Community Forums

Michael Richardson · 01-16-2019, 10:50 AM

I pulled the oil dipstick out this morning on a 2002 W-22 Workhorse. I tried everything to get it all the way in and it stops about 3/4 of the way down. I tried turning and pushing with no luck. I wonder if there is an improved dipstick. Next I am going to get it as far as I can with the motor at operating temp and use vice grips to try to move a couple inches at a time.

zorro2kita · 01-16-2019, 11:30 AM

I would be careful using vice grips !! How long have you owned the coach ? Have you had this issue before? Oil dip stick may not be original to engine ?? I know they are a PITA to reinsert but it does go back into place - Is it cold where you are ?

MoCoTom · 01-16-2019, 02:47 PM

On mine it will only go in if the dipstick level marks are facing down when inserting into the tube. No idea why, just the way it is

Winemaker2 · 01-16-2019, 03:00 PM

Visually check the full length of the tube.
My WH tube cracked and separated close to where a support was welded on.
My Dip Stick would end up dry as the lower end was outside the engine??

I slid a short coil spring around the outside to keep it aligned and then added some JB weld

vettenuts · 01-16-2019, 08:07 PM

Crawl under and check the lower tube. It corrodes behind the exhaust manifold and can cause your issue. Secondly, use a fine file and round the sharp edges on the bottom of the dipstick and put some oil on it and try again. When you get to the sticking point grab the dipstick about an inch above the tube and gently push and see if it will go in.

Here is a thread on the subject. If you go through all the pages, I posted photos of my dipstick tube replacement. It’s actually quite simple to replace.

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f22/8-1-l...ck-223969.html

TAN · 01-19-2019, 10:56 PM

I have had no problem with the dipstick. It goes in as easy as it does in my car. Maybe I just hold my face just right.

RichnSandy · 01-21-2019, 07:05 PM

Mine is the same as MoCoTom, dip stick lettering upside down. If the letters are right side up... it gets stuck with about 12-15 inches remaining. Nothing leaks other than a minor buildup around the tranny pan.

Michael Richardson · 02-16-2019, 02:26 PM

Changed the lower tube and that took care of the problem it now goes in very easy

**JohnRR** · 02-16-2019, 03:04 PM

Thank you for the update they are important for those who may do a search of the subject in the future.

harleyjt · 02-18-2019, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael Richardson

Changed the lower tube and that took care of the problem it now goes in very easy

Good to hear you got it fixed. I'm curious how many miles you have on the rig?
jt

Michael Richardson · 02-18-2019, 11:15 PM

under 50 K

"007" · 03-02-2019, 06:05 PM

Mileage will not make much of a difference if you live in N.E. and travel during winter months, its water and salts on road working there way behind exhaust manifold and heating up the lower tube and turning to rust that's hard to see behind the manifold.
If your having a problem its the rusty tube braking down and will eventually need to be replaced.