Engine Drivetrain 1st Gen Cooper S How to repair your broken Dipstick

Discussion in 'Tuning and Performance' started by Mini Jap R52, May 2, 2015.

  1. Mini Jap R52

    Mini Jap R52 New Member

    May 29, 2013
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    I don’t think this is the only way to repair your broken dipstick but this is the way I did mine for less than $2
    I have seen others repair their broken dipstick with the stainless rod in windshield wipers.
    For me I used a 3/32 stainless wire you can purchase at Home depot or for my case I got it at my local Ace Hardware Store.

    [​IMG]

    Pretty simple, when my dipstick’s outer plastic broke and the nylon string was exposed I measured
    High Oil Level: 55cm
    Low Oil Level: 57cm
    Used a 3/32 drill and drilled out the remaining black plastic sleeve and nylon string.
    Goes pretty deep into the yellow handle passing the 2 O-rings

    [​IMG]

    Mixed some JB weld and glued the wire in to the handle.
    Measure and cut the wire to length added the brass tube with JB weld and clamped the end using a drill chuck to clamp it down

    [​IMG]

    Measured and using a wire cutter gently added the high/low oil level mark to the brass tubing and done

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
  2. Norm03s

    Norm03s New Member

    May 5, 2009
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    I did mine years ago, still using it.
     
  3. ScottinBend

    ScottinBend Space Cowboy
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    Mine just went........got the Cravenspeed one.
     
  4. Mini Jap R52

    Mini Jap R52 New Member

    May 29, 2013
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    Norm03 that is good to know it works, thank you!!!
    The factory Dipstick lasted 10 years so at least i hope mine will do the same.
    I didnt think i was the only one that did it but when i looked up didnt find any posts that repaired their dipstick with wire so i though it will be nice for others to see how it is done.
    And personally i didnt want to spend my hard earn money ($75 or so) on a dipstick. just too much for me i rather spend my funds on parts to make my 2005 R52 Mini handle better or go faster with the top down with my Girlfriend :cornut:
     
  5. rkw

    rkw Well-Known Member

    May 7, 2009
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    I don't bother with the dipstick. All MINI fluids are lifetime maintenance free. :biggrin5:
     
  6. ScottinBend

    ScottinBend Space Cowboy
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    ^^^^ HA!

    I didn't try this as I trust the Cravenspeed guys to make something right rather than trusting my dubious manufacturing skills.....:D
     
  7. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    I just got a new one from the dealer. Issue solved
     
  8. rkw

    rkw Well-Known Member

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    Viagra may work, but more severe cases require a surgical implant.
     
  9. Firebro17

    Firebro17 Dazed, but not Confused
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    Great ingenuity! I bought the Cravenspeed stick... Love It!
     
  10. mrntd

    mrntd Well-Known Member
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    I like my Hyundai one just fine
     
  11. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    I never check my oil. :D
     
  12. Mini Jap R52

    Mini Jap R52 New Member

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    Thanks Firebro17,

    Yeah I believe being an American is to believe in Good Old American Ingenuity!!!! Peace
     
  13. M1N1

    M1N1 Well-Known Member

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    Neither do I. If there are no oil drips on the garage floor, I put oil in.
     
  14. Firebro17

    Firebro17 Dazed, but not Confused
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    Yah, kinda like my old lawn mower, but different. I don't change the oil, ever. I just look at the dipstick and add as needed...
     
  15. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    Well we all know those won't be a 3rd gen fix. :lol:
     
  16. beken

    beken Well-Known Member
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    #16 beken, Mar 29, 2017
    Last edited: Mar 30, 2017
    I just replaced mine with one I bought from Amazon for $5. Shipped from China.

    I'm going to try this idea of fixing my old one and keep as a spare.
     
  17. AAONMS

    AAONMS Well-Known Member
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    [​IMG]


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