New Engine for a 1975 FJ40 Named "Sandy" (2 Viewers)

[MatthewMcD]

Today started off with fresh coolant and a plan to change the oil.

I drained the oil, changed the filter and when I pulled the dipstick out I only got half. I heard the other half of it skitter down the tube and rattle to the bottom of the oil pan.

Motherf**ker! I have NEVER seen a broken dipstick.

Looks like they are still available from Toyota: 15301-60031

I knew sooner or later I was going to have to drop the oil pan. Just didn't think it would be this weekend.

 

[Pighead]

How much dipstick broke off?
If it's lying on the bottom of the pan don't worry about it.

 

[MatthewMcD]

How much dipstick broke off?
If it's lying on the bottom of the pan don't worry about it.

About 6" at least. Do you think it'll stay put? I worry about spurious metal jostling around in the crank case.

 

[Pighead]

Your dipstick tube is right above the deep end of the pan, which is more than 6" deep. If your broken bit made it to the bottom of the pan it will sit there quietly and you'll forget all about it.

 

[65swb45]

You can attach a magnet or two to either side of the pan, just above the skidplate, to increase the odds that it will stay put until you get around to dropping the pan.

 

[Chungas Revenge]

“Motherf**ker! I have NEVER seen a broken dipstick”.


Of all the things you could conceive of going awry, that’s not one I’ve given much thought to.

 

[charliemeyer007]

You sure you didn't get an oil change at Walmutt? Often comes with broken dip stick or stripped oil plug - sometimes both.

 

[firemanj92]

Can you just pull the dip stick tube to see if it's proud of the oil pan?

 

[65swb45]

Not that it makes much difference at this point, but does the break look completely fresh, or is it partially dull, like maybe it was fatigued?

If it’s a fresh break, you may have some sleuthing to do when you take the pan off. There are some compatibility concerns between different oil pans and blocks, especially when it comes to the oil pump and the dipstick.

 

[MatthewMcD]

and you'll forget all about it.

 

[MatthewMcD]

Can you just pull the dip stick tube to see if it's proud of the oil pan?

Pretty certain I heard it slide down the pan.

 

[MatthewMcD]

Not that it makes much difference at this point, but does the break look completely fresh, or is it partially dull, like maybe it was fatigued?

If it’s a fresh break, you may have some sleuthing to do when you take the pan off. There are some compatibility concerns between different oil pans and blocks, especially when it comes to the oil pump and the dipstick.

Mark, it looks pretty crisp. I never felt any resistance in either direction when I check the oil.

 

[pb4ugo]

Maybe try to fish it out of the drain hole with a magnet and needle nose or some sort of tweezers?

 

[MatthewMcD]

Maybe try to fish it out of the drain hole with a magnet and needle nose or some sort of tweezers?

I am going to start there tomorrow. I have a bore cam I can run into the plug hole to try and look for it.

 

[65swb45]

There is a baffle directly forward of the drain plug; if you shine a light on the outside of the pan just right, you can see the dimples from the spot welds.

 

[MatthewMcD]

There is a baffle directly forward of the drain plug; if you shine a light on the outside of the pan just right, you can see the dimples from the spot welds.

I think I ran into it when I fished it with a magnet. Does it cover the hole or can I get around it?

 

[65swb45]

I think I ran into it when I fished it with a magnet. Does it cover the hole or can I get around it?

As I recall, the baffle is an inch or so forward of the drain plug, and about an inch and a half tall. Maybe two inches. Can’t be much more, or the massive counterweights on the crank would hit it.

 

[MatthewMcD]

As I recall, the baffle is an inch or so forward of the drain plug, and about an inch and a half tall. Maybe two inches. Can’t be much more, or the massive counterweights on the crank would hit it.

Thanks, I will let you know tomorrow. BTW, the carb is a winner.

 

[fjc-man]

You still have the pan with the large drain plug?

 

[MatthewMcD]

You still have the pan with the large drain plug?

Not sure what you mean. It has a 19mm hex plug.