[2tango2]

Here is why I ask. The oil dipstick broke off and it look like the only way to get it out is to remove the valve cover.

Its a 2003 that has 200K on it and not looking to spend a ton of money on it.


Ideas on the cost? I'm not in a position to do this myself

 

[cookieman214]

Why don't you call a dealer and ask "How much...?"

Then you would have an idea of the cost.

 

[2Accordz]

No way to get a magnetic wand down there to try and grab it??
If the top(yellow plastic) part broke off, then it should be just sitting there and if you can buy a wand, you should be able to snag it if you're careful.

 

[t-rd]

I just posted this in another thread

https://www.driveaccord.net/forums/15-7th-generation/539463-2005-accord-3-0-vtec-oil-leak.html

 

[KW2004Accord]

2002 Nissan Sentra's had the same problem where the plastic handle would snap off & the dipstick would fall into the oil pan. Only way was to drop the oil pan to remove the metal stick but some people had luck with "snagging" it & pulling it out of the tube. When it happened on a friends Sentra, my mechanic used his pressure air hose, removed the oil fill cap & shot a burst of air into the top of the engine, the dipstick shot out of the tube like a bullet. Try @2Accordz method first. https://www.autozone.com/test-scan-...ecialty-tools/magnetic-pick-up-tool/great-neck-magnetize-demagnetize/452634_0_0 can also get on Amazon, find something metal that fit's the tube.

 

[qman]

My guess on the dealer option is $600.

 

[2tango2]

I took the cookiemans advice and called around. 1 dealer quoted 280, another 200

 

[CDsDontBurn]

What about using some skinny needle nose pliers?

 

[2tango2]

What about using some skinny needle nose pliers?

I think the hole is too small to get anything in there. It's sort of a bummer because I can see where it is catching and not coming back up through the hole and seems like a lot of aggravation in taking off the valve cover just for this.

 

[2Accordz]

I think the hole is too small to get anything in there. It's sort of a bummer because I can see where it is catching and not coming back up through the hole and seems like a lot of aggravation in taking off the valve cover just for this.

That's why you should try a magnetic wand..
Yet another reason why anyone who works on their car should have one.

 

[derass]

Those quotes are pretty high. The dealer did my valve adjustment AND replaced the valve cover gasket for $300. That was 2 hrs labour and the gasket.

 

[qman]

Those quotes are pretty high. The dealer did my valve adjustment AND replaced the valve cover gasket for $300. That was 2 hrs labour and the gasket.

good point. OP you may as well have them do a valve adjustment and ask them to pull out the dipstick while they're at it.

 

[KW2004Accord]

Call around to some independent shops, any place can do the valve cover gasket.

 

[03LXV6]

How far down is it broken? There are some really thin pliers that may be able to go down a few inches. It doesn't have to open that much to grab the dipstick.

 

[KW2004Accord]

5 ways to remove a broken dipstick in your Nissan Sentra...

 

[Drew03Accord]

If you don't want to spend the money, why consider a dealer? Any half-assed mechanic could pull a valve cover.

 

[rookie]

Taking the valve cover off / changing this gasket is totally within the realm of DIY capability of most people and can be accomplished with minimal tools.

The only thing to be aware of: spark plug tube seals are likely hard and will not seal back. Therefore - make sure when you buy the kit, that it contains the spark plug tube seals. Those seals can also be a bit of a PITA to remove without scratching up the valve cover so just be careful.

At the same time, replace the seals for screws holding the valve cover in place; I think there are 6 of them?

In short - all of those seals should be replaced at the same time. And definitely use Hondabond on those 4 spots. See the valve adjustment thread by DasChicken if confused:

https://www.driveaccord.net/forums/...forums/15-7th-generation/247385-diy-4-cylinder-valve-check-adjustment-pics.html

 

[CarlR33]

Taking the valve cover off / changing this gasket is totally within the realm of DIY capability of most people and can be accomplished with minimal tools.

The only thing to be aware of: spark plug tube seals are likely hard and will not seal back. Therefore - make sure when you buy the kit, that it contains the spark plug tube seals. Those seals can also be a bit of a PITA to remove without scratching up the valve cover so just be careful.

At the same time, replace the seals for screws holding the valve cover in place; I think there are 6 of them?

In short - all of those seals should be replaced at the same time. And definitely use Hondabond on those 4 spots. See the valve adjustment thread by DasChicken if confused:

https://www.driveaccord.net/forums/...forums/15-7th-generation/247385-diy-4-cylinder-valve-check-adjustment-pics.html

I agree. I got the nerve to do it my wifes Celica to fix a leaking spark plug tube seal.