Does A Broken Dipstick Do Damage To An Engine? How To Remove It?

Low levels of engine oil can damage the engine. So, it is important to check the oil level frequently. While checking the oil, the dipstick can get stuck on the tube. This raises another concern: does a broken dipstick do damage to an engine?

No, a broken dipstick does not damage an engine. The broken dipstick mainly remains stuck on the tube. If not present, then it will go down to the sump and remain in the lower part with oil. If you want to remove it, then you have certain ways to do so.

Read on to learn the ways of removing the broken dipstick from the engine.

Does A Broken Dipstick Do Damage To An Engine?

No, a broken dipstick does not damage the engine. Checking the oil level with a dipstick regularly is a good practice. Throughout their lifetime, people, at least once, face the problem that the dipstick gets stuck.

It hampers checking the oil level, as you can not remove it. If you leave the broken dipstick on the tube, that will automatically go to the sump.

The broken stick will remain at the end of the sump with other dirt. You should remove the broken part as soon as possible. Because if somehow the stick is exposed to the timing chain, then it will be a problem. It can cause severe damage to that part as well as to the motor.

How To Remove A Broken Dipstick From a Sump?

Follow the process below to remove the broken piece of dipstick from the engine sump.

1. Jack up your car.
2. Cool down the engine properly. It will take a maximum of 2 hours. But if the car engine still hot after 2 hours then there must be an overheating issue.
3. Place a drain pan just below the drain pan bolt.
4. Unscrew the bolt.
5. Drain all the oil properly.
6. Now remove the drain pan.
7. Unscrew all the bolts which are holding the oil pan.
8. Now you will be able to find the broken dipstick on the pan.
9. Remove the dipstick and the oil and clean the oil pan.

That is how you can remove a broken dipstick and dirty oil from the sump.

How To Remove A Broken Dipstick From A Dipstick Tube?

There are two easy ways to remove a broken dipstick. The processes are quite easy, and you do not need any experience to do so. But while doing this, be careful not to damage the surrounding parts.

Drilling Method

It is the most common process followed by people. If you see that the plastic end remains with the dipstick, then go for this process.

To remove the broken dipstick, you need some tools. Gather all the given tools before removing them.

• A new dipstick
• A drilling machine
• A drywall screw
• A Phillips head screwdriver
• A pump
• A side cutter

Now it is time for the procedure. Ensure that the car engine is cool enough. You may hear grinding noise when turning engine off. It could be produced due to the cooling process.

• Now locate the dead end of the dipstick.
• Now drill in the broken end which is visible in the dipstick tube.
• Drill a little bit more than half an inch.
• Now blow the specks of dust with the pump produced by the drill machine.
• Set the drywall screw on the drilled part.
• Insert the drywall screw with the Phillips head screwdriver. Ensure that the screw sets are tight enough on the broken dipstick plastic part.
• Now hold the remaining open part of the screw with a side cutter.
• Slowly and with little force, pull the screw up.
• The broken dipstick will come out following the screw.
• While doing this, try not to harm the dipstick tube.
• Finally, insert the new dipstick in a position with less force.

Pressurizing Method

The dipstick can be broken without the plastic end. At that moment, you can not follow the previous method. It is quite easy to follow. Also, in this process, there is a chance of damage.

• Pull off the breather hose on the positive crankcase ventilation system with a plier.
• Now blow air on the hose and pressurize the crankcase.
• The broken part will come out from the tube through the pressure.

You can follow any of these two methods. But if you are unable to, then go to the repair shop. It will not cost much. Also, while removing the dipstick, do not give it pressure. Then it will be difficult to remove.

Is It Safe To Drive A Car With A Broken Dipstick?

It is safe or not to drive a car with a broken dipstick depending upon its position. If it interferes with any rotating part or the timing chain, then it can cause motor damage.

But it is recommended not to drive with a broken dipstick if it goes to the sump. First, remove it, then drive. But if the dipstick is stuck on the dipstick tube, then you can drive.

Conclusion

While checking the oil level, the dipstick can be stuck in the dipstick tube. Also it can go to the sump. But no worries! It will not damage the engine parts. If it goes to the sump it will remain there without any damage.

However, there are easy solutions to remove the broken part from the oil reservoir. Also, if it is stuck on the dipstick tube, you can remove it by two simple methods. I will never recommend you drive a car with a broken dipstick. Remove the broken part before driving.

Resources

1. https://www.eurocarcare.net/blog/dipstick-broken.html
2. https://www.quora.com/The-end-of-my-dipstick-has-broken-off-Will-it-damage-the-vehicle-to-drive-it
3. https://mechanics.stackexchange.com/questions/28333/i-drove-my-car-with-the-dipstick-left-out-did-i-do-any-damage