How to Remove a Stuck Oil Dipstick Tube: Most Safe Method

How to remove a stuck oil dipstick tube is very important to know because the oil dip-stick tube is a crucial component of the engine in your car that enables you to monitor the condition and level of the oil.

Sadly, with time, this component may become stuck because of poor construction, corrosion, or other issues. If your oil dip-stick tube is jammed, don’t panic as we have got you covered. In this post, we will give a step-by-step guide on how to unstick a jammed oil dip-stick tube.

How to Remove a Stuck Oil Dipstick Tube

To remove a stuck oil dipstick tube first you need to locate the oil dip-stick tube, prepare the area, and spray penetrating oil. Then you have to use pliers, use a pry bar, apply heat, and use a hacksaw to finally remove the tube.

1. Locate the Oil Dipstick Tube

The oil dip-stick tube is often found next to the oil filter or oil pan on an engine. Depending on the make and type of your car, the exact location may change. Find the engine oil filling cap first, then the oil dip-stick tube.
Usually close by, either on the same side of the engine or on the opposite side, is where you’ll find the oil dip-stick tube.

Look for a little metal or plastic rod sticking out of the engine block if you’re having difficulties finding the tube. In order to check the oil level and condition, the oil dipstick is most frequently put into the oil dip-stick tube.

2. Prepare the Area

The next stage in unsticking a stuck dipstick tube is to prepare the area around it after you have discovered the tube. In order to avoid damaging the engine or other components during the removal procedure, the space must be properly prepared.

Cleaning the region surrounding the oil dip-stick tube should be done first while getting ready the area. Use a clean rag or cloth to do this. To avoid it getting into the engine while being removed, make sure to clean off any dirt or debris from the region.

Cover any delicate parts near the oil dip-stick tube with a protective material, such as a rubber pad or a thick cloth, after cleaning the area. This will shield these parts from harm while they are being removed.
Before removing the oil dip-stick tube, it’s also a good idea to put on gloves and safety glasses.

This will safeguard against any injury from hot or sharp parts. Next, be sure to put any equipment or materials you may need in a convenient location. By doing this, the removal procedure will move faster and without needless delays.

3. Spray Penetrating Oil

The jammed dip-stick tube can be removed more easily by using a lubricant called penetrating oil to assist loosen and break up rust and corrosion. Find the point where the oil dip-stick tube meets the engine block at the bottom before applying penetrating oil.

Spray a generous amount of penetrating oil all the way around the base of the tube, being careful to cover the whole area. In order to give the penetrating oil time to penetrate any rust or corrosion that could be causing the tube to stick, allow it some time to soak in.

This could make it simpler to take out the tube without harming other parts of the engine or the engine block. After using penetrating oil, if the oil dip-stick tube is still stuck, you might need to repeat the procedure numerous times to completely release the rust and corrosion.

It’s crucial to understand that penetrating oils are not all made equal. Rust and corrosion may not be effectively broken up by poor penetrating oils, which might make the cleaning procedure more challenging. For the greatest effects, it is advised not to use a poor quality penetrating oil.

4. Use Pliers

The next step in unsticking an oil dipstick stuck is to use pliers if the tube is still stuck after using penetrating oil. The oil dip-stick tube may be held firmly with the help of pliers, which also provide you with the necessary leverage to remove it.

Locate the oil dip-stick tube’s top where it emerges from the engine block before you begin using pliers. To gently grasp the top of the tube, use a set of pliers with a firm grip. After you have a solid grasp on the tube, slowly rock the pliers back and forth while twisting and pulling them to release the tube.

Avoid applying too much pressure since doing so might harm the tube or its components. You might need to exert a little bit more power if the tube still won’t come out. A set of locking pliers, commonly referred to as vice grips, can be used in this situation as they offer a firmer grasp and more leverage.

While using locking pliers to exert force, be careful since misuse might result in damage. It’s crucial to remember that the oil dip stick tube has to be replaced if it breaks or sustains any damage while being removed.

5. Use a Pry Bar

You may also use a pry bar as an alternative to pliers. A pry bar is a device that is employed to exert force and leverage in order to pry apart two items. Find the point where the oil dip-stick tube joins the engine block at the bottom to start using a pry bar.

Being cautious to avoid damaging any other parts, gently insert the pry bar between the engine block and the tube. While the pry bar is in position, gently shake the bar while applying pressure on it to release the tube.

While applying pressure, be careful not to use too much force as this might harm the engine block or other parts. You might need to exert a little bit more power if the tube still won’t come out. You might try using a bigger pry bar or a breaker bar in this situation to exert more power and leverage.

6. Apply Heat

One efficient method to loosen the tube is by heating it. The expansion of metal brought on by heat can aid in dislodging the tube’s sticking corrosion or adhesives. Using a heat gun or propane torch, apply heat to the jammed oil dip-stick tube. The base of the tube should be found first where it connects to the engine block.

Avoid heating any components or spaces that can be combustible that is close by. Once you have discovered where the base of the tube is, heat the region for a short time while ensuring that the heat source is moving to prevent overheating at any one location.

Try using pliers or a pry bar after heating the area to remove the dip-stick tube. Try again after adding additional heat if the tube still won’t come out. The engine block or other components may be harmed by excessive heat, so take care not to use it.

It is crucial to keep in mind that heating the oil dip-stick tube might be hazardous. Someone who has used heat tools before should only attempt it. Also, it’s critical to practice safety measures like donning safety goggles and gloves, keeping a fire extinguisher close by, and more.

7. Use a Hacksaw

If all previous attempts to free a blocked oil dip-stick tube have failed, resort to using a hacksaw. For the tube to be removed from the engine block using this procedure, it must be chopped into pieces.

Be sure that any electrical cables or other objects that could be in the path of the hacksaw have been removed before using it. Ensure that the saw blade you are using is suitable for cutting metal as well.

The oil dip-stick tube should next be gently chopped into numerous little pieces using the hacksaw. For the sake of protecting other parts of the engine, including the engine block itself, it’s crucial to take your time and cut gently.

Use pliers or a pry bar to remove the broken dipstick fragments from the engine block after cutting them into pieces. Check the engine block for any saw damage and make sure to clear out any leftover debris.
It’s vital to only undertake this step if you have expertise using power tools and are confident in your abilities because utilizing a hacksaw may be a risky and challenging way.

Frequently Asked Question

– Can an Engine Be Harmed by a Dipstick Tube That Is Broken?

Yes, an engine can be harmed by a dipstick tube that is broken. An engine can sustain considerable damage if dirt and debris are allowed to enter due to a damaged dip-stick tube. A damaged tube may also result in oil leaks, which may cause low oil levels and engine failure.

Conclusion

Although a clogged oil dip-stick tube has been a frustrating issue, it will now be simple to fix since you have learned how to remove a stuck oil dipstick tube.

To summarize this post’s main points:

• The oil dip-stick tube is a crucial part of checking the amount of engine oil during oil change and must be in good working order.
• Penetrating oil, pliers, a pry bar, heat, or a hacksaw can be used to free a blocked dip-stick tube.
  To prevent harm to the engine block, it is crucial to find the blocked tube and ready the region around it before making an attempt to remove it.
• When the tube has been taken out, the region has to be cleaned and checked for any harm that could have occurred in the course of removal.
• The oil dip-stick tube may avoid getting trapped and harming the engine with routine maintenance and examination.

Overall, always operate cautiously and in accordance with safety regulations to avoid harming your vehicle or yourself.