End of dipstick gone !

[Mikesbucketlistmack]

I went to check the oil on my 1980 Mack R611ST (250 hp) the other day and the flat end of the dipstick with the low and full marks seems to have broken off and is gone. First of all, is tt safe to run the engine with that end piece in the oil system ? Hopefully, the oil filters will catch it, And second, does anyone know where I can get another dipstick ? I tried my local Mack parts man and he doesn't have any for a truck that old. Thanks !

[felicello122]

Next oil change it should come out, or get stuck on the magnetic plug, if not you can simply stick. A magnet in the drain hole, shouldn't hurt to run it its only going to lay on the pan bottom, as for the dipstick try another dealer or a used truck parts yard

[chief doug]

you better hope it can't make it to the filter . the screen on the pickup tube will prevent that. drain the oil and see if it flows out, I had that happen on a cat. if not get a magnet and try to fish it out the drain hole. chances are it won't hurt anything

[Ezrider]

i would not be worried about it will never make it past the pickup screen.

[Glensts]

Had that happen on a 300+ years ago, Put a new dipstick in and never got the peice out until we pulled the pan a couple years later to do a bearing roll

[Mikesbucketlistmack]

Thanks for the good answers, guys. I forgot about the screen on the pickup tube.

[Mikesbucketlistmack]

I got one at the Utica, New York dealership. They're the best place around to get parts. Ask for Dan Kiss.