DIPSTICK!!

There are a couple of different meanings of the word “dipstick”. 1- a long thin metal strip that enables the inspection of oil in the sump of a motor. 2- a derogatory term indicating simple mindedness. While our engine was being rebuilt I took the opportunity to have our dipstick replaced, as the old one had snapped and a long piece of wire was instead employed, which worked fine, but I was keen to have a more precise indication of our oil levels. When we got the bus back I had a look for it and could not see it anywhere, eventually locating the replacement deep down in the bowels of the engine compartment, impossible to reach without crawling under the bus and feeding it up to Helen, and guiding it back into the sleeve again. They had replaced it with one half the length of the old one……… Which leads to the other meaning of the word. Whilst under the bus checking the oil I am always reminded of the mechanic who performed this extremely unintelligent job…….what a DIPSTICK!!