Dipstick Fell in oil tube

I was going to check my oil and i took the dipstick out then was going to put it in the oil hole i missed and it slipped out of my hands and went in the big tube right next to where I was going to put the Dipstick in how do I get it out thanks

Get a telescoping magnet. There are small cheap ones and sears has bigger heavy duty. Try the smaller one first, should be available at any auto store

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Bob
1982 911SC Targa
PCA - Founders Region

I helped a friend retrieve his dip stick from his SC's oil tank a couple of years ago. First, the dip stick was not magnetic so we used a piece of heavy guage electrical wire with a bent "fish hook" on the end.

Just tested my '84 Carrera's dip stick, it's not magnetic either.

Bruce

I've heard that there's many a 911 oil tank with two, three, four or more dipsticks rattlign around in 'em. Doesn't do a bit of damage, if you don't mind buying a new dipstick.

Stephan Wilkinson

Nice to know it's not magnetic before you go fishing for it. Mine in the 88 isn't mag. either. Looks like a coat hanger fishook is the best idea so far. Seems like this topic comes up once a month.
Mrdi

HOLY ****E!!! You guys are right , I just ran out to the garage and lo and behold no attraction whatsoever!!!!!
Msmith - sorry iffen you run out to de store,
It'sa good thing to have around but no help in this case. SORRY SORRY SORRY.

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Bob
1982 911SC Targa
PCA - Founders Region

I'm thinking that a small diameter wire, or fishing line, connected on one side of the dip stick and perhaps the oil filer cap on the other, would prevent this from happening. Anyone ever try this? It's never happended to me, but I am knocking on wood.
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Paul
78SC Targa

This happened to me about a month ago, I put up a post also. After trying the coat hanger, magnet and even taking the tank off and shaking it around I bought a new one from pelican for about $6. Sure seems like they could have made the thing so it didn't fit down the tube. On my new stick I tried bending the handle part so it wouldn't fit in the tube but then the cap wouldn't close all the way.

Chuck

Heh, I see so many posts about the lost dipstick that I always make sure to get it in the holder before letting go.

I stand on the shoulders of giants!

Yeah Mark, me too. I stick my finger through the loop on purpose when replacing the dip stick. You can't drop it that way.

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Robert Stoll
83 SC
83 944

One of the first things I did when I bought my SC was to take a look at the oil level via the dipstick. I thought...."What kind of a *dipstick* designed this dipstick".
I keep a death grip on the sucker to be sure!

Regards,
Doug
'81SC

My 72 with the oil tank behind the passenger door, is impossible to lose in the tank. It has a big collar below the handle. Neener neener neener....

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Tyson Schmidt
72 911 Cabriolet

Hahaha! I'm with Tyson here.
The brilliant engineers at Porsche redesigned the oil tank for the '72 only year. Dumb-ass gas happy pump attendants ruined this beautiful act for everyone; hard luck chaps! (it's also magnetic, just in case you have rubber fingers and still manage to drop it).

As a final irony, pump attendants now always ask me about the extra flap on those curvaceous flanks, so I get to talk about dry sumping and external oil reservoirs intelligently- thus dispelling the myth that Porsche owners are arrogant, 'wealthy' and dumb.

To the original post:

I have a cheapie tool in my box for use on non-metallic parts that escape their assigned areas on responsibility. It's a long bendy tube with a handle on one end and claspers on the other. They come out from within the tube end like fingers when the handle is pushed, and grip upon release of the handle. It's really quite strong. Recomended. Anyone seen these around?
Happy hunting!

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'72 911 TE

Yup, happened to me, but I was able to crawl out...

Heh heh cough cough,
Jw

[k9handler]

I can now be added to the list....was checking the oil level outside the shoppette parking lot (low light) and missed the tube! I Just laughed and went home.

[aigel]

I "lost" my dipstick. It may be on the road somewhere, or in the tank, I never found out, or tried to. Doesn't make a difference. The dipsticks are dirt cheap, so I just got a new one. I know why they are cheap: They are mass-produced!

George

[sfmlaw17]

I just did this too. Dropped it in there while checking the oil level at night with a flashlight. (Don't ask). Mine was magnetic and the telescoping magnet did the trick. I wonder what years were different and why?

[daka]

Hey, it happens..the tool is what I call a "clutcher" kinda fish around and you'll know when you have it.
Harbor Freight has a magnetic and a clutcher on sale for a while $2.00 for both. Their torque wrench is now on sale for under $10....

[TMH]

I love the lengths that some people will go to to prevent loss of their dipstick into the oil tank. Check out the attached thread, CAD drawings and all:
1 ounce of prevention

Tom

[kqw]

If you are really concerned about it you can remove the oil tank sending unit Then fish inside the tank for the dip stick.