I replaced the oil dipstick with one from the dealer in February. The handle pulled off of the old one.
I just noticed that it is rusted or rotted away at the top several inches, leaving a bunch of crud in the tube. Worried about possible water in the oil, and the rust and junk off the dipstick, I immediately drained the oil. No noticeable foaming or water. I took the stick back to the dealer and they gave me a new one. I asked him if he had seen it before and he said yes but didn't provide any further info or explanation.

What should I worry about or check? This time I coated the entire dipstick with oil and I guess I will keep it coated. How hard is it to pull the tube and clean it out? or is a few corroded particles no big deal if a few more fall in?

Thanks.