I've realized that the rubber on my dipstick slides easily up and down, which makes trying to accurately measure the oil rather futile.

Here's a pic of the dipstick. The only marks on the stick are the ones near the bend. Would those go at the top of the rubber? Does someone have a good measurement from the base of the stick to the base of the rubber so I can try to adjust it to the correct position?

Am I better off giving up and purchasing a new one? I have a 126 engine and see two types for sale - one that looks like mine and one that is nearly all metal with a diamond shaped middle. Are both the same size?

Thanks!

I would look to buy another. Most likely going to be a breakers / scrap yard I would of thought but give ebay a.look. just feel even if you came up with something that you thought was a work around, there will always be that part of.you doubting yourself
Not really worth the worry / potential false readings

There is a metal washer inside the top part of the rubber seal (it can be prised out) which should be held in the correct location on the dipstick by the 2 dimple marks.

I used to braze the washer in place if found to be loose. You could tack weld or hard solder it in place if you have the facilities. Or maybe refit the washer and peen it's inner diameter to make it a tight fit on the dipstick. The dipstick rubber seal is available as a separate part if you need one.

I don't see dipsticks for the Fiat 500 listed at Midwest-Bayless in the U.S. but in the U.K. www.ricambio.co.uk list various dipsticks for the 500 and 126 for £10- £12 and dipstick rubber seals on their own @ £1.14.

Edit: I've just seen www.mrfiat.com list 2 types of dipstick for the 500 @ $17 each and dipstick oil seal @ $3.

AL.

Mine had the same problem so i superglue the rubber but if was easy go find the correct position because of the metal washer F123C mention. Then I put 3.5L of oil in my aluminium pan and check the dipstick. Oil was beyond marks, bellow max! So next time I drained the oil I put 2.5L and then 3.5L of oil and make new marks.
So my opinion is to superglue yours also drain the oil and make your marks just to be sure.
Thomas

I have reed that dipstick pops out sometimes and since fitment is not very tight I have put this 2mm wire (on the pic not engaged) to keep it in place.
Thomas

Thanks for all the great info and tips. I'm glad I'm not the only one! I took the easy way out and ordered a new dipstick, but it's fascinating to hear all the details on these little machines!

I brought a new dipstick. Cheap insurance to ensure that you don't have oil blasting out of the block where the dipstick sits.

R