Dipstick Tube Replacement Options

[yeahmag]

The dipstick tube is damaged on the case I'm using for my new build. I thought it would be no big deal to replace, but I can't seem to find the right tubing size. Anybody have some guidance?

-Aaron

[porschetub]

The dipstick tube is damaged on the case I'm using for my new build. I thought it would be no big deal to replace, but I can't seem to find the right tubing size. Anybody have some guidance?

-Aaron

I would say in will be metric , but wall thickness will dictate what you can fit in there ,how the hell you get the old on out I have no idea,cheers.

[MartyYeoman]

I'm interested in seeing how this is resolved as I have a otherwise good case with the same problem. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/headbang.gif)

[URY914]

I took a Type iV engine out of a VW 411 and it didn't have the dipstick in the same location as a 914 T-4. I drilled a hole where the 914 dipstick needed to be and used a piece of copper tubing that I bought at a hobby shop for the tube. I epoxied it in place with some JB Weld. It lasted for years.

[Krieger]

I saw a post hear once upon a time where someone fixed that by drilling the remnants out of the case. He then tapped the hole in the case and used a segment of larger brake line threaded into the case.

[sdoolin]

I used a bus case for my 2056 build, had to manufacture the dipstick tube. I used a section of 5/16" hydraulic brake line. Press fit into a 5/16" hole drilled into the case, then peened and JB welded into place. It has several thousand miles on it and all is well.

[zig-n-zag]

I recieved the 2 replacement dipstick tubes I ordered from European Motorworks today.

The OD of this stainless tube is 8.5mm verses the stock tube of 8mm, so the hole to mount the tube in the case will need to be opened up a bit.

European Motorworks can do the installation if you like, talk to Jorge.

[zig-n-zag]

Here’s how I did my dipstick installations.

Put the new tube in the freezer overnight.

Cut off the damaged dipstick tube flush with the case.

Use a 8mmx1.25 tap to create threads and screw in an 8mm stud.

I needed to use a 3” 1/4” drive socket extension with the tap wrench to

clear the chimney.

Knock out the old tube and stud with a long punch and hammer.

Get the new tube from the freezer and with a few hammer raps, it’s done.

There was no need to open up the case tube hole.

[MartyYeoman]

How did you set the correct tube length for accurate dip stick measurements? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

[zig-n-zag]

I cut a piece of fat drinking straw 6” long and slipped it over the dipstick

tube as a gauge to set the correct length.

[friethmiller]

I just did this last week! See my post #1065.

European Auto Works can sell you the tube. It’s stainless and stronger than the original. I asked Jorge how his guys did the replacement, he told me they insert a smaller diameter metal rod down the tube so it won’t crush. Next, they use vise grips to get it to turn and then pound it out. Finally, they drive the new tube in from the top.

For me, I used a long screw driver and it worked great. I locked down the vise grips near the spot where the tube enters the case to get it to turn. I deployed a bit of heat here too but not sure it was needed. Once it starts to turn, move the vise grips up the shaft so you have enough room to hit the side of the vise grips with a hammer. It will begin to move, eventually coming out.

To install, I pulled the new tube out of the freezer and pounded it in with a punch from the top. My punch created this perfect trumpeted shape to the end which would have looked awesome but… I realized I was about a 1/2” short of getting the tube where it needed to go. Upon inspection from inside the case, it had driven flush with inside of the hole, which was great but the original had protruded through a bit. After a few more good taps from the hammer, I realized it wasn’t moving so to make up the difference I simply cut a 1/2 inch off the top - removing my trumpeted end.

Remember to measure the length of the original tube from the top to where it enters the case before you begin. Good luck. It’s not a hard job to do, actually.