Everytime I open my hood, i notice that my oil dipstick has popped out of the holder by a couple of inches. I push it back down and make sure its ok, but still...it keeps popping out some. Is this something to worry about, or is there something I can do to make it stay put?

 

You need to replace your PCV valve and check your vacuum lines. Exhaust buildup in the oil pan is usually diverted out the vacuum lines at the top of the valve cover in the back. Your exhaust gas is looking for (and finding) a less resistive exit point.

 

Yup, PCV.

 

It's not just exhaust gases. That would specifically come after the combustion cycle. Crankcase gases could come from either the compression cycle (upward movement of the piston), or the combustion cycle itself.


If a new PCV valve doesn't fix the problem, then you may have a worn ring or scarred cylinder walls from a high mileage motor, or abnormal wear from foreign material in your oil or intake.

 

Do a compression check, probably time for a rebuild or new engine...

 

^^ Worse case senerio, not likely either, especially on a NA daily driver from 2005 <--(im only assuming this)

Replace the PCV like stated, it cost no more than $10. Most likely it will fix your problem

 

$3 at autozone last time I changed it.

 

I used to have that happen while I was boosted. What I did was bent it just a little bit in 2 places and it kept it from doing that....least likly though...best scenario, although I agree could be the PCV although I have never had my dipstick pop out on me being N/A ever.

 

LOL, fix the problem not the symptom. If you boosted then its either an incorrectly configured PCV system and your pressurizing the block, or worn rings causing excessive blow by. If your N/A then it can either be the rings if your car is high mileage or a failing PCV valve. Either way DO NOT come up with some way to keep the dipstick in there as your engine is telling you its got too much pressure in it and finding the weakest way out. Consider the dipstick as a fuse. Now go fix the short circuit that is causing the fuse to blow. wink.gif

 

I read this thread title and thought the obvious fix for the problem would be buying an XBox for your boyfriend. It doesn't seem to apply now that I've read the thread, but you should still try it.