I was checking the oil this morning, and my dipstick tube came out with the dipstick. The car is parked at work. Can I drive it under these conditions? Or will I spew engine oil all over the highway? I'm not so worried about leaking a little oil. I'm worried about running my 130K engine with low oil pressure. I use Pennzoil synthetic.

I don't think I can re-insert the tube until I get under the car. So I can either drive it home tonight (30 miles) and get it up on the ramps, or I can stop by a mechanic close by.

Suggestions?

It's an 85 LG4, with a passenger side dipstick.

 

i was able to put my dipstick in without being underneath the car

 

yeah i got mine back in from up top after a header install, i just was moving it around slowly untill i felt it go in alittle and then i wiggled it alittle more and it went all the way down.

 

I guided mine into its hole from below with the dipstick in it to help start it, then took the dipstick out and put a 5/16" bolt in the top of the tube and bonked it all the way into the hole with a hammer

 

Got it fixed. It was too dark ealier this morning to get a good look. The curvature of the dipstick tube led me to think that the opening had to be further back. But I turned the car around to face the sun, and there it was--very easy to reach.

The fit is pretty loose, however. What can I do to get a better seal?

thanks

 

Mine pulls in and out easily also so I dabbed alittle RTV around the base. Anytime Im doing anything with my headers or exhaust I pull it out. Ive never had a problem with it yet.

 

my expierence is aslong as it has the rubber ring to seal, my tube has always been able to pull out. I have to hold the tube as I pull out the stick, but never had ANY oil leak out what so ever, just be sure the ring seal is present n in correct placement

 

I don't have any seals on my dipstick and it doesn't leak. Interesting.
Don't you guys have your dipsticks bolted to your headers/manifolds?

 

Swage the end of the dipstick tube, then press, tap, or "bonk" it in place.

 

Thanks, I'll try that.


Also, we can add this to the 'glossary'

Swage
(n.) A tool, variously shaped or grooved on the end or face, used by blacksmiths and other workers in metals, for shaping their work, whether sheet metal or forging, by holding the swage upon the work, or the work upon the swage, and striking with a sledge.
(v. t.) To shape by means of a swage; to fashion, as a piece of iron, by forcing it into a groove or mold having the required shape.

 

Mine used to be bolted up on the exhaust manifolds....When I got headers I did away with it. Mine has no seal and is not bolted down and it doesn't leak at all.

 

I was thinking more about a tube swage, but you got the general idea:

 

what vader ment was, use somthing to make the bottom of the tube a lil wider.. then the press fit into the block will work better.

when i did it on my camaro, i used a wooden dowel to enlarge it, then i filed the edge so it would press into the hole when i tapped it with a rubber mallet...

just be sure to clean the metal shavings off the stick before you re-install.