PRECISE OIL LEVEL CHECK
The oil level dipsticks used on the 200 and ZR are not the best for showing a precise reading, plastic one for the 200, can in most cases snap off leaving the tip of it floundering in the sump after many years of useage. Wire one is not much better getting smeared while its being withdrawn from out of the dipstick tube, So a 'correct' oil level reading will not always be possible.
To solve this problem, came up with the idea of using a semi rigid plastic tube, one from an old waxoyl kit was just ideal for this. After the tube has been marked up for a correct depth of insert, including each high and low oil level reading marks.
On a 'cold engine' with vehicle on level ground, the tube is inserted into dipstick tube, after a few seconds thumb pressure is then applied to hold a vacuum while being withdrawn to give a positive and much clearer view of the oil level reading as shown.
The MG doesnt use any oil between each of its twice yearly oil and filter changes, so will always show my own preference of a tad just below the maximum mark. This method shown is for 'intermittent usage'.and taken only on a cold engine, and on level ground After checking for a correct oil level reading during the vehicles oil and filter services the original dipstick can then be returned back.
All information on this site, applies 'only' to our own 1996 Rover 200 Series and the 2004 MG-ZR 120+ .