Broken Dipstick Retrieval (pics)

[Craigalan]

Good to be back!

See pics...my yellow handle broke off, now the dipstick is stuck down the shaft about a few inches. Anyone had this beauty of a problem? Any suggestions? Thanks to all!!

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[Dieseljeff]

Hemostats! :grin:

Jeff

 

[Craigalan]

Maybe...if they are thin enough. Mine are reaching...


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[Craigalan]

Correction...mine are NOT reaching


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[Gofirstclass]

There are some 'glues' that are made to work specifically with metals. I can't recall any of the names right now. Sorry.

What if you put a small blob of the glue on the end of a coat hangar and slid it down the tube far enough to touch the end of the dipstick, then let it sit for a day or two to harden. The dipstick should pull out easily if you can just somehow attach to it.

 

[Craigalan]

Excellent. That idea is on the list, as is high powered magnets. Will keep you posted.


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[electricaldoctor]

magnet??

 

[electricaldoctor]

Bilge Monkey (first cousin of Trunk Monkey) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8avOiTUcD4Y :grin:

 

[Craigalan]

Yep, one mechanic suggested I try 2 high powered magnets and run them up the side of the metal tube. Or, a skinny one that would fit down in. Seems like a reach...but I will try anything. Same guy also said...."in 35 years of service, Ive never seen this problem happen before."


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[Steve195]

How does the dipstick tube attach to the engine block? Is it screwed in? If so, could you unscrew and remove it, pull it up and expose the dipstick?

 

[Craigalan]

Its sealed in somehow. The engine is a Merc 7.4. My mechanic friend says this is possible...but a major PITA and is probably a last resort.


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[northern]

Place thin soft wire (Rebar tie wire) a foot or so past the end. See if you can twist it around dip stick. Then pull.

 

[Craigalan]

Great suggestions guys. Keep em coming.


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[Blueone]

http://www.harborfreight.com/12-inch-locking-clamp-94952.html

This might work....or modify to work

 

[Mike Blake]

The dipstick is pressed in the block. Twist it back and forth then pull the whole thing out. Take a small hammer put RTV on the end and drive it back in. easy!

 

[ZZ13]

Turn the boat upside down and it will fall right out (well, somebody had to post it).

 

[Happy Hour IV]

A slight variation to the thin wire method will work.. measure the length of the tube to the entrance into the pan or to the 90 if there is one. Push a tie wire (yes rebar wire) into the tube to this point but not past it. With about 6 inches sticking out put the wire in a drill
chuck and turn the drill slowly about ten turns. It should wrap around the dipstick enough to just pull it out.

 

[Prosideus]

Something with teeth like a small rat tail file on one side, and a wooden chopstick on the other. Rat tail file in first on one side, wedge the chopstick or wood sliver down the other side to create a bind and work out. May take a couple of attempts.


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[Air O'Nautical]

The dipstick is pressed in the block. Twist it back and forth then pull the whole thing out. Take a small hammer put RTV on the end and drive it back in. easy!

Careful because, it might not be pressed into the side of the block...it may go to the bottom of the pan and have a banjo bolt connecting to the tube. Mine is done this way.

I've seen this problem three times before....all of them, the weak rubber yellow dipsticks.
#1 managed to retrieve it with a dental like tool with a small sharp hook.
#2 had to cut the tube (small plumbers tool) lower than the top of the dipstick then, mended the tube with a length of hose that fit snugly over the top of the tube. This actually worked very well.
#3 capped the tube leaving the dipstick in there because, this motor had another dipstick tube on the opposite side if the engine..

Good luck...!

 

[Steve Craig]

Another vote for the rebar wire. Twist it a bit like the end on a coat hangar. I would spin it manually in the tube. Wouldn't want to get it stuck between the tube & the remaining dipstick.