Broken dip stick tube

[Kenneth P.]

The dip stick tube is broken at the flange on my 65 corvette. How do I remove the remaining piece from the block?

[Mike T.]

Re: Broken dip stick tube

I used an easy out. It was not easy, but finally got it.

[Mike E.]

Re: Broken dip stick tube

Not the easiest way, but remove the pan and tap it out from the bottom.

[Brian M.]

Re: Broken dip stick tube

I have gotten them out from the Top side by using a blade style screwdriver inserted into the remaining pc and turning left while pulling on the screwdriver. Good luck.

[Larry M.]

Re: Broken dip stick tube

Some folks have used a long, self-tapping screw of the correct diameter. Screw it in about 5-6 turns and then use a vise-grips on the head of the screw to help pull the dipstick tube out. Add a little grease first to capture any metal shavings that may try to drop down the dip stick tube into the oil pan.

Not certain of the correct screw/bolt diameter. You want one that bites into the dipstick tube metal, but not into the block.

Larry

[Edward J.]

Re: Broken dip stick tube

Some folks have used a long, self-tapping screw of the correct diameter. Screw it in about 5-6 turns and then use a vise-grips on the head of the screw to help pull the dipstick tube out. Add a little grease first to capture any metal shavings that may try to drop down the dip stick tube into the oil pan.

Not certain of the correct screw/bolt diameter. You want one that bites into the dipstick tube metal, but not into the block.

Larry

Larry, I personally have performed this my self more than once, A self tapping bolt will work, once the screw is in I used I used a screw driver(long blade) and a small ball peen hammer to tap out. I think you'll need a 1/4 in bolt with a fine thread(body bolts sometimes have a tappered or pointed end) and ridge on the bolt head will give you a little room to tap the broken piece out.

[Dennis O.]

Re: Broken dip stick tube

I had this same problem with a '68 300 HP car about 2 years ago. I found a cheap 7/16" open end wrench and ground it diagonally across the face of the wrench part. The end of the open part of the wrench was a wedge when seen from the side. I just tapped this in between the pan and what was left of the dipstick tube. It came right out. The 7/16" opening is just right to pry the two parts apart. (If anyone has trouble visualizing what I am talking about let me know; I think I know where the modified wrench is and can submit a picture if needed.) This way, you are working entirely external to the dipstick tube and don't have to worry about dropping metal chips into the engine.

[Gary B.]

Broken dip stick tube removal; slap-hammer system

The dip stick tube is broken at the flange on my 65 corvette. How do I remove the remaining piece from the block?

Ken,

If you use an approach like the self-tapping bolt and you need to apply an axial force to the bolt I recommend a slap-hammer approach. About 5 years ago I wrote an article for my chapter newsletter and maybe it went to the Restorer as well that showed how to make a simple slap-hammer system to remove an intact dip stick tube. I can send you a PDF of the article if you're interested and if you send me your e-mail address.

Gary

[Joe R.]

Re: Broken dip stick tube

I think I know where the modified wrench is and can submit a picture if needed.

Dennis,

I would like to see a picture if it's not too much trouble.

Thanks,
Joe

[George D.]

Re: Broken dip stick tube

Ken,

I tried the screw method and it didn't work. Perhaps the press fit on the tube was too tight. One of may major concerns was metal chips falling into the pan. The final solution was to drop the pan and push it out from the bottom. If you push it out from the bottom you will find tube sticks down quite far into the oil pan. While taping it out you may bend the lower portion or mushroom over the end. I cut the tube up near the block and pushed it out. You may also find that installing a new tube may be difficult because of the press fit and not much room to work with a hammer. I polished the end of the tube to reduce the press fit and applied some oil for lubrication so that it went in easily.

George

[John D.]

Re: Broken dip stick tube

Always use a new dip stick tube and discard the original as once removed the original will be loose. Now bubbas try and use some expoxy, etc but it isn't worth it. GM may still have them. Repros you see on the market are typically GM ones. JD

[Dennis O.]

Re: Broken dip stick tube

Here ya' go. Pretty crude and simple, but I was amazed at how well it worked.

[Joe R.]

Re: Broken dip stick tube

Dennis,

Thanks for the pictures.! Fast, cheap and easy, those are fine attributes all!

Joe