Hi, the dipstick on my 1.2 Stilo keeps popping out and spraying oil everywhere which just makes a mess and a horrible burning oil smell. Any ideas on where to start looking?

well, that's a tricky one, could be issues with pressure in the oil pan etc, I don't think these cars have a PCV valve, so im at a loss there, I assume you need to get the engine checked-the crankcase and so on, musnt be sealing right somewhere and pressure is building up...

not much help, basically, you need a mechanic!

Remove oil filler cap and run engine. If a lot of puffing out of that suspect cracked rings.

Try a compression test.

Or it could be something simple like the rubber surround which keeps the dipstick in place is worn/perished and won't hold the dipstick in any longer...

good thinking about the rubber ring, but I don't think it would be spewing oil out if it was just the rubber perished-sounds very much like a pressure issue to me...as Maigretnz id be getting a compression test etc, sounds like an internal engine issue...

I fixed this same problem on a 1.2 16v Punto. It was simply the breather pipe from the cam cover to the air filter box. It has a wire-spiral flame trap inside which becomes completely blocked. Pull it out with pliers and clean it with brake cleaner, carburettor cleaner, or petrol.

-Alex

I have come across the breather issue too (and cracked rings). Running with the filler cap off will give you an idea of the scale of the problem. Minor vapour will be dealt with by the breather. If it is puffing like a traction engine you are in big trouble.

Thanks guys I'll try the breather pipe first. The car is running perfectly other than that.