What happens if you break your dipstick?
Driving with a broken dipstick is not usually a problem but can become one very quickly when putting your car through its paces. Although the bottom end of your dipstick is curled to provide friction and reduce the chance of moving down into the crankshaft, this can and will happen.
Will a car run without dipstick?
If the engine is in good condition (no oil coming out of the exhaust pipe) you should be able to run it without the dipstick for a while a least provided you are not over-revving the engine.
Can you drive with a broken dipstick?
If it’s the basin of your oil case then no do not drive the vehicle. Debris can get in, Oil can drain out fast! Making a right mess of the engine bay and underneath the vehicle. While potentially damaging the engine if elements are added or enough time has elapsed for damage to occur.
How to replace a broken transmission dipstick tube?
The trick is to install the seal into the hole in the transmission first, then slide the tube into that. It fits quite well, and worked perfectly. The upper bracket also has to be transferred from the old tube to the new one. I had to use a 10mm socket on the bolt and a 9mm wrench on the nut.
Where does the dipstick go in a car?
The dipstick goes back in the car easily enough. I lowered it in from the top, then got under the car and tightened down the bolt with an 11mm socket to what I thought was reasonably tight. At this point I found I had another problem — I’d stripped the hole in the transmission that holds the tube in place.
What’s the best way to remove a broken dipstick?
1. Pressurize the crankcase with compressed air in spurts. (higher risk and most efficient) 2. Hook it out with welding wire. (not always possible, but possibly faster) 3. Unbolt the dipstick tube and remove the dipstick from the bottom. (safest method, but very time consuming)
What to do with a broken transmission tube?
The broken tube (to left) and the piece I pulled out of the transmission (bottom left) next to the new tube (top) and the otterstat seal (bottom right). Tightening the lower bracket bolt with an 11mm socket. One other problem cropped up: I’d over-tightened the bolt holding the tube tot he transmission, and the threads were stripped.