Never before have you thought of getting a stuck oil dipstick until you really get one. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to get a broken dipstick out with 6 easy steps. Now, let’s move on to it.
What Is An Oil Dipstick?
Internal combustion engines all have engine oil dipsticks. The dipstick is a long flat metal rod with a plastic puller on its top. Its main function is to indicate the oil level inside the engine and tell you about the oil condition as well as the internal health of your engine. The metal rod slides through what is usually a metal tube and drops into the oil pan off to the side. Depending on the type of vehicle or engine, the dipstick has an orange, yellow or white circular handle, so you can find it easily on the top or either side of the engine. However, once it is stuck or broken, it can lead to costly damage to your engine.
How to Remove A Stuck Oil Dipstick?
If you unluckily got a stuck engine oil dipstick, here are steps to help you out with the least possibility of breaking the plastic handle.
Tools Required
You must prepare the following tools and supplies for the dipstick removal.
- Clean rag
- Penetrating oil
- Heat gun
- Heat shield
- Ratchet set
6 Steps to Remove Stuck Oil Dipstick
- Clear off the Working Area: Due to the tight space of certain models, there’s no need to remove the whole dipstick tube assembly. Before you start, remove any components that may make it hard to access the dipstick.
- Apply the Penetrating Oil: Typically, there will be a slight opening around the top edge between the dipstick plastic casing and the metal dipstick tube. You can use a penetrating oil around the edge to lubricate the O-rings for easier removal.
- Use A Heat Gun: Use the heat gun to heat up the top of the metal tube, as this is where the seals are located for the dipstick. Avoid heating up the plastic handle. To protect the surrounding components from heat and damage, we recommend using an aluminum expandable duct as a shield.
4. Pull up the Dipstick: After a minute, try to pull up the oil dipstick. If it still feels stuck, apply more oil as needed and continue to heat the area until it’s fully pulled out.
5. Clean away Buildup on the Dipstick: Use a clean rag to clean the dipstick. Don’t stick anything inside of the dipstick tube unless you have removed it from the engine. You can remove the dipstick a few times to loosen its fitment and replace the O-rings when necessary.
6. Keep Regular Maintenance: To prevent the dipstick from sticking again, it’s essential to keep regular maintenance. You can apply fresh engine oil to the sealing surface for lubrication. Keep this area lubricated and engine oil checked at least once a month.
How to Get A Broken Dipstick Out?
What if the dipstick or the puller is broken? That would be the worst situation you could meet. Don’t worry. Here are simple steps to help you avoid these frustrating situations.
- Dipstick handle is broken off: Grab the exposed end with a pick or pliers to pull it out
- Broken dipstick has fallen into the dipstick tube: Try to use compressed air to pressurize the crankcase through the oil fill opening. Listen for air escaping through other openings and block them off with your finger or a shop rag. Remember to keep your face out of the line of fire in case the dipstick shoots out
- The exposed end contains enough ferrous metal: Use a magnet to pull it out
- The metal end is near flush with the tube: Use any strong magnet
- The dipstick has slid into the tube: Use a magnet that is small enough to reach inside
- If that fails, drill a small pilot hole into the dipstick’s end and install a screw to act as a new handle. Use the smallest screw possible to avoid expanding the broken dipstick inside the tube.
- The broken oil dipstick slips too deep into the tube: Remove the dipstick tube from the engine block. Find the brackets that attach the tube to the engine and remove the fasteners holding them in place. Once free from its restraints, the tube should pull from the block easily with the slightest wiggle or twist.
- If not, the needed repairs may be just too much for the casual DIYer. It may be time to put everything back together and take it to a trusted auto repair mechanic.
The YouTube video can help you pull the broken oil dipstick out from the tube.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get a broken plastic dipstick out of the tube?
The most effective DIY method is heating a long, thin wood screw, carefully melting it into the remaining plastic stub inside the tube, letting it cool/harden for a minute, and then gently pulling it out.
Can I drive my Ford with a broken dipstick stuck in the tube?
It is not recommended. The broken piece can allow dirt into the oil pan, or crankcase pressure can blow oil out of the open tube. Always plug the tube or extract the piece as soon as possible.
Final Thoughts
Getting a broken or stuck oil dipstick can be somewhat annoying. Yet you have learned two easy fixes to get the stuck dipstick out of the tube, so you needn’t fret about it again once you run out of oil. Stay tuned to FridayParts and you can learn more about useful tips in troubleshooting, maintenance and repairs. At FridayParts, you can source a vast selection of quality oil dipsticks and other replacement parts for your off-road and heavy-duty machines.
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