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LW14729 – Lycoming Engines OEM Oil Level Gauge Assembly (Dipstick)
Available now on the Airparts.aero Marketplace.
Overview
The Lycoming LW14729 is a genuine OEM, flight-critical Oil Level Gauge Assembly, commonly known as the engine's dipstick. This is not a generic component; it is a precision measuring instrument, absolutely essential for the safe operation of the aircraft. Its sole function is to provide the pilot with an accurate, visual reading of the oil quantity in the engine's sump during the pre-flight inspection.
This gauge is engineered with a specific length, a precisely located handle/cap, and calibrated "FULL" and "ADD" markings that are matched exactly to a specific engine and oil sump combination. The integrity of the aircraft's powerplant depends on the accuracy of this simple tool. An incorrect reading can lead to a dangerously low oil level (risking engine starvation and seizure) or a severe overfill (risking high crankcase pressure, blown seals, and oil loss overboard). As a genuine Lycoming part, the LW14729 guarantees a correct and airworthy reading.
Key Features
Genuine Lycoming OEM Part: The original, factory-specified component, guaranteeing 100% accuracy.
Flight-Critical Safety Component: The primary tool for verifying the engine's oil supply, a non-negotiable pre-flight check.
Precision-Calibrated Markings: The "ADD" and "FULL" (quarts) markings are precisely calibrated for a specific Lycoming engine and oil sump volume.
Durable Construction: Made from a high-strength, corrosion-resistant steel rod to withstand repeated use and the engine environment.
High-Temperature Handle/Cap: The handle is molded from a high-temperature, oil-resistant polymer for a secure grip and long life.
Integrated Seal: Includes an O-ring or similar sealing mechanism on the cap to prevent oil from leaking out of the crankcase under pressure.
Technical Specifications
Part Number: LW14729
Component Type: Oil Level Gauge Assembly / Dipstick
OEM Manufacturer: Lycoming Engines
Material: Steel Rod, High-Temperature Polymer Handle
Aircraft Compatibility
This dipstick is the specified OEM part for a vast range of Lycoming's most popular piston engines, including but not limited to:
Engine Models: O-235, O-320 (e.g., -H2AD, -D series), O-360, IO-360, L/TIO-360, O-540, IO-540, TIO-540-AE2A, and others.
Note: This is a flight-critical component. The correct part number for a dipstick is 100% dependent on the specific engine model, suffix, and oil sump/crankcase part number. There is no universal fit. The engine's specific Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC) is the final and absolute authority for determining part applicability.
Applications
Pre-Flight Inspection: The primary tool used by the pilot to determine a safe-for-flight oil level.
Scheduled Maintenance: Used by mechanics to confirm the correct oil quantity after an oil change.
Why Choose LW14729?
The LW14729 is a calibrated measuring instrument, not just a "stick." The single most critical reason to use the genuine OEM part is accuracy. Using a non-certified, "will-fit," or incorrect-part-number dipstick is one of the most dangerous maintenance errors possible. A dipstick that is one inch too short will cause a one-or-two-quart overfill. A dipstick that is one inch too long will result in a one-or-two-quart underfill. The genuine Lycoming LW14729 is the only part guaranteed to be calibrated for your specific engine, ensuring the reading you see is the truth, and that the engine is safe for flight.
The engineering principle behind the LW14729 is calibrated volume measurement in a complex geometry. The "FULL" mark is not simply placed at the top of the oil sump; it is a precise location, determined by Lycoming engineers, that corresponds to the maximum safe operating oil volume (e.g., 8 quarts) while accounting for thermal expansion. The "ADD" mark is calibrated to a minimum safe operating volume (e.g., 6 quarts). The length of the rod from the sealing cap to these marks is a critical dimension, specific to the "wet sump" design of the particular crankcase. An incorrect dipstick invalidates all oil quantity readings and directly risks either oil starvation (leading to bearing failure and engine seizure) or oil overfill (leading to high crankcase pressure, foamed oil, loss of lubrication, and blown crankshaft seals).
Note: The LW14729 is a flight-critical instrument. Installation is a simple insertion, but its applicability must be verified by a certified A&P/IA mechanic against the engine's official Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC) and logbooks to ensure it is the correct part for the specific engine/sump combination installed on the aircraft.
Documentation
No public-facing OEM specification sheet was located for this proprietary part number. All authoritative technical data, calibration markings, and applicability are contained within the official Lycoming Maintenance Manuals and Illustrated Parts Catalogs (IPC) for the applicable engine models.
