Help please/oil dipstick

wolf76 · wolf76's Garage

Hello everyone. I am a neewbie to this sight as well as the 911 world. I have a 1984 911 (3.2). Today I was checking the oil level and the dipsitck slipped and fell down the oil fill tube. What should I do? I know I'll need another dipstick but is it safe to drive the car? Do I need to remove the dipstick and if so how do I do that? Thank you in advance.

Chris

crustychief · crustychief's Garage

get a "magnet on a stick" or a telescoping magnet tool and try to fish it out. there are a lot of people that have done exactly the same thing.

crustychief · crustychief's Garage

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/search.php?searchid=2700128
Forum search results. Good luck!

daepp · 11-08-2008, 07:16 AM

You can rest assured that the loose dipstick will not cause problems to yoy car - you psyche maybe, but not the car. Many here have found extras at the bottom of the tank during restorations.

They can be removed too.

ossiblue · 11-08-2008, 07:17 AM

From what I've read on this board, you're not alone. Most simply buy a new dip stick and drive around with and occasional rattle in the oil tank. My understanding is no harm will be done.
Someone may post a way in which they've retrieved the stick without extreme measures, so keep monitoring your question.

3.2 CAB · 11-08-2008, 07:17 AM

I would believe that a lot of 911's are driving around with an oil dipstick or two in the tank. Generally it causes no problem, except for not being able to check your oil level till you retrieve the dipstick that fell in the tank. You can try to get it with one of the magnetic probes or claw retrievers. Don't be shocked if you find a couple of more of them inside. Good luck!! Tony.

wolf76 · wolf76's Garage

Thanks everyone. I will try the magnet/fish hook and if it soesn't work I'll order a new one. I just wanted to make sure that no damage would be done if I drove the car.

Chris

crustychief · crustychief's Garage

BTW Post a pic of your car! and welcome to the forum!

Gunter · Gunter's Garage

Yep, found an extra one in the tank years ago.
Make a fishing-tool out of a coat hanger by bending it into a small hook on the end or use a magnet.

Have fun.

safe · safe's Garage

Some dipsticks are non-magnetic.

wolf76 · wolf76's Garage

Hello again. Just wanted to let you know the magnet worked! Thanks again for all the replies. This really is a great forum. I will definitely post some pics soon.

Chris

motorcop · 11-08-2008, 02:19 PM

Hey Chris, where in northern NJ are you? I live there and also recently bought a 1984 911 cabrio. Maybe we could help each other out. Ed

JB36 · 11-08-2008, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gunter

Yep, found an extra one in the tank years ago.
Make a fishing-tool out of a coat hanger by bending it into a small hook on the end or use a magnet.

Have fun.

Coat hanger worked for me. It's in my tool bag since I'm probably dumb enough to do it again one day. It takes a little patients, but you should be able to fish it out. I had to keep at it. It would have bugged if it was still in the tank.