Dipstick.

[cass3958]

Tonight I gave the S Type a quick once over as I have a wedding tomorrow. Pulled the dipstick out to check the oil level and only half of it came out. It appears to have snapped at the top where the solid section goes in to the flexi part. I can see the top of the flexi section in the tube but it is too far down to grab a hold of. I poked it with a rod and it is pretty well solid in place so I am not concerned with it dropping in to the sump but I would like to get it out. Any suggestions?
If I cannot get to it from the top the only other option I have is to drop the sump and get to it from underneath. To drop the sump it is either engine out or drop the front subframe and steering out of the way first. I have a hydraulic ramp now for working on the car so this is not a problem other than time but I would like to get it out from the top if possible.

Then I noticed the brake warning light was on but not the handbrake so checked the reservoir and found it was empty. Leaking out of the bottom again. Poor design on these reservoirs as the plastic bottle gets brittle due to the heat in the engine bay and the tube on the bottom starts to crack and leak if you move it about. Working on the Dizzy recently so had to move it out of the way and it obviously broke then. This is my second in four years. Checked on SNG and they now want £35 for a new one which is essentially a plastic water bottle you can buy in any sports shop for £1. Last one cost £25 so gone up £10 in two years. Repaired for the time being whilst I wait for the new one to arrive.

[NigelW]

Rob you could try and remove the dipstick tube as it is only an interference fit in the block using a pair of Stilsons to grip it. Can't help on the brake bottle as I got shot of the S Type item and fitted an E Type square bottle mounted on the bulkhead (battery in the boot) along with the E Type clutch bottle.

[cass3958]

I had thought of this but do not want to damage the tube as it is not listed as a part on the parts list so might not be replaceable. The fact the dipstick is inside will give me some resistance when squeezing it but might still damage it. I gave it a brief tug by hand last night but could not feel any movement but then again it is not the easiest place to get your hand to to give it a good tug. Might have to take the bonnet off to get in to it with both hands and try again.
New dipstick from SNG is £50. Anyone got a spare lying around they don't want?

[NigelW]

I don't think you will get it out by hand as they are in quite tight. Try wrapping some gaffer tape around it to protect the surface, it shouldn't crush as the required force to get it out won't be that great. I've had to take the S Type and the XJ ones out in the past. When putting it back put the tube in the freezer and get the engine hot and it should go back with out too much difficulty. Sorry I don't have a spare one - sort of thing you pick up at spares day for a song.

[cass3958]

Thanks Nigel, Drove the car at the wedding today with no problems. Dipstick in the tube has not moved so will try and get tit out on Sunday when I get a moment. Sound advice with the hot and cold, I have used that before for pressing bearing races in to place. I would even try that to remove it by heating up the engine but that would mean the exhausts would be hot and that's not a good idea.

[NigelW]

Any news on getting the tube out?

[cass3958]

Not had a chance to have a go yet. Too busy with other things but will let you know once I have a tug on it.

[DevilDog]

Mine got stuck in the tube. Finally got it out in pieces. Bought a used one but was higher than SNG. SNG could not get me one at the time. I would get SNG's. Good luck getting it out.

[David Reilly]

Remember, there is a correct dipstick for the 'S'-type.
The ‘handle’ is stamped “3.4/3.8” with a ¾” crosshatched section indicating full or one quart down on one side and the instructions “STOP ENGINE WAIT 1 MIN” on the other.
See Newsletter Vol. 2, No. 9 in the Archives.
Cheers,
David

[cass3958]

Thanks David. I do not think mine was the original dipstick as it had readings on the bottom for 4.2 as well as 3.4 and 3.8. Probably a generic aftermarket Jaguar dipstick. I will hunt for the correct one at Beaulieu this year or check out SNG to see if they still do an original version. Still not got around to removing the tube yet as too busy but the dipstick is jammed in so not going anywhere.