Outboard dipstick - to screw or not to screw when checking level?

Ignis Fatuus

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Yamaha 4 stroke F4A outboard engine.

When I check the engine oil should I screw the dipstick home or just push it in until it stops at the start of the thread?

The manual states 'Insert the dipstick and remove it again. Be sure to completely insert the dipstick into the dipstick guide'

There is no dipstick guide. Have they lifted these instructions from a larger engine with a conventional metal dipstick? If it were to be screwed tight to check then shouldn't it say so? My lawn mower has 'screw in to check' written on the dipstick.
 

Daydream believer

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I would be interested in the opinions, because I have a similar situation with the dipstick on my 120 saildrive ( hope that does not cause the OP to have a massive thread drift & not get the correct answer)
 

VicS

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Yamaha 4 stroke F4A outboard engine.

When I check the engine oil should I screw the dipstick home or just push it in until it stops at the start of the thread?

The manual states 'Insert the dipstick and remove it again. Be sure to completely insert the dipstick into the dipstick guide'

There is no dipstick guide. Have they lifted these instructions from a larger engine with a conventional metal dipstick? If it were to be screwed tight to check then shouldn't it say so? My lawn mower has 'screw in to check' written on the dipstick.
You do not say what year your engine is but I doubt there will be any differences

In the Maintenance section of the 2016 edition of the manual for F4 and F6 models I am reading in the instructions for refilling it says :

aa9biv.jpg

dr30k3.jpg


Seems clear to me that the dipstick is screwed in fully to take the reading ( Paragraph 13 )
 
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VicS

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I would be interested in the opinions, because I have a similar situation with the dipstick on my 120 saildrive ( hope that does not cause the OP to have a massive thread drift & not get the correct answer)


With VP sail drives you insert the dipstick fully but DO NOT screw down....

From a VP manual:

Check the oil level in the reverse gear or S-drive. The level should be within the area marked on the dipstick. NB. The dipstick should not be screwed in when you check the oil level. Add more oil if necessary. See “Technical data” regarding oil quality and viscosity. The oil level must never fall below the lower mark.
 
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Ignis Fatuus

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My manual only says 'Insert the dipstick and remove it again. Be sure to completely insert the dipstick into the dipstick guide'
 
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