Transmission Dipstick Tip Broke off in Tube

[boulky12]

I just got done dropping the pan and changing the Trans filter.

After topping it off and checking the fluid several times, the tip of the dipstick tube (where it says, Full, Add), decided to break off inside the tube

I don't know how it happened, 1 second it seemed solid, next second it just snaps off?

I don't really feel like dropping the pan or taking out the tube @ the moment since I just got done servicing the transmission.

Is it gonna hurt anything if i drive it with the tip stuck in the tube?

Is there anyway I can try getting it out without taking out the tube or dropping the pan?

I'd really appreciate the help. Thanks

[Captain Swampy]

Try a magnet or one of those 3 prong grabbing things. Shouldn't hurt anything in the short term. I suppose the end could eventually rub through the pan. If the magnet doesn't work, suck it up and pull the pan after you get a new stick.

[Irish_Alley]

if you drop the pan you have to somehow catch and reuse the old fluid. you can pull the tube by removing one bolt and pulling the tube out. theres a boot around the tube where it goes into the pan it might rip or you might rip it reinstalling the tube. the second option seams easier but at the same time. theres no rush in fixing it. were did it break? you might be able to just another dipstick in its place. but the old one wont hurt anything if its left in there

[FlatBlack77]

can you see it in the tube like is it stuck so the side? my first thought is it is going down the tube into the pan.

[boulky12]

Thank you all for the replies and ideas. Since Irish confirmed its not going to hurt anything, I'm just going to leave it in there until the next time I drop the pan again.

I did stick another dipstick in there from another truck just to see and it went in fine.

[Stewart G Griffin]

i was also going to suggest/think (and hope) that the oil pump wouldn't pick it up because there's no way it could pass through the screen.

But isn't there a very small, outside chance it could get kicked up and get entangled with the crank and rods?   Then again, since it's in the lowest part of the pan this is probably unlikely.

[boulky12]

i was also going to suggest/think (and hope) that the oil pump wouldn't pick it up because there's no way it could pass through the screen.

But isn't there a very small, outside chance it could get kicked up and get entangled with the crank and rods?   Then again, since it's in the lowest part of the pan this is probably unlikely.

I actually don't think it's dropped down into the pan because the piece that snapped off was maybe 4-5 inches long and the pan is like 2-3 inches tall so I think its just sitting there at the very bottom of the tube.

I went for a drive not too long ago. So far so good

[LTZ C20]

i was also going to suggest/think (and hope) that the oil pump wouldn't pick it up because there's no way it could pass through the screen.

But isn't there a very small, outside chance it could get kicked up and get entangled with the crank and rods?   Then again, since it's in the lowest part of the pan this is probably unlikely.

His issue is with the TRANSMISSION dipstick, NOT the engine dipstick.

[blazer74]

Me personally, it would bother me knowing it was in there.

[RossCravens]

Me personally, it would bother me knowing it was in there.

X2

[boulky12]

Dosen't bother me knowing its not gonna cause any damage

[Stewart G Griffin]

i was also going to suggest/think (and hope) that the oil pump wouldn't pick it up because there's no way it could pass through the screen.

But isn't there a very small, outside chance it could get kicked up and get entangled with the crank and rods?   Then again, since it's in the lowest part of the pan this is probably unlikely.

His issue is with the TRANSMISSION dipstick, NOT the engine dipstick.

Duh.......can't read.  Well, in that case dropping the pan is not as big a deal.

[werewolfx13]

Drove my 83 c10 for about 4 years that way...biggest pain is it had multiple leaks and adding fluid required an educated guess as to how much to add.

That said, the trans already showed signs of aging besides the leaks, or I would have dropped the pan and replaced the leaking seals and removed the broken dipstick.

[Blazin]

I wouldn't worry about it. Just gonna lay in the pan until next time.
I have dropped many pans over the years and found chunks of metal, screws, bolts etc. Who knows how long they had been there.