I got an odd question

Newbie been lurking here for a while and have a question. I have a 74 cj5 with 304 and yesterday the dipstick tube came off. There is just a flat spot with a hole in it for the dipstick on the side of the block where it was attached with no apparent method to attach. Should I get the JB weld out?. How was this attached? Could there still be part of the tube in the block.... Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Will post pictures once I figure out how.



74 cj5 304 with just installed 2.5" Procomp lift with 32-11.5 Bridgestone MT's

 

IIRC the end of the tube is tapered and presses in. If it broke off, there could be a stub of the tube still in the hole. The top of the tube should also have a bracket that goes under one of the valve cover bolts (?) ... that's typical. I don't remember more specifically.

If you get a new one, just push it in.

 

The old dip tube is flush with the block and the only way to get it out is to push it in. Ain't no way it is coming out the top side as there is nothing to grab on to. If I go that way I suppose that means that I have to drop the oil pan to get the old piece of dip tube out.? Any other bright ideas?

 

I had this problem on one of my Hornet. I was acually able to get an Easy-Out(tool for removing broken bolts--like a reverse drill bit) in a size close to the inner diameter of the tube, tap it in there until it gripped, and slowly work the tube back and forth until it came out. You may have to get small vise grips and clamp them on the Easy-Out so you can pull upwards as you twist it. I would also lube the area with a good penetrating oil, or if it's real stubborn, try a small propane torch. Be sure to change your oil after installing the new tube to remove anything that may have gotten into the pan from the removal. Hope this helps! Curt

 

Curt, Thanks, it can't hurt at this point so I will try the Easy-Out idea.. It is a very tight fit there as the Exaust manifold is in the way and I would rather not remove that yet. But worth a try.
Ray

 

I'd think at worst you'd have to remove the oil pan and tap it out from underneath.

 

mine is broke off in the same place. I put the dipstick in the tube, pushed it back into the block then reattached the mounting bolt on the valve cover. I then RTVed around the tule and block area. Been running this way for months.

 

Had the same thing happen on a 77 3/4ton P/U for YEARS. Chevy.....350.
I'd put off checking the oil for a long time, because if I didn't hold the tube JUST RIGHT, Yoink! Everything came out.....stick and tube.

Point is......I ran like this for years. God I wish that truck woulda blown up. Never did.

 

Well, that is mighty tempting and good to hear. I just may end up that way, but I just picked up a easy out so I guess I will give that a shot first.

 

The tube on my 72 304 was broken when I purchaced it. I ran it that way for a couple of months then I went to the Jeep dealer near my home ( They had a guy in the parts dept who had been around for years) He sold me a new tube and dipstick for about $15 IIRC. There is a flange on the tube that is the seat when it is put into the block. I was able to pry it up gently and get a pair of vice grips onto it stub and pull it out without removing the pan.