrected what is argueably a "problem" with water in the oil or in the air within the dip stick tube causing the emulsified-oil mess. It's not something I would go out of my way to have installed.

In fact, I think I would be a bit concerned about having the foam stuff, or whatever it is, inside the tube for fear some of it might make it's way into the oil supply. Seems like a useless and, worst case, potentially harmful modification for such an insignificant "problem".

Let the flames begin. :D

Haze

Hey - What year is your car and did they replace your dipstick because I can't see how the little hookey thing on the bottom wouldn't rip that right out of there? Just curious.

Atacdad

well not a flame, but I have to agree...thats not a fix for the gunk, thats a fix for user complaints.

Don't worry, be happy. Once it warms up, the gunk will all dissappear.

Haze

Precisely my question from above!!!!

Gomez

The new '05 dipstick still has the hookey thing.....

Jers8

that's funny cause when I had my car at the dealer 2 days ago, the service guy said this substance was normal for our cars.

Haze

OK, I just thought that that was what they meant by, removed chamfered tip, but then I am never quite sure what they are talking about in those TSB's.

jenkins-crew

Any time I have had a question for them they always say its "normal"....I think they are all idiots up there. This car is not like other cars!

I still don't see how this fixes the issue????

mwillman

Here is the way I understand it.

First, the insulator is only lining the inside of the tube, not completely sealing it. That’s the job of the dipstick while inserted. Second, it lines the entire tube, minus the inch or so from the top. So, the dipstick does not catch on it.

We all agree that the froth is caused by moisture in the dipstick tube. It’s my understanding that the moisture is coming from condensation building up when the tube is warmed from the engine, while also being exposed to outside cold air. The insulator lines the inside of the tube to prevent the condensation from occurring.

And yes, my dipstick was replaced. It does look to be a tad smaller. It still has the hooked tip and they’ve added some raised bumps on the measuring line. Since they’re raised, I don’t know if it’s supposed to aid in reading the oil level or not.

Mark

Gomez

Ahhh, I see, it goes all the way down to the sump. Simple, but ingenious. Thanks Mark...

Haze

Remember that it was "normal" for an old VW beetle to shoot it's number three intake valve through the valve cover; noone ever said that being normal was a good thing!

jenkins-crew

That's what I am saying!!!!!!!!!! They blow you off sometime. So how would I go about getting this done without them telling me it is normal????? Whats the right wording for them :D