Checking the Oil Level

Mernt · 06-23-2009, 01:02 PM

Is it me, or is the dipstick for the 07 3 the absolute worst to check the oil level? It's impossible to get an idea of whether it's at the full mark or not.

danielj · 06-23-2009, 01:43 PM

It sucks. :x

galvatron · 06-23-2009, 01:53 PM

Yeah they're all pretty awful. I don't even rely on it after changing my oil, because its useless, I just make sure I put the right amount in.

cali_axela · 06-23-2009, 03:02 PM

The ones used in 04-05 were amazing, I have no idea why they switched to those harder to read ones.

danielj · 06-23-2009, 03:12 PM

[quote author=cali_axela link=topic=148664.msg3193451#msg3193451 date=1245783765]
The ones used in 04-05 were amazing, I have no idea why they switched to those harder to read ones.
[/quote]

Thats right. We had a picture comparison.

For some reason Mazda decided to use change them out on 06+ models.

Mernt · 06-23-2009, 03:17 PM

I don't have many complaints with this car other than the oil filter and dipstick.

I made the hole larger so I will be able to access the oil filter w/o removing the splash guard. What a PITA.

I picked up a 74mm-77mm oil filter remover and it still slips so I'm going to have to order the one from Mazda I think. I was thinking of leaving the filter on for another 12,000 miles, which is when I'll be changing the oil next. Mobil 1 5w20.

cali_axela · 06-23-2009, 03:52 PM

[quote author=danielj link=topic=148664.msg3193477#msg3193477 date=1245784363]
[quote author=cali_axela link=topic=148664.msg3193451#msg3193451 date=1245783765]
The ones used in 04-05 were amazing, I have no idea why they switched to those harder to read ones.
[/quote]

Thats right. We had a picture comparison.

For some reason Mazda decided to use change them out on 06+ models.
[/quote]

Yeah, I actually searched for that thread for awhile to link it here, but can't find it. Here are the pictures I took for it though, from the first-rev dipstick in my 05...

Clean:

After dipping (oil ~1/2 qt low):

galvatron · 06-23-2009, 03:54 PM

Ugh. I wonder if you can swap them. Mine is so worthless.

**Oricle** · 06-23-2009, 03:56 PM

what does the new one look like?

ive never had a problem reading it, but i have an '04

danielj · 06-23-2009, 04:36 PM

I no longer have the pic of mine. It does not have the hash marks or the min/max indicator.

06-23-2009, 01:02 PM	#1
Mernt Moped Rider Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 32	Checking the Oil Level Is it me, or is the dipstick for the 07 3 the absolute worst to check the oil level? It's impossible to get an idea of whether it's at the full mark or not. __________________ 07 3 - 2.3L Mobil 1 EP 5w20 Valvoline MaxLife ATF 70,000 miles.

06-23-2009, 01:43 PM	#2
danielj F1 Driver Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 16,620	Re: Checking the Oil Level It sucks. :x __________________ Hi Everybody

06-23-2009, 01:53 PM	#3
galvatron Le Mans: GT Class Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Bucks County, PA Posts: 638	Re: Checking the Oil Level Yeah they're all pretty awful. I don't even rely on it after changing my oil, because its useless, I just make sure I put the right amount in. __________________ 2008.5 Metropolitan Grey MazdaSpeed3 GT, 1997 Miata M Edition, 2007 Suzuki SV650S

06-23-2009, 03:02 PM	#4
cali_axela F1 Driver Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: San Francisco Posts: 10,722	Re: Checking the Oil Level The ones used in 04-05 were amazing, I have no idea why they switched to those harder to read ones. __________________ first boosted build thread \| *Hot laps @ Thunderhill (video)* \| engine failure + fire @ buttonwillow... (pics)

06-23-2009, 03:12 PM	#5
danielj F1 Driver Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 16,620	Re: Checking the Oil Level [quote author=cali_axela link=topic=148664.msg3193451#msg3193451 date=1245783765] The ones used in 04-05 were amazing, I have no idea why they switched to those harder to read ones. [/quote] Thats right. We had a picture comparison. For some reason Mazda decided to use change them out on 06+ models. __________________ Hi Everybody

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