How to Fix a Broken Dipstick

A dipstick shows the level of engine oil in an automobile. Over time, a dipstick may break as a result of rust and corrosion or due to excessive engine vibration. Most all dipsticks are made out of metal, and repairing them will require a type of epoxy. The dipstick must be cleaned, finely sanded and epoxied to restore its usefulness. The entire dipstick repair process will take only about one hour from beginning to end.

Instructions

1

Extract the broken dipstick from the dipstick tube. Use a telescoping magnet if necessary to remove any loose pieces of the dipstick from the tube.

2

Clean the surface of the metal at each break with soapy water and a rag. Remove the soapy water off of the metal with a dry rag.

3

Sand the metal with fine-grit sandpaper until it is smooth. Wipe away the resulting particles with a clean rag.

4

Lay the two sections of broken dipstick on a clean rag. Position the broken ends of the dipstick so that they are touching. Mix the metal epoxy together according to the instructions on the box.

5

Apply a generous amount of the metal epoxy to one side of the dipstick break with a plastic scraper. Turn the piece over and apply a generous amount of epoxy to the broken area. Continue applying the epoxy to the broken areas of the dipstick until the entire break is covered with epoxy. Ensure that the parts are straight as the epoxy dries.

6

Allow the epoxy to completely dry on the dipstick according to the instructions on the epoxy box. Once the epoxy has dried, use the fine grit sandpaper to sand down any rough edges around the hardened epoxy. Continue sanding the hardened epoxy until it is smooth.

7

Slide the dipstick in and out of the dipstick tube to ensure that the hardened epoxy will not drag against the sides of the tube. If the epoxy does drag against the sides, finely sand the hardened epoxy until there is no resistance.