Shattered dipstick collar

**stevem999** · 28-12-2006,02:23 PM

Hi all, have just been replacing some bulbs in the car and thought I'd check the oil while I was at it. Pulled the dipstick up with a little twist as normal and it came away too easily. Had a look down inside and saw that the yellow plastic collar for the dipstick to locate into had sheared off. Half of it was attached to the 'male' part of the yellow collar attached to the dipstick itself.

So now the dipstick is just sitting on top of the tube coming from the sump - question is: is this going to be a problem and am I going to lose a lot of oil or cause other problems as well because there is a 'hole' in my engine? Sorry, I'm no mechanic. I'm slightly concerned as I have a 500 mile round trip to do starting tomorrow!

The other question is: can this be replaced and does it need to be (depending on the first question I suppose). It looks to be in quite an awkward spot to change it which feels as it will ring the usual 'labour' alarms when speaking to the garage. Is there anything I can do if need be to 'seal' the dipstick while still allowing it to be used - your thoughts appreciated.

**Boardboy** · 28-12-2006,03:51 PM

I had one break on my Golf. If you can get to a dealer or some one like German & Swedish they are not expensive to buy. You'll lose oil out of it if you drive the car, maybe not alot , but I wouldn't want to risk it. I retrieved the part inside the dip stick "tube" with a thin screwdriver. They are a push fit back on to the dipstick tube.
Hope this helps
Boardboy

**stevem999** · 28-12-2006,06:05 PM

Thanks for the message. I've just found out there is a G & S near me so I'll get the part from there but there's no way I can get it sorted out before I have to leave tomorrow. I think I'll have to gaffer tape the dipstick to the tube for the weekend and sort when I get back. In the meantime, take a litre of oil out in the car with me!

Cheers for the advice

**stevem999** · 04-01-2007,12:32 PM

Well my trip went without incident and I don't seem to have lost a load of oil.

I couldn't gaffer up the dipstick because I couldn't get into it. I've just done a quick call round the garages for a price to supply and fit a new one (knowing that the part can be bought for £1.00) and the prices quotes are plainly ridiculous so I want to do it myself.

Problem is how do I get down to it? The plastic engine cover looks like it may come away if you undo some large plastic crosshead 'screws' which may allow me access. Does anyone know if this sort of job or at least getting access to it is covered in the Haynes manual. Even the £18 on a new manual (know anywhere that does them cheap?) plus the part cost is substantially less than the garage prices.

**Lex Luthor** · 04-01-2007,01:37 PM

Break off all of the broken orange plastic parts using a long screwdriver and perhaps a small hammer. Try to minimise any bits going down the tube, pull them up if you can with a bit of bent wire.
Do not worry if any fall in as there is a strainer on the oil pump and they will probably come out on the next oil change.

Where the new orange guide meets with the steel tube, rub some oil, grease would be better, on that area so they don't stick and break when you install them.

Now slide the new part on the dipstick first, and then push the dipstick back into its tube...you should hear a click, and then when you pull the dipstick back out, the part should stay on the tube.

You may have to push hard to do this. I found a little persuasion with the hammer and driver worked, but I did break the first one doing this.
As they are so cheap I suggest you buy two.

**stevem999** · 04-01-2007,02:38 PM

Thanks for the advice, seems really simple. Still need to know how to get to it though! There is no way I'll get my hands in there without removing something!

**Lex Luthor** · 04-01-2007,02:48 PM

The engine cover comes off after undoing the 3 quarter turn fixings.....but the oil tube is a long way down..that's what the long screwdriver is for.
Tubes are £1.95 on eBay. (item 150077650525)
I have been assuming that your car is a B5, 97-99. The B5.5's are slightly different.

**stevem999** · 04-01-2007,04:01 PM

Understood! I'll check out that eBay seller - they're a touch more than a shop but it saves me making a special trip when the postman can just deliver them!

I have to be honest and say I don't know if my car is a B5 or 5.5 - how do I tell? My car is a S Reg, 1998, 1.8, Saloon, 20V SE if that helps at all!