Dip Stick Tube: Removing from Engine Block Without Damaging

[Jason Edge]

Here is another one of the tricks I learned over the years and included in our 63/64 Cadillac Chapter March 2013 Newsletter and will share here:

 

Removing the Oil Dipstick Tube
by Jason Edge

This might seem like an easy task but removing and installing a dipstick tube in an engine block without damaging the tube is not that easy, but I have a sure fire “trick” that I will share with everyone.   The problem is if you just try to grip the tube with pliers and twist and turn out, or even worse take a hammer and punch out from the bottom, you are guaranteed to damage the tube. 

For removing the tube, the trick is to take a deep set 11mm 12 point socket and slide on the bottom of the tube, and gently tap the socket with hammer, pushing it out.  You will be able to remove the tube up to a point before the lip of the socket hits the bottom of the block.  You can then take an 11mm open end wrench and put around the tube next to the seat ring and tap the wrench head with hammer to drive the tube the remainder of the way out. (Note: if tube is sliding out nice and smooth with deep set socket, you can switch to a short regular 11mm 12 point socket, once you reach the block with deep set socket, to push it through that much farther without switching to the open end wrench).

For inserting the tube, lube the block where tube is inserted with WD40 and set the 11mm open end wrench head against the seat ring and gently tap the tube into the block until the seat ring is against the block.  I have removed and installed at least a dozen dip stick tubes in this manner over the years and works perfectly every time.

Note: 7/16" Socket & Wrench will work but 11mm will give you a tighter fit.[/b]

[cadillacmike68]

Good info.

and I thought my engine was dirty!   

[Jay Friedman]

Great info, Jason.  Wish I knew it a couple of weeks ago as I damaged a dip stick by doing what you said shouldn't be done.  Luckily I have a spare but do you have any advice on repairing my damaged one.  It's crushed in a bit in the middle from being gripped with a pliers.

[Jason Edge]

Jay, I feel your pain.  I damaged a couple early on when I started the parts things on the side in the 1990's and was determined to apply some basic physics and remove the tube unscathed. I don't know the trick to repair, but would guess it would require a professional with metal shaping. I would expect super heatiing and shaping the metal would be the best approach. 
CadillacMike...yeah some of these engines from old parts cars are pretty caked with the grease and dirt!  Sometimes you get lucky with nice and clean stuff but as parts cars tend to be a bit less than tidy.