Community Forums

bpu699 · 10-25-2021, 10:20 AM

Cat 3126, looks like its leaking from the small tube entering just next to the starter? Easy fix? Seal?

Skip426 · 10-25-2021, 12:05 PM

Just next to the starter ???

Dip stick tube ?

Hope it's not rusted through , removing tube from the block can be a nightmare .

bpu699 · 10-25-2021, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skip426

Just next to the starter ???

Dip stick tube ?

Hope it's not rusted through , removing tube from the block can be a nightmare .

Haven't looked at it close enough yet... didn't even notice if that was the dipstick tube.

Just saw some oil on the outside of the oilpan and that seemed to be the source...

Why is it a nightmare to correct?

Skip426 · 10-25-2021, 01:01 PM

Dipstick tube is a press fit into the block ; not being fully pressed in to a " neck " on the tube is the main reason dipstick calibration is so often required .
If the tube breaks off during removal , then the pan has to be dropped to extract the remainder .

EDIT: This pdf on the 3126B shows the route of the dipstick tube with the starter removed .

bpu699 · 10-25-2021, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skip426

Dipstick tube is a press fit into the block ; not being fully pressed in to a " neck " on the tube is the main reason dipstick calibration is so often required .
If the tube breaks off during removal , then the pan has to be dropped to extract the remainder .

EDIT: This pdf on the 3126B shows the route of the dipstick tube with the starter removed .

Well, that’s it… will look at it over the weekend. Hopefully something “simple” that can be fixed externally…

bpu699 · 10-25-2021, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skip426

Dipstick tube is a press fit into the block ; not being fully pressed in to a " neck " on the tube is the main reason dipstick calibration is so often required .
If the tube breaks off during removal , then the pan has to be dropped to extract the remainder .

EDIT: This pdf on the 3126B shows the route of the dipstick tube with the starter removed .

Well, that’s it… will look at it over the weekend. Hopefully something “simple” that can be fixed externally…

Owning an RV is very similar to a rolling restoration with a classic car

bpu699 · 04-10-2022, 10:55 AM

Well… looks like I need some help.

So, taking off the starter was a complete bear. Nuts were rusted on solid and studs came out… totally fixable..

I went and bumped the oil dipstick and it just snapped off! Now I have a 1/2 inch nub sticking out and what looks like a nut holding it in.

I’ve seen videos on you tube with folks threading a nut into it and pulling it out. Bad idea or worth a try? Is it just a friction fit or is there more to it? Do I undo the nut?

It’s due for an oil change so if I need to drop the pan i can, is that tons of work or pretty straight forward?

I need to order a dipstick either way, where to buy from? Part number?

Skip426 · 04-10-2022, 11:09 AM

I've never had my starter out so the only view I've had of the tube is with my starter in place.

Any chance you could post a photo of what you're seeing ?

When the tube broke off on Chrysler engines , the shop tool was a large sheet metal screw , that threaded into the tube , and attached to a slide hammer for extraction . Failure of that tool to extract the piece meant oil pan removal and using a punch from below .

bpu699 · 04-10-2022, 11:24 AM

I was hoping you were online

Pics attached below, oddly there is a nut on top?! Is that just a tensioner of some kind?

bpu699 · 04-10-2022, 11:32 AM

Here’s a post that suggests it’s threaded into the block (post 5 of this thread):

https://www.irv2.com/forums/f105/cat...ff-411663.html

wolfe10 · 04-10-2022, 11:37 AM

Sorry, never worked on a dip stick tube on either of our Caterpillar engines.

But, first job is to completely clean that area-- you don't want to drop dirt in the engine.

I would send those photos to your chassis maker. Very likely they, not Caterpillar installed that dip stick tube. If not, they can certainly tell you and you can contact Caterpillar Corp.

I like your idea of researching before just blindly attacking it.

Skip426 · 04-10-2022, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bpu699

Here’s a post that suggests it’s threaded into the block (post 5 of this thread):

https://www.irv2.com/forums/f105/cat...ff-411663.html

From your pictures and the , post in the other thread , it would certainly appear that the tube is treaded into the block .
Caution during removal attempt; and/or a good photo of the replacement part would confirm .

bpu699 · 04-10-2022, 12:58 PM

Woohoo…got it out.

It’s threaded compression fitting. Looks like a 9.5mm OD tube (stainless?). That tube then fits into the plastic extension.

I’m thinking just replacing the stainless tub might be the way to go?

bpu699 · 04-10-2022, 01:00 PM

Also, I cleaned around best I could prior to removal. If any tiny dirt fell in I assume it goes through the pick up and then the filter, correct? Otherwise can just do the oil change before start up.

I was surprised how much dirt/grit there was in the threads! This was likely replaced before too…