Engine Dipstick Tube
5-7-2009 to 5-20-2009
 The
rear freeze plug is right behind the oil filler tube.
The tube is just a friction fit into the block but I could
not wiggle it out with a strap wrench and bad language.
I could get the freeze plug out with the tube in place but
to get the new plug in I will have to pull this tube.
I will try clamping blocks to the tube and tapping them with
a hammer. I just hope it is not glued in somehow.
There is also a large dent in the tube I will try to take
care of. |
 This
is my first half-assed attempt to get the dipstick tube out
of the block. I clamped this metal bit to the tube and
beat on it. No joy. I also tried a strap wrench,
a wooden block and hammer, and a lot of cussing. I was
not sure how to get this guy out so I set it aside until I
got the oil pan out of the way.
|
 This
is a much better idea. I found a socket the same
diameter as the dipstick tube and smacked it with a 2x4 a
couple of times. The tube slid right out. I
think the 2x4 will be the installation tool of choice as
well. |
 This
is a very fuzzy shot of the dent on the tube. You can
see it is almost kinked. From the shape of the dent I
conclude my father was trying to change a freeze plug with
this tube in the way and did something unspeakable to the
tube. Or maybe he told me that is what happened. |
 Keeping
with my socket abuse theme I started pounding sockets though
the tube. I started with one that almost fit though
and gradually increased sizes until I got to this one that
barely fit though. Each socket acted as a mandrel to
force the dent out. The tube was held squarely on a
board to prevent further damage. |
 Here
is the after shot. There is still a tiny crease in the side
but not enough to worry about. I did not want to get
too aggressive and risk causing a problem. When this
is in the car nobody will notice. |