Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[old iron]

This is the most strange thing I have come across in a classic vehicle for decades or lifetime.
Getting to grips with my Austin J4 camper van which uses BMC ‘B’ 1622cc
engine. Now I have over the decades owned many cars with this engine and the dipstick has been located on the spark plugs side of engine, just past cylinder No 3. Cant miss it.
And yet I cannot find the thing in my camper van engine Found what looks like the little aperture for the stick but that is blocked off. For the life of me I cannot fathom what’s going on here.
NOT SURE IF ALLOWED ON HERE! BUT HAS ANYONE GOT A DIP STICK FOR BMC ‘B’ SERIES 1500 x 1622cc Fair price paid of course.
I have images of the engine but thus far unable to figure out the posting of pictures, dispite the guidence.

[Ray White]

Sometimes, an engine with a lot of blow - by will build crankcase pressure such that oil is forced up and out of the dip stick hole.

Maybe someone decided to block off the hole to prevent this from happening.?

[old iron]

Thanks for reply Ray, I have had another look at the engine block and can clearly see where the dip stick should be living. I have seen a replacement dip stick for sale, £42 m It has reminded me that the dipper is of round steel with a flattened end which goes into the sump. This has got me wondering if it’s the spade end of the orifice that is blocked somehow. I have put some plus gas fluid into the orifice and that seems to be just sitting there at the moment. I will have another look in the morning.
The engine itself runs very nicely indeed.

[Ray White]

[old iron]

Thanks again Ray, you are suggesting that the dip stick may have or most likely has broken off leaving the lower half in the entry tube/ dip stick orifice and that is blocking the entry of a new dip stick.
By jove, I hadn’t thought of that at all, but it does seem to be the most likely scenario.
I’m having new ball joints fitted next week so maybe the best opportunity to carry out your suggestion and drop the sump.
Thank you, I will post back results in due course.

[Peter_L]

[Bitumen Boy]

I would make a dipstick myself rather than pay £42 for one... I'm sure someone on here could help with the important dimensions

[Miken]

[Miken]

You could easily make one with a bit of 1/4" diameter steel rod and a file.
MGOC spares list them for £34.75 (which is still a heck of a lot)!
MGA 1500cc B Series.
You dont need to be a member to buy from them.

https://www.mgocspares.co.uk/acatalog/MGOC_SPARES_BOTTOM__MGA__285.html

[old iron]

Thanks chaps