I bought a plastic funnel, trimmed it down a bit and then secured it to the dipstick tube with a small hose clamp. Pictures attached.

1.3L

 

Now thats interesting... Nice idea. I wish the actual dipstick was a bit longer on the handle end also.

 

You should see the dipstick on my RV. It's about 3 foot long.

 

That is a very cool fix. My only questions would be these:

Will that plastic funnel melt under high engine temps?

Is it affixed to the outside of the tube or the inside?

 

Brilliant idea! Let us know if you have any problems with it. Where did you buy the funnel and do you have a part # and manufacturer name?

 

1.3L neat idea and looks good. If its inside slightly I hope you have enough clearance between the oil dip stick tube end and that funnel. If not, you might see your oil level slightly lower than an actual reading without the funnel part in there. Is the dip stick a little harder to insert all the way down now? If its on the outside of the tube stem then this should work. Great idea.

 

Good questions.

Well so far, it hasn't melted. I see several factory engine parts in the immediate vicinity that appear to be plastic, so I think the funnel will survive. At least, it has so far.

To answer your second concern, the funnel is firmly clamped to the outside of the dipstick tube. There's no way I would fit anything to the inside; not worth the risk of oil contamination.

1.3L

 

I mounted the modified funnel on the outside diameter of the dipstick tube and slightly below (1/8") so it would not interfere with the dipstick in any manner.

1.3L

 

You'd think that if they wanted us to check the oil every fill up, they'd made that tube just a little longer! My first thought when checking the oil early on, anyone else?

 

Nice fix if it doesn't melt (as others said).

You know, the funny thing is: first I read your thread title as "that pesky lipstick" :D

 

I belive it will melt over time. Especially in the summer.

Keep us advised.

 

Depending on the plastic used to manufacture the funnel, there may be a chance that it will melt.... that's my only concern.

Otherwise, great mod, certainly makes it easier to insert the dipstick.

 

That's a great and creative mod. Well done.

 

In all reality, it doesnt matter if it starts melting by next summer, when it gets hot. It couldnt have cost more than a few dollars. Replace it every once in a while, and you're good to go. Its a consumable part.

 

I miss the days of "FULL SERVICE" gas stations (damn, I'm showing my age), but then again, I probably wouldn't trust a Gas pump monkey to make sure the oil level was where it's supposed to be.

Nice job 1.3 Looks like a very useful mod.

 

What drives me bats about checking the oil is that they made the damn dipstick the same color as the oil! It's got that brown anodized or someother kind of plating on it, and you can't see the oil level! I have to hold it to the light and see where the reflectivity changes ...

Has anyone sanded that color off?

 

If your having trouble reaching the dip stick and wish it was longer simply attach a zip tie to the handle loop and use that to assist in removing the dip stick, sorry no easy help idea for putting it back in, still going to have to crawl into the engine bay.

 

I'll keep an eye on it and post any problems. If the funnel does show signs of melting, I plan to replace with an aluminum unit

1.3L

 

LOL!!! Good one! The subject line for this particular problem has a lot of possibilites

1.3L :D

 

If there is a question if the mod will melt you could simply coat the out side ot the funnel with something to protect it. Maybe JB-Weld or some other type of heat resistand epoxy. With the epoxy only on the outside it would help protect it from heat and the inside would still be yellow and highly visable to help hit the hole. Of corse with funnels costing $2. and it taking 5 in to put on it might be view as to bothersome to do. Just an option though.

 

1.3L,
Where did you buy the funnel? Do you have a part # and manufacturer name?

 

Perhaps a tiny piece of heat-resistant material placed around the dip stick neck, then the modified funnel, clamp it all and that should about do it. I think this will work. Its a good mod. I know I have a difficult time getting the stupid stick back to the dip tube. The yellow funnel thing stands out and should assist with getting the stick back without trying and trying as I have done several times. Its amazing how folks come up with simple fixes like this. Perhaps Mazda will catch on? well,. it was a thought.

 

I bought the funnel at Kragen's. If I can find the labelin my trash can, I'll post the details.

1.3L

 

Great idea!! I was just checking the oil the other day, with plenty of light, and I still had trouble getting the fuggin thing back in the hole.

 

1.3L -- Kudos to you for the idea and being a guinea pig

TO ALL :: How about we put a little thought into the melting concern upfront rather than making the guy sacrifice his 'dip stick'? Any guesses on what the temperatures might get to in the dip tube and the surroundings? From that we could look at which engineering plastic we should use.

I am very leary of getting your average funnel made of 'whatever' plastic.

Whaddya think engineers???