Broken dipstick

[pburgess000]

Yes, it's snapped off flush with the top of the tube, right after an oil and filter change.

Both halves are visible but the worry is that too much fiddling will push them further down into the sump. Of course taking the sump off would fix the problem, but if anyone has found and easier way I'd be delighted to know.

Many thanks,

Peter
1971 S4 DHC

[andyelan]

Hi Peter

As a last resort would it be possible to pull out both the dipstick and tube together ? You might damage the tube and have to buy a new one but I think it's only a push fit into the block

Andy

[tdafforn]

big strong magnet
T

[gjz30075]

+1 on the magnet. Also try a needle nose pliers.

Greg Z
'72 Sprint

[jkolb]

If you have access to a doctor, a long nosed hemostat is excellent. These are like rigid tweazers with a lock. Used tool places often have them.

Jerry

[1964 S1]

This whole thing is a put on, right PETER? Both halves are in the hole? How the hell did you or they, do you take your Elan to a Jiffy Lube, break an Elan dipstick? AND, get the end loop crammed in the tube. Come on, if you're going to try and sham us get real, get a life.

[steveww]

The dip stick tube is just a push fit so it would/should be possible to pull out the tube and the stick as one. A new tube will of course be required afterwards but these are available from the likes of QED.

[pburgess000]

Thanks for all the tips guys. And no it's not a put on. Removing the dipstick tube seems like a good idea, though from memory (I am at work) it looks welded into place. Not really anything left to grip on for pliers, but anything is worth a go rather than removing the sump! I will keep you updated. Peter

[JJDraper]

How about a thin self tapper screwed a little way in between the two halves and pull gently. If the two halves pull out a bit with the screw, screw it in a bit more and repeat the action, until there is enough of the broken stubs to grasp with a pair of pliers. Then gently pull the whole lot out - easy!

Take care not to pull one half out leaving the other to drop down into the sump....

Jeremy

[1964 S1]

I apologize for my insensitivity, I think I finally realize what you mean by both halves are in the tube. I'd tightly clamp some vise grips on the tube at the top and wiggle/yank the whole mess out. "one half" is only a short piece of metal that can easily go into the sump.
Eric

[john.p.clegg]

Does anyone mind me suggesting pushing the two halves into the sump? I'm sure they will stay there,not get caught up in any whirling machinery, not get "sucked up" into the oil pump and can be retrieved next time the sump is dropped?
Or am I a luddite?

John

[elansprint71]

If you do pull the tube out (which is easy) don't forget to measure how far it sticks out before you remove it.

[paddy]

Does anyone mind me suggesting pushing the two halves into the sump?

I suspect they won't go all the way down and fall out of the tube. Isn't the "long" half pretty close to the floor of the sump in its normal position?

Paddy

[1964 S1]

I'm still having a hard time believing this whole conversation. How could one possibly jam dip stick pieces INTO the sump? IF this is all for real, follow elansprint71 and my advice.
And.... I'd still like to know how someone could break an Elan dipstick in half.

[john.p.clegg]

After sleeping on it,yes,the pieces would be too long to push into the sump pan...

Sorry

John