I have a 2002 F-150 4.6 4wd supercrew and the dipstick tube broke off right above the bolt that holds it to the block. I purchased a new tube but can't get the old one out of the block. I didn't want to just destroy the old one getting it out but i tried twisting it and pulling it anyone have any advice is there something else holding it in place or can i just grab the hell out of it with vice grips and twist and jerk it out of there.

 

I had to do one on a 97 and i just took some vice grips and pulled like hell, there is a o ring that keeps it in there pretty good

 

Use some heavy guage snips - something that will snip it off without creating shavings. Cut it in a location where you can wedge a board or small plank, piece of steel stock or whatever you may have handy - Your making your fulcrum in a sense. Once severed - thread a big lag screw into the remaining tube end with a big washer. Pry upward using the prying surface plank or whatever you used for your fulcrum invention

If you keep twisting and pulling recklessly - They like to break inside the block - Then it's a real PITA to get out of there. All that's holding the tube inside is a couple O-rings. You can use penetrating oil to assist by rocking the tube as oil is applied to block entrance.

Good Luck .

BTW - My 98 did the same damn thing. I rusted behind the exhaust manifold. I was lucky, the rest the tube pulled out of the block without a problem.

 

i will give it a try thanks for the tips guys

 

just wanted to throw this out there, i thought i remembered JMC suggesting trying a WD-40 or equiv oil. someone else came along and said not to because it can swell the o-ring... thought i'd share that so ya dont try to lube er up and make it harder lol.

not bashing JMC, just using him as an example since i would have thought the same way as he did. but in no means did i know what chemicals would do that to the o-ring.

 

Yea , Like I mentioned earlier - A penetrating oil - That will make short work of those o-rings if it makes it that far. - PB -Blaster/B-12 , something like that.-