Oil dipstick tube

[Bythepond88]

While changing the oil this past week-end, I noticed that the lower end of my engine oil dipstick was loose. I tried to stick it back into the block, but it wouldn't go. The very end is flared, leading me to think that there was an extension past that that is broken off in the block, but when I checked the various parts stores for a picture to compare, none of them have a listing.

Has anyone else run into dipstick problems?

Is this a dealer only/boneyard part?

[12Ounce]

I've had dipstick tubes to get loose before ... but never quite like you describe. I've rebuilt the engine on my '99, but it was a few years ago ... my memory of the details have dimmed. Usually the tube is just stuck, tight fit, into the block. Rarely there is a securing screw detail down low ... but today the securing is done near the top of the tube. It does sound like yours has broken off, and perhaps flared itself by bouncing against the block. If you can't get the tube to re enter the block, you may require a new one and replacement. Either bone yard or dealer. If a piece is still in the block, you would mostly likely first remove the oil pan and then drive the tube piece upward. Before doing all of that, I would probably come up with some other way of sealing the tube and measuring the oil level ... all you need to do is measure the level after installing five fresh quarts.

[Bythepond88]

Thank you 12ounce. I think that the flare was a stop to set the distance that tube goes into the block, which is what made me suspect that it was broken. I thought about seeing if I could get some thinwall tubing at the hardware store that is a close fit inside as a sort of "splice." Since you don't seem to think that that is too much like a bodge, I will try that for now. It's kind of cold up here to be prowling around the boneyard, and apart from not wanting to pay dealer price, the parts departments of the local dealers haven't been friendly, so I don't want to give them my business if I can help it.

[12Ounce]

I think I now only understand what you meant by "flare". I now think you mean that "necked down", or reduced diameter, on the lower end of the tube. That is quite common on tube designs. I'm not sure why you can't get the tube to enter the block, but the tubes are normally driven down until the larger diameter stops entry.... just as you suspected.
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There should be a couple, maybe three, of inches of this reduced diameter ... how many inches do you see?

[Bythepond88]

It's not necked down, it is a "ridge" that is slightly larger than the diameter of the rest of the tube. There is nothing below it. I believe that the tube broke right where the lower portion slides into the block and that the lower portion is still in the block.

[aleekat]

Originally Posted by Bythepond88

Thank you 12ounce. I think that the flare was a stop to set the distance that tube goes into the block, which is what made me suspect that it was broken. I thought about seeing if I could get some thinwall tubing at the hardware store that is a close fit inside as a sort of "splice." Since you don't seem to think that that is too much like a bodge, I will try that for now. It's kind of cold up here to be prowling around the boneyard, and apart from not wanting to pay dealer price, the parts departments of the local dealers haven't been friendly, so I don't want to give them my business if I can help it.

That and some JB Weld. That's what I would try.

[Bythepond88]

Thank you, Aleekat. I was trying to figure out the best way to make the "splice" fast to the tube. I was thinking about trying to solder it in place, but JB sounds much easier. If I can get a fairly tight fit, I may try the solder first anyway. I have to clean up the inside really good either way.

[12Ounce]

OK, now I think I understand better what happened ... and you are correct, it probably broke off. It would just wait until the pan was off (perhaps never) if it were me. I'm sure you can find a smaller diameter nylon hose that will fit pretty well and be a good substitute for the tube ... then all you need to do is calibrate the replacement for the stick ... perhaps a length of stiff wire. It don't have to be perfect!
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Forget trying to fasten something to that broken tube ... never gonna happen.

[Bythepond88]

Thanks, 12Ounce. I'm stubborn, so I'm willing to risk a few bucks and a little time to prove you right.