Dipstick

[PhilNW 44]

Just had the sump off to cure a leaking gasket and found that the dipstick tube itself has snapped/broken.

 

I had the bottom end balanced when the engine was last stripped down but suspect there is a vibration resonance spot which has fractured the pipe.

 

I have had numerous problems with sump leaks, sump plugs and oil temp sensor working loose which all seems to point at a vibration

 

Anyone else had this problem or any alternative explanations?

 

 

[Slo 283 1 Cars]

what about your gearbox bolts? i had all mine fall out on numerous occasions

[PhilNW 44]

what about your gearbox bolts? i had all mine fall out on numerous occasions

No problems with gearbox bolts

[Slo 283 1 Cars]

Could be just heat expansion then, as for the oil sensor coming loose, could be just tired threads from many in and outs did you use ptfe tape?

[pug_ham 244 3 Cars]

Have you got uprated mounts?

 

This could explain why the oil temp sender etc came loose.

 

I can't see how the dipstick tube would snap, there shouldn't be enough block flex to cause it & its mounted rigidly to the head.

 

g

[MikeC 10]

You had the crank balanced? Is there any vibrations from the engine though? Is it an uprated crank, or may it not be fitted correctly.

The dipstick could snap with age, as the plastic tends to harden over time. As regards the leaks, is there a sandwich plate fitted to the sump

[MikeC 10]

Sorry the tube is metal, so disgard the plastic advice

Was thinking of it driving home

[PhilNW 44]

The dipstick has broken in the sump not on the section bolted to the block which made me think it was vibration related

 

Part is NFP so a scrap yard job, Have now loctited everything so hope that will cure most things

[pug_ham 244 3 Cars]

The dipstick has broken in the sump not on the section bolted to the block which made me think it was vibration related

We are talking about the dipstick guide tube here, right?

 

Still I can't see what might cause it to snap other than hamfistedness.

 

g

[PhilNW 44]

Yep the tube itself did not bend /kink , has actually clean break which suggested to me vibration fracture not hamfistedness

Edited March 9, 2014 by PhilNW