2CV Dipstick Tube Removal.

[Avion100]

I need to remove the dipstick tube on my M28/1 2cv engine in order to either modify the shape of it, or rotate it slightly to avoid a clash with other bits.
Does anyone know if this is possible without dismantling the engine. I am reluctant to use any force at the moment in case the tube breaks or is damaged. I suspect that some heat on the crankcase may help but haven't tried it yet.

[david]

gentle turning with pliers should remove it...it just is a push fit..it can also be shortened if one is careful with measurements- discussed previously..to get the dipstick close to crankcase level..far more aesthetic..

[Avion100]

David
Thanks for your comments. Job now done. I applied some localised heat to the crankcase around the dipstick tube, then used a large adjustable spanner where the oil drain connects and managed to rotate the tube the required amount.
Regards
David

[Rusty Rockerpanel]

To anybody who has ever sheared off a dipstick tube at the block and wonders how the hell to extract it without major disassembly:

1. Force a wad of paper down the broken tube about an inch. Top it off with a blob of epoxy to seal the tube off from debris.

2. Drill into the tube with a 3/8" bit. When the bit is about 3/8" into the broken tube it should lock up and the tube will begin spinning. At this point, withdraw the drill and the tube should come up with it.

[Paul]

That sounds like it might work for some, but there's possibility it might not work for others. I'd be inclined to do the paper and epoxy part, but cut a thread in the tube with a tap, insert a stud in the tube, slip a piece of tube over the stud, then pull on the exposed part of the stud with nut.

Cutting the thread may cause the tube to turn inwhich case you stil have the option to pull out the tube by means of the tap.

[Rusty Rockerpanel]

Paul,
I agree with you. The trick I described worked the one time I tried it. Your tap idea is probably safer. For the tap I'd recommend a 3/8" fine thread for that grip. It is probably ideal for the inside diameter of the tube. You can then withdraw the stud (or bolt) by the head or nut with a slide hammer or perhaps just a vice grip.
The base O.D. of the 2CV tube is 10 MM (3937) the shoulder that actually is force fit into the case is slightly larger so a 3/8" (.375) tap should work great inside.
This method would probably work well on many engines with the proper tap selected.
Thank you for your attention and input. Sealing off the upper part of the tube from the crancase with paper and epoxy before any drilling or tapping is the thing we both agree on.
Best,
Rusty Rockerpanel

[andrewc]

This method worked well using an M10 tap yesterday, when I snapped the tube whilst trying to rotate it 180 degrees on my Avion. I cut about an 8mm depth of thread, screwed in a short piece of M10 studding and jacked it out

Why was I trying to rotate the dipstick tube? The answer is in the images I've hopefully managed to attach

[Geoff Ryall-Harvey]

Is that an Aisin 300. Well done that man. Is it going to go under the bonnet or will it need a bulge.

[John Griffiths]

Having used the 9mm method with no success i tried this method useing a 3/8 bsf bolt fully threaded.
I put a nut on, up to the nut head and then a large washer, this I screwed in to the tapped hole through a socket and then undid the nut and holding the bolt, This made a brilliand puller and the tube came out easily.