Dipstick tube removal

So I screwed up and didn't get the old remnant of the dipstick tube (the tube got bent and snapped off about 1/2" from the block) out of the bottom of my SBC before I stuck the pan on, so now I have to figure out a way to get the tube out of the hole... Anybody else do the same stupid thing?

Had a few ideas, squash over one side of the piece sticking out with a needlsnose pliers, and tap a nail down the side to crush the tube, and pull it out, or get a 5/16 tap and run it down the center, then put a bolt in and pull it out...(I'm thinking this will leave stuff in the pan though)

Any others? Or do I have to bit the bullet and pull the pan.

 

I had this problem. Tried all kinds of things. Finally just tried to use an ez-out. Worked.

It grabbed the remaining tube section, spun it around in the block. I pulled back as I twisted. Pulled it right out.

 

Buy an EASY OUT from auto parts store and use a tap handle and turn CCW. These dipsticks are just a mild interference fit, so the easy out should work. Make sure you bring the broken off tube with you so that you can get the right size EASY OUT.

 

Cool, I was thinking that, but I was afraid because of the EZ-outs taper, that it would just expand the tube and make it that much harder to get out.

 

I did the same thing. Only thing to do now is to drill that ****er out.

 

I once used a puller with a SHCS - not as nice as using a internal bearing puller, but it worked - eventually

 

I used to punch the tube in from the side with a screwdriver and hammer to break it free then grab it with needle nose pliers.

Bob

 

use a dent puller, or drill it

 

dam your fast!..
I used a dent puller once..worked just fine.

 

I have a dent puller... that's a great idea.

 

if the screws too small take a dowel and some glue, glue it in the hole, and screw into the wood

 

all good ideas! make sure you have a really bright light when you do it. sometimes after you get a bite on it some heat on the block helps.

 

Dowel trick.... that sounds good too.

 

See if it's all the way in there... Try a paint can pry tool or 2 back to back? Maybe need to file them down a little width-wise.

 

I have used an easy out successfully for this as well. I would try it first before you get mid evil on it!

 

run a bolt in if you dont have an easy out on hand, worked for me

 

I had the same problem once and just clamped a set of vice grips on it, crimping it flat and sowly twisted/wiggled it out. It don't have to move much at first. Seems like I applied a little heat to the block and used wd40 too. I know, if you brake it off at the block you're screwed but, I fgured the worst I'd have to do was pull the pan. Listen to the smarterer people above.

 

I ended up drilling mine out..I wish I'd thought of the EZ-out thing. The drill pretty much lifted it out in major pieces, but I had to remove & clean the oil pan & the oil pump screen, just to be safe. I bought a new chrome one (didn't see any "plain"ones) & had to grind most of the chrome off it to make it fit. Another one of those things that should be so easy & ends up being so hard.

 

I wouldnt

 

Squeeze it closed with some Vice Grips and then tap upwards on top side of the Vice Grips with a hammer.