Broken Dipstick Retrieval (pics)

So, my mechanic is now quite worried about my little dipstick tube job. He is saying that if the tube isnt seated exactly as it was, then I am risking ruining the entire engine by not having an accurate oil reading. I dont really know this guy and am new to him. Anyone want to comment if his concern is legitimate?


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If it is flush as you say, you have no problem. If you have doubts, drain your oil out of the pan and refill with the proper amount of oil and check your dipstick.
 
Well, the base of the tube is definitely not seated all the way in to where it was in the pan...but its maybe still 1/8-1/4 of an inch pulled out from its original seat depth. I will try to tap it down some more on Wed. But, seriously...did I just potentially F things up playing boatyard MacGyver? And...how big of a deal is replacing the tube if thats an option?


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Craigalan said:
So, my mechanic is now quite worried about my little dipstick tube job. He is saying that if the tube isnt seated exactly as it was, then I am risking ruining the entire engine by not having an accurate oil reading. I dont really know this guy and am new to him. Anyone want to comment if his concern is legitimate?


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Click to expand...

This just keeps getting better and better.
 
Ha! Im glad you are enjoying the misadventures of a newbie with a wrench show. Stay tuned...


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The range on a dipstick (low > full) usually equals 1qt and is about 1-2", so in your case we are talking about 1/4 - 1/2 of a quart. Hardly enough to ruin an engine. The dipstick doesn't care how much oil is in the motor, just be aware that that one my read a little lower than it actually is. In reality, running an engine 1qt high on oil is worse than running it 1qt low - so I would be more careful about overfilling it vs running it 1/4 - 1/2qt low.
 
Craigalan said:
So, my mechanic is now quite worried about my little dipstick tube job. He is saying that if the tube isnt seated exactly as it was, then I am risking ruining the entire engine by not having an accurate oil reading. I dont really know this guy and am new to him. Anyone want to comment if his concern is legitimate?


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Click to expand...

seriously? I think our dipsticks have a "safe range" around 1/3" inch long. If you are approximately in the right position I don't see how that could be a problem.
 
You'll need a dipstick stretcher tool to lengthen your dipstick to compensate for the changes to the tube!

Seriously though, you know there is a potential for inaccuracy in the reading on that dipstick. Just mentally adjust your readings accordingly. Or use a Dremel with a grinding wheel and score some new high and low lines on the dipstick that take into account the higher position of the tube. All in all, at this point I'd say it's a minor issue
 
Now we are talking. Some positive outlook. I will share these comments with my new mechanic guy and see his reaction. He was with a searay dealership in the area for about 20 years...but, Im still learning his style. Although I really like ole timer boat guys, they seem to all have different opinions. Now for these messages.....


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I had an oil cooler leak. When I got low oil pressure I was down 3 quarts. Based on that the purpose of a dip stick is to let you know you have oil in the engine.
 
Steve195 said:
You'll need a dipstick stretcher tool to lengthen your dipstick to compensate for the changes to the tube!

Seriously though, you know there is a potential for inaccuracy in the reading on that dipstick. Just mentally adjust your readings accordingly. Or use a Dremel with a grinding wheel and score some new high and low lines on the dipstick that take into account the higher position of the tube. All in all, at this point I'd say it's a minor issue
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Thank you. You saved me from typing that exact response! Although... I probably would not have thought of that first comment on my own. :smt001
 
How do you drain your oil? If you suck it out through the dipstick, and if your not seated to the base of the pan, then you will be leaving some dirty oil in the pan. No biggy IMHO, however it needs to be considered when you change oil or add oil. If you drain from the pan itself, it's a bit easier. In either case, I would drain the oil (if it's fresh contain and reuse it) then add one quart at at time. Check the dipstick after each quart. Based on what you have posted, at the end you will have less than up to the full mark on the stick. Put a notch in the dipstick edge with a dremel tool. Drive on!!!!

My 2 cents.
 
I typically suck it up through the dipstick tube.


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dpmulvey said:
How do you drain your oil? If you suck it out through the dipstick, and if your not seated to the base of the pan, then you will be leaving some dirty oil in the pan.
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This would only apply if the extractor attaches to the tube itself. Most use a plastic hose inserted into the tube so they would go to the bottom.

I think you can find the dipstick streacher next to the stern light fluid at WM.
 
tdgard said:
This would only apply if the extractor attaches to the tube itself. Most use a plastic hose inserted into the tube so they would go to the bottom.

I think you can find the dipstick streacher next to the stern light fluid at WM.
Click to expand...

This would only apply if the extractor attaches to the tube itself. Good point. I did not think of that.

WRT the dipstick stretchers. For some stupid reason WM moved them. They now reside smack between the Thiotimoline and the Profabulated Amulite. Damned if I can figure out the marketing strategy.
 
I would tap the dip stick tube back in to its original position and call it a day... nice fix.
 
FYI, as far as sucking the oil out through the dipstick tube or using a small hose stuck down into the tube... Both ways work equally well as far as how much oil you get out. The dipstick tube goes very close to the bottom of the pan. You might see a few ounces more by using a small hose. In reality, though, nowhere near enough to matter one bit at all. Attaching a hose TO the dipstick tube, however, does make the job go a little faster (and less messy). Myself, and everyone else here at the store use a hose attached TO the dipstick tube.
 
I was on my boat today and did my normal fluid level checks. For the first time EVER IN MY LIFE, I was worried about removing the dipstick. Thanks a lot for adding something else to worry about! LOL :huh:
 
Well. Its been an interesting little situation. Here is the result of the Dip Stick Tube reseating. It is so cramped down there, that there is very little room to add any kind of pressure. As you can see, the tube now sits roughly just under 1/2 inch up out of the pan from its original seat. So, on the new dip stick, I just made a new Full line, about 1/2 in down from the factory Full marker to compensate. Does this fix/solution raise any red flags for anyone that maybe I didnt see? Here is a pic of the reseated base.

4b6edc0b63c03cb0d5c29e07cd61cf89.jpg



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