Dipstick for Hurth HBW 50 transmission on Universal M18

[Richard19068]

The dipstick on the Hurth HBW 50 transmission (aka ZF 5 M) is an open ended metal tube inserted into a hole in the transmission fill plug.

When I changed the fluid today I discovered that the dipstick tube was coming loose from the plug. I gave it a little pull and it came out of the plug. I guess I'm lucky it didn't just fall off into the transmission. I have read a couple of accounts of this happening.

For the time being I put the prescribed amount of fluid into the transmission and put the plug back in (without the dipstick tube).

So I now don't have a way to check the fluid level.

I haven't been able to find any replacements on the internet. Does anyone have a source for these?

I don't know anything about welding and don't know if the tube and plug are compatible materials to be welded but I was thinking that might be a solution. My problem there is I don't know how far the tube should be inserted into the plug to get the correct depth for indicating proper fluid level (The tube inserts about 11/16 inch into the plug before bottoming out). If anyone out there has an Hurth HBW 50 transmission and plans to check their transmission fluid level in the near future maybe you could do me a favor and measure the length of the dipstick tube from the bottom end to where it enters the plug.

Any thoughts about this are appreciated.

And... check those tubes when you pull the fill plugs to make sure they are secure. I can imagine one dropping into the transmission could cause quite some damage.

 

[FastOlson]

Do you have a close up picture of the recently-divorced parts? That might help us imagine a solution.

 

[Richard19068]

Thanks. Here you go.

 

[dmax]

It's probably pressed in - a little JB Weld would probably hold it back together once you've figured out the length.

 

[Richard19068]

It's probably pressed in - a little JB Weld would probably hold it back together once you've figured out the length.

Thanks, I agree that it appears to be a pressed in fitting.

I thought about JB weld or something like that but I don't know how well it would stick to the tube. If it didn't stick and the tube fell out there would be problems.

 

[dlochner]

Have you tried calling a marine transmission shop?

You might try Marine Transmission in Ft Lauderdale or East Coast Marine Transmission in NJ.

 

[Timm R Oday25]

If it were I , I'd screw a nut onto the fitting . Then I'd drill a hole through the nut and plug and dipstick . Than I would remove the nut. This saves the threads and keeps the drill straight . Then insert the appropriate roll pin . Boom done, never coming apart.

 

[dmax]

If done right, JB Weld doesn't come apart - just give it a good yank to see if it holds. Timm's pin method is superior if you're up for it.

 

[Timm R Oday25]

JB weld can work miracles indeed . My biggest concern would be getting the mating surfaces clean enough for the JB Weld to adhere .

 

[JoeWhite]

Timm's idea of placing a nut then drilling a hole is an excellent idea. I had thought drilling a hole through the thread and placing a set screw, same idea, but it would damage the threads. Placing a nut first would keep the threads from deforming.

 

[Richard19068]

Have you tried calling a marine transmission shop?
You might try Marine Transmission in Ft Lauderdale or East Coast Marine Transmission in NJ.

Good thought. I'll try calling. Thanks for the sources.

 

[Richard19068]

If it were I , I'd screw a nut onto the fitting . Then I'd drill a hole through the nut and plug and dipstick . Than I would remove the nut. This saves the threads and keeps the drill straight . Then insert the appropriate roll pin . Boom done, never coming apart.

Interesting idea. Not sure I have the setup to do that. Might be able to get it done though. Thanks.

 

[Richard19068]

Thanks for the replies and ideas.

Still need to know what the proper length is.

 

[Timm R Oday25]

If you don't have the correct set up ..send it here and I'll take care of it .. Just trying to pay it forward.
As far as the proper length is concerned , that paart is simple . Drain the oil completely . This will also give you the chance to check for metal or condensation . Put the factory specified amount back in .
i'd wait maybe an hour . Now using the dipstick you already have, check the level. Where ever the oil is on the dipstick has to be correct.

 

[Richard19068]

If you don't have the correct set up ..send it here and I'll take care of it .. Just trying to pay it forward.
As far as the proper length is concerned , that paart is simple . Drain the oil completely . This will also give you the chance to check for metal or condensation . Put the factory specified amount back in .
i'd wait maybe an hour . Now using the dipstick you already have, check the level. Where ever the oil is on the dipstick has to be correct.

That's a great offer and I might take you up on it. Thanks so much.

I've already drained and refilled with the specified amount.
The problem with the dipstick length is I can't use it because it is detached from the plug. Thinking about that a little more I guess I could stick a dowel in there and then just measure the dry part of the dowel to the top of the fill spot and adjust from there. Now why didn't I think about that before?

 

[Head Sail]

Why not order a new dipstick from the manufacturer? Another option would be to check the oil level with another rod, make a mark at the proper oil level (as someone said) and use that. Use the old cap.
I'd be worried about any repair made coming apart.

 

[Timm R Oday25]

As I was researching you issue , I became aware of two things . The dipstick is available for $92.00 . The second and more important concern is that the unit is not just a dipstick . It is also the gearbox vent . Absolutely essential that it does not become plugged !

 

[Richard19068]

It is also the gearbox vent . Absolutely essential that it does not become plugged !

Right. it does serve as a vent.

Didn't see it available anywhere. But for $92 I think I can come up with an alternative.