Dipstick popping out and leaking

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asterix_the_gaul
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Dipstick popping out and leaking

Post by asterix_the_gaul »

Problem as title on 2.0 CU air-cooled lump, plenty of other leaks which are getting looked at Next Week, but as I've been checking the oil level constantly due to the leaks I've noticed the dipstick has always popped itself out in between checks and another tiny leak onto the hose underneath is obvious.
What do I need to do to fix this?
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Mocki
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Re: Dipstick popping out and leaking

Post by Mocki »

if the dipstick keeps pushing up the tube, the engine is breathing heavily, pressure it pushing it up
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Re: Dipstick popping out and leaking

Post by sarran1955 »

Hello


asterix_the_gaul wrote: 2.0 CU air-cooled I've noticed the dipstick has always popped itself out in between checks

What do I need to do to fix this?

Excess crank case pressure, due to worn/broken piston rings

To fix: engine out and top end overhaul...
To bodge:vent the crankcase relief valve to a catch can

Air-cooled Bliss... 8)

Cordialement,

:ok
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asterix_the_gaul
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Re: Dipstick popping out and leaking

Post by asterix_the_gaul »

OK, so my understanding is Excessive crank case pressure venting through dipstick tube, pressure builds and pushes dipstick seal eventually popping seal and dipstick forced out a CM or so in process.
Cause: worn piston rings, poor seal and excessive blow by of gases causing increased crank case pressure which can also cause other leaks.
Other cause can be breather pipe kinked or blocked so crank case not venting normal pressures.
I'm hoping it's number 2.
Compression test only way to check if rings are worn?
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937carrera
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Re: Dipstick popping out and leaking

Post by 937carrera »

Easy test: Pull a breather pipe off and see if it is breathing heavily (lots of smoke / airflow)

Better test: compression test or leak test
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asterix_the_gaul
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Re: Dipstick popping out and leaking

Post by asterix_the_gaul »

.So, 1000 miles on, the problem remains as you might expect but the oil leaks have worsened, I don't think it's consuming oil to any significant amount but it's really piddling it out from engine from running to coming to a stop when hot. Talking a good puddle after stopping, looks to be coming from the front Of The engine, although the other minor drops still dripping a bit from the rear Of The engine. Checked filter and sump nut OK, was barely having to top up due to drips prior to this last few weeks when I've driven it much more and it's now leaking about 0.5 to 1l/100 miles depending on cruising or stop/starts driving.
Obviously needs something doing asap but is it worth it to get it looked at or just bite the bullet and throw a recon engine at it and be done. It is breathing heavily, but runs fine, happily cruises at 60 on 3/4 throttle and will do 70 on the flat no problem.
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937carrera
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Re: Dipstick popping out and leaking

Post by 937carrera »

So the excess crankcase pressure has also likely pushed the crankshaft oil seal out as well.

Rebuild yours - you then know what has been done."Recon" engines can vary in quality a lot.
1981 RHD 2.0 Aircooled Leisuredrive project, CU engine
1990 RHD 1.9 Auto Sleeper with DF/DG engine

asterix_the_gaul
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Re: Dipstick popping out and leaking

Post by asterix_the_gaul »

Unfortunately That's probably not going to be an option, been looking around and not found anyone locally competent/ willing to do a rebuild, proving hard enough to get any one to just swop a Recon engine..
I'm looking at a VEGE rebuilt unit with a 12m/12k warranty as an option.
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937carrera
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Re: Dipstick popping out and leaking

Post by 937carrera »

How far is local for you........... the further you are prepared to travel the wider the options
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Re: Dipstick popping out and leaking

Post by nevill3 »

Brickwerks the garage not the webshop are probably less than an hour or 50 miles from you, go to the best if they can fit you in. That is if they do engine recons, but I am sure they could fit one for you.
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lefty67
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Re: Dipstick popping out and leaking

Post by lefty67 »

Where in Cheshire are you?
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nevill3
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Re: Dipstick popping out and leaking

Post by nevill3 »

Your other option is a decent used replacement from a reliable source, I trust a guy (a member on here) not far from you who breaks T25s for a living. Alternatively have you seen these https://www.theengineshop.info/acatalog ... 031XV.html . I am not recommending them as I have no personal experience with them but maybe others could vouch for them.
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Re: Dipstick popping out and leaking

Post by 300CE »

The VW Engine Company in Catford seem to be getting a good rep:

https://www.thevwenginecompany.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

It does seem that recon engines are becoming increasingly expensive though and well worth having a go at a top end rebuild if you can as it’s a lot cheaper and rewarding. Plenty of threads and help available to assist on here :ok
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937carrera
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Re: Dipstick popping out and leaking

Post by 937carrera »

Engine out
Tinware removed
Heads off
Barrels off
Rings changed
Crank seal replaced
Reassemble
Enjoy

A full rebuild could of course involve more than this, but this should be all that's needed to have a decent runner again

Costs
Gasket set
Rings
Oil change
Time
Maybe some tools

Worth a thought
1981 RHD 2.0 Aircooled Leisuredrive project, CU engine
1990 RHD 1.9 Auto Sleeper with DF/DG engine

asterix_the_gaul
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Re: Dipstick popping out and leaking

Post by asterix_the_gaul »

I'm in WA6 postcode, the engineshop was my other option, was eyeing up their 2.4 big bore CU engine too..

brickwerks workshop are not taking any new customers unfortunately.
I have sent some more emails this weekend and will try my phone only old school mechanic back in manchester, see if he's game..
Any advice or suggestions greatfully received

Unfortunately don't have the time or skills to rebuild anything myself, plus I live on a big hill, I have to drive down to the local supermarket car park to get flat ground just to jack up a vehicle!
Autohomes CI Kamper 2.0 CU air-cooled

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