Need help.....may have cracked dipstick tube.....please see pic and help identify

[Box7774]

Hello all,
I was doing some needed maintenance on my 01 Box base and everything went really well. I replaced the starter and the AOS. Both were very satisfying repairs, actually just finding the engine was satisfying. Anyway as I was tightening the last starter bolt my socket wrench pushed too hard against what I thought was flexible tubing but turned out to be 18yr old brittle plastic tubing....crrrrack! I was so bummed. I noticed there was a cable inside the tube and just figured it was the trunk release cable or something so I taped it up good and tight and finished the job. I am mad at myself for not verifying if it was the dipstick tube while having the engine exposed but I am pretty certain that it is. Now I know this is a pressurized system of sorts because when removing the dipstick or oil fill cap while the engine is running the engine doesnt like that...so if the dipstick tube is cracked once my tape loses its seal the engine will run terrible. Can u guys view the enclosed pic and verify if this is the dipstick tube in the pic.......and if so....how difficult is the repair?
Thanks

look for red pointer stick

[itsnotanova]

It's a five minute fix. Once you get a replacement tube, you'll see the clips you have to hold down onto to release the old one. Be careful inserting the dipstick into a broken tube. I've seen one ground out on the positive cable going to the starter and cause a fire.

[maytag]

Originally Posted by itsnotanova

It's a five minute fix. Once you get a replacement tube, you'll see the clips you have to hold down onto to release the old one. Be careful inserting the dipstick into a broken tube. I've seen one ground out on the positive cable going to the starter and cause a fire.

Woody's right-on, as always. AND the good news is, it's a 2-piece tube and you almost certainly popped the "upper" tube, which is the easy one to replace.

[Brian in Tucson]

I replaced mine. Not expensive and Pelican carries them. As Woody says, it's no big deal.


Pelican supports the community, we should support our friends at Pelican. (Wearing my Pelican T shirt as I type.

[Box7774]

Thanks all....too bad I had put the engine covers all back together and the throttle body etc........but the second time in was a breeze.......thanks to the tips on this forum I gained access through the carpet in the trunk...once I had eyes on it I could see how the job needed to be done. Fortunately the engine side disconnected easily and I pulled it right out.
This was an easy job for those of us that have unearthed the engine and removed the throttle body and plenum........for some it might be considered challenging.

I purchased from Pelican and paid for overnight shipping because I am selling my car this Monday. Sometimes u just have to pay the man....
Props to Pelican for having a great site....and delivering when they say they will.

Thanks guys!

[Cosmo Kramer]

If it’s a clean break you can splice the dipstick tube back together with a small length of fuel injection hose and this will keep the vacuum leak at bay until you can get a new tube.