Dipsticks

[gs.davies]

Are all a series dipsticks the same?

[iain1967s]

All Mini A-series manual with plastic/metal tube are the same, AFAIK
A and A+ are different due to lack of tube on the A+
Automatic are different due to offset dipstick location

[Catmint]

if you mean between in line and transverse engines, yes they are different, well the oil level markings are. Found this out with a midget the hard way

[gs.davies]

Well, I’m wondering if the dipstick I’ve got is actually right..

What’s the measurement on the dipstick from the collar to max and from max to min on a manual?

[Polarsilver]

The earlier Dip Stick had a steel flat washer & rubber washer to contact the block . ( 1961 x 997cc ) this was before the Dip-Stick had an insert Tube.
Block would also have a different size drilling to accept the Dip-Tube.
Then the Tube type Dipstick has different materials & design of Tube Taper Locater either in metal or plastic .. asking am i wrong ?

[gs.davies]

My dipstick previously saw service on an 850 that didn’t have the tube. It’s now on a 1098 block with a metal dip tube.

Wondering if it’s actually reading right or not.

[iain1967s]

From the shoulder to the end of the metal tube / max line on dipstick is approx 9 inches

This is from a 1275 Cooper S but I’m not aware of any differences across the A series with tube.

At least 1275 vs 998 pre-A+ are same in my experience of engine swaps. Don’t know anything about the really early stuff though….

[Catmint]

dipstick.jpg

top one is from a metal tube type (1275GT) and the bottom is early (62) 850, no tube. Not a massive amount of difference.

[gs.davies]

Great, thanks Gordon, I’ll drag the car out and check.

Gary

[Toby]

There must be a difference in lenghts though, as the 1071 did have a plactic tube fitted yet with the early style dipstck with the flat rubber

[360gts]

Nope, you are pretty well right on Norman....only difference is with the length of the dipsticks.....with the introduction of the plastic tube....the dipstick used was the same style as the early 850 but longer. (As mentioned by Toby)
An added note....The new replacement black plastic tube is different from the earlier clear plastic tube in that it accepts the dipstick that is used on the metal tubes or the one with the flat rubber washer.

[Catmint]

If I remember tomorrow, I have an engine at the workshop with a plastic tube so will have a look at that

[Toby]

I'll have to measure mine too when i get home, as it happens I was just painting the parts to go in the block

[Polarsilver]

Dermott , you remind me that when i purchased a new replacement "Black " dipstick location Tube = problem the dipstick would not fit as the Taper Locater on the Dip-Stick was of a different Taper .. my solution was to visit a Friend & use his Lathe to turn up a suitable alloy Taper Sleeve to do the job.

[360gts]

Here are all three dipsticks and the.
Hope this helps.

[Catmint]

is the one on the right the none tubed one then i.e. 850 - interesting , I wonder if there are block differences as well or has our car had it swapped for a plastic tube version ?

[gs.davies]

Well, I went and measured.. 9 inches from the collar to max. So I think that means that my oil measurement is correct. I also measured the height between the top of the tube and the bottom of the flange at four inches, same on the 850 non tube block.

[moita]

Hi !

I remember a mini colleague that has an early block (59-60) it seems as well to have a bit shorter dip stick. My 63 still don't have plastic tube and was bigger than this type. Not sure about this, but it was what was observed.

[360gts]

is the one on the right the none tubed one then i.e. 850 - interesting , I wonder if there are block differences as well or has our car had it swapped for a plastic tube version ?

Hi Gordon
The right one is the early block type with no tube....it is shorter as the other tubes extend up past the hole....if that makes sense.

[Catmint]

To confir with gary above, just had a quick look at the 62 850 block and a 1000 metal tube block - the 850 boss for the dipstick is about 4 inches high from the base of the block, the 1000 is 2 3/4 " plus tube which would make them about the same height, which I think would make the dipsticks the same length ????? Is there a different 850 block ?
Sorry no piccies as I can't get the camera to the 850 bits without removing the grill
Moita - is the 63 car your Super ?
I can see some procastination at work tomorrow measuring blocks and dipsticks