Oil level stick fell down oil filler tube

I was checking the oil level today when the rear hood fell and I dropped the oil stick down the tube into the tank. I tried but I can't seem to fish the stick out with a coat hanger or see it down there with a flashlight.

Has anyone else done this, it seems to fit down there perfectly? Is it a big problem, the diagrams look like it can't get pulled into the lines going to the pump or engine.

Should I pull the tank and get it out or just buy another oil stick and get it out next time I'm in there?

Thanks,
Chuck
83 911 cab

I did this too! Just get a coat hanger and bend it into a small hook. You will be able to get it on the 1st try!!

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1984 911 Targa
1986 911 Coupe

I have heard about four or five such incidents and it seems fairly divided about whether a telescoping magnet, a 'grabber' with a flex cable ... or whether you just forget about it and buy another one!

Actually, I think I like your idea about pulling the tank! I did that once to clean-up, repaint, and fix a leaking sender gasket ... it could take an afternoon, if you include changing the oil and adjusting the valves, too. Might take a bit longer if the weather is bad and you include visits to the fireplace and hot chocolate to warm up the hands!

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Warren Hall
1973 911S Targa

What about using a strong magnet on an extension, the kind you see every now and then for use in the shop but never seem to purchase. Seems like the oil wouldn't inhibit it too much and I can't imagine the cost would be prohibitive. Probably the same tool you could use as a retreiver when you lose the retainer for the hydraulic strut that keeps the hood from falling down and causing you to drop the dipstick.
Seems like this happens to someone every couple of monthes.
Good Luck,
Mrdi

I usually use my pencil magnet (looks like a knurled metal pencil with a magnet where the eraser would be and has a pocket clip like pens have) and I use 10 ga. house wire (or any very stiff solid wire --- leave the insulation on for a better grip) to wrap thru the pocket clip and then numerous times around the metal pencil (so as not to lose it too) and a loop at the holding end. I have a whole spool of it so I can cut off any length for the fishing job at hand (I also use it for many other things like holding up brake calipers when replacing the pads, etc.). With this I can successfully go fishing for anything magnetic that I drop anywhere because I can keep bending it to slightly deviate the angle on each attempt.

[This message has been edited by tog (edited 12-02-2000).]

Thanks for the help, I hadn't thought about the magnet but I guess the stick is made of steel. (Couldn't they have made the top of that dipstick just a little bigger than the oil tube?)

And with the snow starting to come in Idaho it might be time to change the fluids while the car sits in my garage.

Chuck

A friend did this years ago, the magnet seemed to stick to everything but the dip stick. He finaly bought one of those long grabbers that has a plunger button on the top and three little wire grabbers on the other end(we nicknamed it the hemroid ripper)this work.

Randy Jones
1971 911

Yeah, those prong grabbers work good too... I have one of those also. With the magnet thing I describe it is important that you use HEAVY gauge wire so you can guide it away from other steel things.