Short dipstick?
 

I just checked my oil level today after few weeks since the dealer changed my oil. I found that the oil level was over the full mark and got a little nervous since people in this forum talk about the same thing. I decided to search about this problem to find out more info and I just read a thread with somebody talking about how first models of the RX-8 have a shorter dipstick which could be the reason why some dealers are overfilling. Then it occurred to me that when I looked at the dipstick, I noticed a light X scratched into the dipstick just above the low mark. This wasn't there before I got the oil changed so now I'm thinking the dealer scratched it in.

I haven't found much info on the forum about short dipsticks in first models, so now I'm making a thread about it. Does anybody have anymore info on this issue? It doesn't seem to be widely known.

Actually, now that I think about it, it might not be a short dipstick, but that the markers on the dipstick are too low, hence the X just above the low mark, since if the oil really did reach the low mark, it would be REALLY low!

I like big dipsticks too.

I guess I set myself up for dipstick jokes! Seriously, though, my own dipstick is pretty long, it's my car with the short one. :D

Doesnt make any sense, if you are checking the oil level with the same dip stick they used to fill it up with, it would still read the same. Unless someone replaced your stick.

Huh? No, what I heard and what I'm trying to figure out is if the original dipsticks for the first few RX-8s don't tell you the true oil level because maybe the level markers aren't in the right place. Hence, the reason my dealer put an X just above my low level mark and filled my oil up past the full mark. It's all just speculative, which is why I want to confirm it.

If the marks were actually wrong as to lead to engine problems if relied upon then Mazda would have to be very foolish to not remedy the problem asap with a recall. Otherwise they would be liable for the resulting damage and warranty claims. Since such a recall hasn't happened I feel comfortable concluding that the dipsticks are fine.

Maybe someone was just trying to "calibrate" the stick. Example -- they changed the oil and checked the stick to find it slightly above the low mark. They're not sure how much oil it takes to go from "low" to "full" and rather than spend time looking it up they put the "x" at the current level. They add 1 quart and re-check. Now the level is still slightly below "full" but they have a good idea of how much 1 quart raises the level on the stick. That makes it easier to figure out just how much more to add to get it to "full", and gives them a good idea now how much it takes to go from "low" to "full".

BUT, why not ask the service department why (or if) they marked an X