My Dipstick Broke off 1 Comment23 December 2016  |  BigMick

[Anything with a metal/plastic dipstick]

I can think of nothing as disconcerting as pulling out to find the end missing. After all it's that bit on the end that makes the whole thing a viable tool. With out the end, it's just, well, ...a stick.

So you've lost the end, and dipping seems pointless now. To the point that you'd probably not even bother any more. But don't give up just yet. There is hope. You are not alone.

It's a common problem unfortunately, and one of the biggest worries is "What of my end? Where is it, and will it do any damage?" Here's what to do:

Procure a new dipstick, carefully slide it into the tube. If it seats right down into it's normal parked position without having to use excessive force then all is well. The broken end will have dropped into the sump. It can't do any damage down there so don't worry about it.

If however you feel resistance then the broken piece is stuck in the tube and will need to be fished out or pushed down. Here at Eurocarcare we make a 'barbed' harpoon out of welding rod and with patience and the application of many expletives can usually draw it up the tube and out. Don't be tempted to use the new dipstick to ram it down, as this will probably break the new one too. Alternatively use some stiff flexible wire to poke the end back down into the sump. If neither of these methods work then set fire to the car and claim on the insurance you will need to remove the dipstick guide tube and attack from the other end.

There are one or two different dipsticks this is by far the most common. If in doubt give us a tinkle

https://www.eurocarcare.net/sumps/ecc117475-engine-oil-dipstick.html