Corrosion on oil dipstick. Bad?

I've got an IO-540. The oil filler neck is a long tube sticking up out
of the top of the case with a dipstick that's 15" or so. The top end
of the dipstick never even gets splashed with oil in normal operation.
That part of the dipstick is mildly corroded. I'm assuming it sits in
a steamy atmosphere after running, since if you remove the dipstick while
the engine is hot you get steam out of the filler tube.

Is that a problem?

--
Ben Jackson

http://www.ben.com/

Is that a problem?

Well, as a datapoint, the dipstick on my O-540 is shiny/clean. How old is
your engine?

Why not take some emery cloth or steel wool, and just clean the corrosion
up? When you're done wipe the stick down carefully with an oily rag, to
remove any metal particles, mark today on the calendar, and see if the
corrosion returns.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

It's possibly an indication of whats going on deeper in your engine.
How often do you fly?
and do you fly for more than an hour each time?
It's essential to fly frequently and for protracted times to keep your
engine free of internal corrosion.



"Jay Honeck" wrote in message
news:fop3c.91893$PR3.1445606@attbi_s03...
Is that a problem?

Well, as a datapoint, the dipstick on my O-540 is shiny/clean. How old
is
your engine?

Why not take some emery cloth or steel wool, and just clean the corrosion
up? When you're done wipe the stick down carefully with an oily rag, to
remove any metal particles, mark today on the calendar, and see if the
corrosion returns.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

You need to do more inverted flight!
;)
Peter

I recall reports of the top of the dipstick becoming so corroded that it
would break off and go into the engine. I don't think the problem is
uncommon.

If it is mechanically sound, I don't think it is a major concern. But if
you have any doubts, I'd spring for a new dipstick.

- Mark