Oil Dipstick tube replacement M-18 Universal Diesel Catalina 27

L

Loose Ends

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Feb 9, 2011
70
Catalina 27 Forked River NJ
Looks like the dipstick tube is rusting away on my Universal M18 Diesel in our Catalina 27.
I am sure someone out there has had to replace the tube before, and I would like to learn from your experience if you would allow me to.
Is there enough room to get a wrench or socket in there on the mounting bolts?
Are the bolts attached to a sturdy part of the oil pan, or will they strip easily?
Are there any workarounds or things to watch out for? (Example being parts other than the new gasket, new bolts and new tube?)
Next trip to the boat, I will see if I can answer some of these questions on my own.
I know we all have good ideas, but I would like to hear from someone that HAS done this job.
Thanks in advance.
 
D

Donnybrook

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Apr 2, 2011
185
Catalina 27 Niceville, FL
I have not done it, so maybe someone that has will chime in. I had my fuel tank out a few years ago and noted that access to the dip stick tube would be fairly easy with the tank out. Otherwise, as you know, it will be a bear. Mine is an 86 model. Yours could be different.
 
Skipper

Skipper

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Oct 9, 2008
1,742
Bristol 29.9 Dana Point
Did it.
Biggest pain is getting to the base of the tube, on mine.
Also you may want to use gasket material instead of OEM. --See my link below. Some pics in there too.
Pan is sturdy mount.
The bolt holding the tube to the front of the engine is long. Don't panic, it's not holding anything else inside.
Don't forget to drain the oil first :)
The job is not amazingly difficult. It's access that stinks. You just have to use the right tools ie box end wrench, and get to know things by feel.
I used form-a-gasket to hold the new gasket on the tube while I positioned it.
http://forums.sailboatowners.com/index.php?threads/f-gasket.178899/#post-1293142
 
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L

Loose Ends

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Feb 9, 2011
70
Catalina 27 Forked River NJ
Skipper,
Thanks so much for your reply. Did the bolts attached to the side of the pan come out easily?
Obviously I would spray them down with PB blaster or similar beforehand.
That is my biggest fear, damaging the side of the oil pan and having to do a major overhaul. The dipstick is currently not leaking. It is pretty rusty. I need to get my hands in there and see if it is sound or not. The best scenario would be just surface rust. An optimust I am, but I know it is pay me now or pay me later when there is a major leak in the bilge.
Is the long bolt attached to anything else important?
What did you end up using as your replacement gasket?
 
Skipper

Skipper

.
Oct 9, 2008
1,742
Bristol 29.9 Dana Point
Loose Ends said:
Skipper,
Thanks so much for your reply. Did the bolts attached to the side of the pan come out easily?
Obviously I would spray them down with PB blaster or similar beforehand.
That is my biggest fear, damaging the side of the oil pan and having to do a major overhaul. The dipstick is currently not leaking. It is pretty rusty. I need to get my hands in there and see if it is sound or not. The best scenario would be just surface rust. An optimust I am, but I know it is pay me now or pay me later when there is a major leak in the bilge.
Is the long bolt attached to anything else important?
What did you end up using as your replacement gasket?
Click to expand
The bolts in the pan come out readily once you break free. There was no rust on the threads only outside.
The long bolt is just a gear case bolt which also holds the tube. Nothing else.
I used auto parts store gasket material as suggested by another. Use thicker better than thinner. You have to buy a roll and then cut your new gasket using the tube as a guide. It doesn't have to be exact, it just had to cover the tube end, and allow the holes for screws and the stick.
If your tube is rusty, replace it now while tubes are available. M18 is getting old.
Have read about tube failures. Not good. If undetected you could lose the engine. Minimum could be stranding.
 
L

Loose Ends

.
Feb 9, 2011
70
Catalina 27 Forked River NJ
My thoughts exactly regarding the availability of the tube. Thanks again for your reply.
Bill
 
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