How to Calibrate Oil Dip Stick???

[RV8Squaz]

FYI, for those of you with standard inverted oil systems, half the sump capacity is not a safe quantity. With the inverted oil systems the proper amount of oil is dependent on the sump design and the brand of inverted oil system. In my installation, an IO-360A1A and Christen inverted oil system, I need to add a quart when the dipstick is between 6.5 and 7 quarts. I treat 6 quarts as my minimum oil quantity. Even when filled to 8 quarts, I don't blow out any oil due to the big air/oil separator.

Jerry

[jrs14855]

The IO 360 B series is parallel valve and with Christen inverted oil system they are very happy with 5-6 quarts oil. These systems do have limitaitons, the most significant being that if the oil pot is on the right side of the firewall, you will have zero oil pressure in a sustained 90 degree left bank. In a sustained right 90 degree bank normal oil pressure is maintained.
The angle valve is a different matter, with the stock sump it will require a higher oil level to maintain pressure.
The four cylinder dipsticks consist of three main parts, cap, stick and retaining pin. The pin can be driven out with an appropriate size pin punch. The stick is a piece of 3/16 aluminum rod with a small step machined in the top. I am planning to make a new stick from 6061T6 aluminum. Some of the Lyc dipsticks have flats machined nearly the full length of the stick.

[Tony Spicer]

Originally Posted by jrs14855

The four cylinder dipsticks consist of three main parts, cap, stick and retaining pin. The pin can be driven out with an appropriate size pin punch. The stick is a piece of 3/16 aluminum rod with a small step machined in the top. I am planning to make a new stick from 6061T6 aluminum. Some of the Lyc dipsticks have flats machined nearly the full length of the stick.

Did just that last week, but used a length of 3/16 2024 rod. Didn't realize the top part of the old rod was turned down to about .170 until after I tried to press the new .188 rod in a .170 hole. No go, no way. Much easier to drill the cap out to .188 than to turn down the new rod.

Tony

[jrs14855]

Tony- I think the step is there to help line up the hole for the pin. Also helps prevent oil seepage if the fit of the stick is not perfect.

[Tony Spicer]

as it was still a light press fit after drilling. No way it could leak. The hole for the 1/16 pin is drilled after the 3/16 rod is in place. A Dremel cranked all the way up works well.

Tony

[Sticky1]

Ok so lets think out of the box.....

What about a fuel sender down the oil fill tube that is connected to the efis...?


PS - It works.... Now if I can get Electronics International to add "quarts" to the MVP-50...

[Ron Lee]

Sticky, your method may work for people with the latest tech gadgets, broadband internet and satellite/cable TV, but some of us just have to open the oil door, remove the dipstick and physically look at the level.

[Sticky1]

Originally Posted by Ron Lee

Sticky, your method may work for people with the latest tech gadgets, broadband internet and satellite/cable TV, but some of us just have to open the oil door, remove the dipstick and physically look at the level.

Yea, yea, yea.......well I need a ladder to get to my engine.....