It's been 6.5 years, but I'm back! This time with a head scratcher. Was changing the spark plugs, oil, and brake fluid this evening as I neared 100k miles, and learned that I couldn't pull the dipstick out (see attached photo for how far it would come out before it would get stuck). I've searched around the internet but haven't found any causes or solutions for this.

The sequence of work was changing the spark plugs first (that shouldn't have affected it). Then drained the oil. Then changed the brake fluid (the only thing here that would have been out of the ordinary was setting the parking brake, something I don't think I've ever done in my MINI before, but I can't imaging that would play any role in this). It was about this time that I tried to pull the dipstick and couldn't get it out. Then put 4.5 quarts of oil in. I wondered if starting it up and letting it warm up might do something, but it didn't. I've tried various pull pressures, I've tried twisting and rotating...nothing. Same result.

I'd appreciate any insight on a cause or a fix or if anyone else has experienced this. I'm open to any speculation or theories as well!

Thanks!

 

Speculation? Timing chain guides are worn or broken, and are holding it down. The dipstick goes through the guide on that side of the engine.

 

Get the valve cover off, and a flashlight and check out the timing guides, as mentioned, its about the only thing that would prevent that coming out.

 

If you can't see anything from the top, be prepared to remove the oil pan...

 

Thanks for the replies. Fortunately, my MINI has not been burning oil previously, so I'm not concerned about it running out without having the ability to check it. But the thing's not long for this world, and I'm not willing to shell out cash/time to get this fixed. Motor it 'til it dies...