How do I remove the Oil Dipstick Tube from my 2001 Nissan Sentra QG18DE?

Answer 1

This seems to be a recurring issue for this make and model car. If you can see the broken piece of the dipstick in the tube, take a 5 or 6 inch ordinary plastic wire tie (best because it is flexible) put a drop of superglue on it and push it in until stops. Let it sit for about 5 - 10 mins, the glue should attach to the plastic remains of the dipstick and you should be able to pull it out as this worked perfectly for me.

Another approach to this problem is to blow compressed air into the crankcase through the oil filler cap opening. Use a low pressure source - 10 to 20 psi. Place the lever-handle nozzle from a compressed air source at the oil filler opening and use a clean shop rag to create a seal to keep air from escaping from around the nozzle. Blow a few short puffs of air into the crankcase. The pressure will force the dipstick up and out of the dipstick tube. It is best to have someone near to grab the dipstick as it slides up out of the tube.

You need to be careful with the compressed air, based on the age of your car you could create a leak in one of the seals. The better method is to use a shop vac. Punch a small hole in a piece of cardboard and place over tube, the cardboard should be large enough to allow a seal for the shop vac hose. Most times the dipstick will pop out. if the o-ring is still attached, then you can use a flat blade screwdriver , slightly larger than the tube & twist it down into the top of the tube, enlarging the hole enough to suck the dip stick out...