popping off

[SnakeLogic]

The level check stick for my auto transmission oil level (300 Tdi Disco) keeps popping off.  It works its way out about an inch or two.  I was concerned that this would open up the possibility of foreign material (mud, bugs, sand) getting in.  I've since rigged up a clamp to hold it in place.  

So my question is:  Was it coming loose just due to vibration, or was it a symptom of some larger problem?  My dealer says it was no problem at all, but I'm skeptical.

As always, thanks for the help.

[Skibum346]

Might be a sign of pressure building up in the gearbox... not sure what would cause this but one thought is that assuming the gearbox has a breather fitted... this may have become blocked and when the heat of use causes what air there is in the box to heat, it pops up through the dipstick as the breather is blocked.

IF there is a breather, it's usually in THE most inaccesible place on top of the box. If you are going to look at it, it's best to remote this breather to a high spot on the vehicle (see here for a kit). If the box is hot and you go through water, there is a chance that the cooloing effect createsa vacuum that sucks cold water in through the breather contaminating your gearbox. The same is true of axle, transfer box and timing case breathers. Wizard sells a nic manifold to common them up and take them all into a single pipe.

Skibum

[SnakeLogic]

I would've thought that not having the wading plugs in would give the gearbox plenty of room to vent pressure.

I'm planning to have extended breathers put on when I have the snorkel installed.  Can I assume that the breather kits usually come with installation instructions?

[Kevin McDonagh]

mine does the same mate...the plastic clips on the dipstick are not good enough to hold it in.. don't worry, bend clips in a bit, it will work for a week or two :D

[SnakeLogic]

OK, thanks.  I guess I can stop worrying about it.  :)

[Skibum346]

SAad to say there are no instructions with Wizards kit (that I can remember anyway) but it's a very straighforward job.

1. Unscrew existing breather (lots of WD40 just in case)
2. CScrew in replacement valve
3. Push plastic pipe into valve

The rest is finding a sensible route to the snorkel.

Gearbox & transfer boxes are difficult only due to access to breathers.

Good luck

[Tyke]

thought that not having the wading plugs in would give the gearbox plenty of room to vent

Nowt to with the g/box are the wading plugs.

Bellhousing and timing case only. G/box, t/box, axles and fuel tank have  independant and separate breathing systems.

[stevegreen]

TADTS  a really poor clip on the dipstick unfortunately

[SnakeLogic]

Problem solved.



Not terribly pretty, but fairly robust and effective (a bit like me, I suppose.)

[stevegreen]

lol I have just used a large rubber band wrapped a few times around the tube then over the cap.  Needs replacing every couple of months as the rubber perishes.

Like the idea of the jubilee clip,,,might borrow that  :D

[blacknight]

The level check stick for my auto transmission oil level (300 Tdi Disco) keeps popping off.  It works its way out about an inch or two.  I was concerned that this would open up the possibility of foreign material (mud, bugs, sand) getting in.  I've since rigged up a clamp to hold it in place.  

So my question is:  Was it coming loose just due to vibration, or was it a symptom of some larger problem?  My dealer says it was no problem at all, but I'm skeptical.

As always, thanks for the help.

Mine also does the same, give it a few days and it works its way out. The breather is clear, checked that whilst also extending breather pipe.

Have finally, after trying different methods, resorted to fitting a cable tie around the clamping lugs on the top of the dipstick.