Stubborn Dipstick
borgt
02-19-2006, 10:49 AM
I have a '96 Grand Cherokee 5.2 and have an awful time getting the dipstick back in after checking the oil. It goes in fine until the last 8 inches, then jams up, no matter how I turn it. The only way to get it all the way in is with the help of a pair of pliers. I tried another dipstick that I found at a junkyard and it did the same thing.
Is this common? Any suggestions?
Paul
Is this common? Any suggestions?
Paul
Biigpuker
02-19-2006, 06:34 PM
The tube is probably very rusty. I have that problem on another vehicle and got another dipstick also with same results. Figured it out when dipstick broke thru the tube. Check yours out.
dksob81
02-19-2006, 09:15 PM
I am having this problem also on my 94 5.2L. I have replaced the Dip Stick Tube and Oil Pan, because I was thinking it was the rail inside the pan but that did not fix it.
I think I have figured out my problem, I had another guy in the shop with his jeep and had a 5.2L in it, I used my dip stick in his jeep and had the same problem, but his stick slid in real nice and easy and this is where I think the problem is. If you look on the end of the dipstick, there is a black substance (at first thought looks like burnt oil) well mine does not have this anymore, I think it is a hard plastic or something. Check to see if your stick has this on the end it might be wearing off of the edges of the stick.
Well what is happening is the stick is actually getting stuck in the tight groove (where the rail inside the pan meets the pan itself), there is a rail/channell on the side (inside) the pan that the dipstic slide through, thats what the plastic/????? tip is suppose to allow the stick to run through this channell without getting hung up.
Try this, using 2 pairs of plier (vise grips, etc.) twist the tip an additional 45 degrees or so from it's current position. Then try to slide it thought if it still won't work flip the dip stick around (so the OIL sign is upside down) and see if it will slide through. After I did this to mine it slides through smoothly when upside down but not when right side up. I do plan on getting a new stick soo though.
I think I have figured out my problem, I had another guy in the shop with his jeep and had a 5.2L in it, I used my dip stick in his jeep and had the same problem, but his stick slid in real nice and easy and this is where I think the problem is. If you look on the end of the dipstick, there is a black substance (at first thought looks like burnt oil) well mine does not have this anymore, I think it is a hard plastic or something. Check to see if your stick has this on the end it might be wearing off of the edges of the stick.
Well what is happening is the stick is actually getting stuck in the tight groove (where the rail inside the pan meets the pan itself), there is a rail/channell on the side (inside) the pan that the dipstic slide through, thats what the plastic/????? tip is suppose to allow the stick to run through this channell without getting hung up.
Try this, using 2 pairs of plier (vise grips, etc.) twist the tip an additional 45 degrees or so from it's current position. Then try to slide it thought if it still won't work flip the dip stick around (so the OIL sign is upside down) and see if it will slide through. After I did this to mine it slides through smoothly when upside down but not when right side up. I do plan on getting a new stick soo though.
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