need HELP! Broke transmission dipstick

[alman]

Yanmar 3 GM 30F

First problem......it is shifting very stiff, especially going into reverse. It is very hard to get it into reverse. Tried some lube oil on the shaft. No help.
Next checked trans. fluid. level ok.

THEN I caused the second problem. I overtightened the dip stick handle and it broke off. It broke off right about where the threaded part begins. That is stuck in the hole.

Anyway I can get it out or is this a job for a real mechanic? I'm afraid if I try to dig it out, pieces will fall into the transmission.

Any sugestions

[sfchallenger]

As far as the shifting problem, have you disconnected the control rod from the linkage and confirmed it is the linkage on the transmission that is stiff and not the control rod/wire? Also, you might try spraying a penatrative lubricant (I like Boeshield) into the linkage assembly and see if that has any effect. Good luck with the dipstick - is there anything to grab on to with a vise-grip?

Best luck,
h

[alman]

Haven't confirmed anything on the shifting.

Once I broke the handle off. I diverted my attention there. Absolutely nothing to grab onto. It is level with the hole it goes into....and it is broken already....I can see it is not a solid piece anymore. That is why I am afraid to dig it out and have a piece fall into trans.

[night0wl]

this happened on the transmission on my 3ym30/k series yanmar...piss-poor design putting a plastic thumbscrew on something that gets that warm and then cools. I have yet to fix it

[Aposner]

Yanmar 2GM20F. I got a large tool that removes frozen screws (forgot the name of it). When you turn it counterclockwise it digs into the screw (or dipstick cap) and turns it counterclockwise.

Unfortunately this only put a large hole in the center of the cap, but this enabled me to grab it with long nose pliers and gradually remove it. I think I might have lost one tiny piece in the transmission. I figured the plastic was so soft and small that it probably won't do any harm.

300 hours later, still no problem.

Wait until you see the price of a new dipstick. Outrageous.

S/V Latitude Adjustment
Lagoon 35

[pgrech83]

If its plastic and if the peices fall into the transmission it most likely will not do any damage. One way to pull it out is to get a bolt extractor like mentioned before, but if that doesn't work, try using a flat head screw driver and position it close to the edge of the cap and slightly tap with with a hammer going counter clockwise till it breaks loose, and if that doesn't work drill it out. GOOD LUCK!!!

[mm2187]

If you do no have the bolt removal tool, you could also use a regular file to cut a groove in the top to place a screwdriver in. I would not try to take it out until you order and have a replacement!

[emoney]

I'd say, if it's already concerning you, find a local "mobile mechanic" and have them remove it. It might be worth the few bucks, if for nothing else, the peace of mind.

When you get that issue solved, I'd follow the recommendation above concerning the cable itself first. It's an easy thing to diagnose by simply removing the wire, if it shifts smoother,you've found your culprit. If it still shows the same symptoms, odds are it's transmission related.

[night0wl]

Yeah, that replacement $60 dipstick was just insult to injury. I still have it wrapped in the plastic until I can figure out how to remove mine.

The problem for me is that the center of the dipstick still has the metal measuring tube attached to it. Only the thumbscrew cap broke off. So, tapping a flathead screwdriver is near impossible (best case) or worst case, I'll tap the metal measuring tube into the transmission itself.

The thought of this has petrified me to the point of inaction. I get the boat hauled soon enough, and I'll let the pro's take care of it, hopefully.

[eherlihy]

Get a Dremel, and a cutoff wheel. Use the wheel to cut a slot in (not through) the center of the plastic cap. Use a slotted screwdriver in the slot that you just cut to unscrew the cap.