I was showing off the engine the other day and noticed something strange. The dipstick wasn't seated all the way. I pushed it all the way down before I put the hood down, and promptly forgot about it.

Today, I went out to change the oil and noticed it had come unseated again...? Anyone have any ideas? The car runs fine, and I had the proper amount of oil in it prior to the change.

 

I noticed the exact same thing until my car was better broken in by ways of nonsynthetic oil, Techron and delayed oil change. I figured occasional ring blow-by caused increased crankcase pressure which caused diptick to be pushed up. Only thing I could figure out. Dipstick displacement doesn't happen anymore. Seemed to be a reasonable cause.

 

Are you certain you don't have it 180 degrees off. I don't know if this makes a difference, but I've noticed it will fit either way. Just a thought. BTW, I've never experienced this problem.

 

Nope, it's oriented correctly.

Thanks for the info Prolene. Since I just changed the oil, I'll keep an eye on it.

 

Is the little rubber gasket near the handle seated properly? If its gone, it wouldn't hold the stick in tightly. Does the stick kinda click into place when you push it all the way down? Just thinkin' out loud.