Looking for ideas on dipstick extensions

[fred1diver]

Hello all, we have an Atomic 4 on our Pearson 30,
We have almost no issues with it except when trying to get to the dipstick.
Long story short, ordered an extension from Amazon, but when we brought it to the boat, I noticed that the flange exiting the block is really really small, as in I cannot use this to fasten the extension to it.

so my question is, is there any way to fasten/glue anything to the block that will not destroy it?
The handle side of the dipstick would be secured so no movement or very little, but at the block itself, different story.

I thought of epoxying it, using VHB tape, but I don’t think it would work.
Any input would be greatly appreciated

 

[dlochner]

Moyer Marine is the Atomic 4 go to place. I'd ask that question on their forums.

moyermarine

moyermarine.com

 

[fred1diver]

I looked at their website, they do sell an extension for the dipstick, but close to 100$ is, I am in Canada, so with the exchange rate and the shipping (we pay extra to get things shipped to Canada) it would be close to 200$ or more after everything.

the one they sell has a thumbscrew to secure it, but the flange is less than ⅛-¼” high (I will measure exactly later today)
I am guessing the newer models have a higher flange

 

[dmax]

Not sure of what you're trying to do without a picture but I've used JB Weld many times to adhere two pieces of metal together in all kinds of situations - if done well, it doesn't fail.

 

[UpperPintle]

Fred,
I made dipstick extension tube for my Universal 5444, although not same engine, it might give you some ideas.

I had a machine shop compress the lower end of the tube so the tube's OD tightly fits the dipstick hole in the engine block. No sealants, just a tight fit. After 4 year, no leak

The upper end of the extension tube is flared to provide a 'ramp' for the o ring on the new dipstick, which just a generic one from a local auto parts store.
To calibrate the new sick, I put the old one in place and made sure oil was at "full mark. then removed enough oil to expose the "Add" mark. At that point, I installed the extension tube and made new marks for 'full' and 'add'.

 

[fred1diver]

Ok, did not manage to measure, as I am not nimble for that kind of boat yoga it is so hard to even manage to take a picture in that area, trying to hover over the engine without face planting in it, I did manage to get 2 pics in, 3 lights to be able to see anything

the flange is a bit taller than I originally saw, so I will get my caliper out of storage, measure and drill the new extension, and I will try the same technique as Moyer, I will drill and tap, use a thumb screw.
Not sure if I will have time tomorrow, but I will keep you all updated

 

[Project_Mayhem]

You might be able to attach a hose and hose clamp or possibly a compression fitting on there and then attach the extension you bought to the fitting/hose

 

[Rick Webb]

Do you need an extension on the tube? Why not extend the handle?

 

[sailme88]

SO thinking outside of the box here....

Why not remove the current dipstick and straighten out the finger ring.. get some similar sized rod and bend in a finger loop. Then connect them together in two places with barrel connectors....

 

[fred1diver]

Good idea, but my main issue is putting it back in place, I cannot see the hole

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

Good idea, but my main issue is putting it back in place, I cannot see the hole

This is the target I use to guide me back into the hidden hole every time the dip stick is removed :

Never miss after a few practice runs.

 

[Rick Webb]

Fashion part of a funnel over the opening or paint the tube a different color

 

[fred1diver]

This is the target I use to guide me back into the hidden hole every time the dip stick is removed :

View attachment 237403

Never miss after a few practice runs.

Do y have a picture? The diagram is leaving me confused

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

Sorry but it's buried besIde the engine out of view. :

This is all you can see is the ring at the top of the dip stick :

The oil fill hole is about 6" deeper than the top of the dip stick. It is completely out of sight unless you remove the stairs and the engine cover which is time consuming and a PITA for a quick oil and water check. Hence the need for the target for a quick out and in of the dip stick while the stairs and engine cover remain in place.

Makes an impossible stunt actually quite easy.

 

[fred1diver]

I measured the flange, got the dimensions transfered to the part I ordered from Amazon, need to drill and tap for a thumb screw to secure it in place, so far about 30 minutes in, find a longer rod, the one that came with it is about 5 inches too short, it will be easy to find and adapt, so hopefully by Sunday afternoon I will post the results

 

[fred1diver]

Ok, time for a quick update.
Here is what I ordered a while ago. The only issue is that the end fitting does not fit on the Atomic 4, so a few modifications and it will fit nicely .
I took off the bottom part, it was screwed on, oversized the bottom hole to just a bit over the size of the flange, it had 2 O-rings, which I removed, then cut the length of the bottom part and drilled and tapped in one of the O-ring groves, then added a screw to hold it on the flange.
I did have to make the stick part 5” longer as well, it was held on the knob by a set screw, so easy to do.
Hopefully by the weekend everything will be installed and I can cross this project off my list

 

[Project_Mayhem]

I'd be happy to 3D print you a funnel if this doesnt work out