MTD 951-05438 Oil Dipstick Assembly for Troy-Bilt Craftsman Remington 651-05438

What It Is

This is the OEM oil dipstick assembly (MTD 951-05438 / 651-05438) for checking and topping off engine oil on many Troy-Bilt, Craftsman, and Remington walk-behind mowers, tractors, and zero-turn riders. It replaces a lost, broken, or worn dipstick that no longer seals or reads accurately.

Fitment & Compatibility

• Brands: Troy-Bilt, Craftsman, Remington, Yard-Man, Husqvarna (selected models using MTD engines).
• Engine types: Fits engines with a 3/8" x 24 threaded dipstick port (common on Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, and MTD single-cylinder engines).
• Check before buying: Measure your old dipstick’s thread size (3/8-24 is standard) and overall length. Verify your engine model number (e.g., 12A-xxx, 13A-xxx) or mower model plate. This dipstick is not universal—will not fit larger V-twin engines or non-MTD chassis.
• OEM vs aftermarket: OEM part from MTD/Troy-Bilt; identical to the original. Aftermarket alternatives may be cheaper but often have looser tolerances or shorter length.

Key Things to Know

• Easy install: Screws in by hand—no tools needed. Takes 30 seconds.
• Length matters: Too short = overfill risk; too long = won’t seat fully. Confirm your engine’s dipstick tube depth (typically 6–8 inches).
• Common gotcha: Some mowers use a separate cap-and-dipstick combo; this assembly includes both. If your engine has a separate cap, this won’t fit.
• Quality: OEM plastic handle and threaded metal shaft hold up well—won’t crack or strip like cheap aftermarket versions.

Should You Buy It

Buy this if you need a direct OEM replacement for a missing or damaged dipstick on a Troy-Bilt, Craftsman, or Remington mower with a single-cylinder MTD engine. It’s a simple, reliable fix for accurate oil level readings. Skip it if your engine uses a non-threaded push-in dipstick or a different thread size.