I was checking the oil level on my 2003 Toyota Camry SE 2.4L and when I went to wipe it off I saw that the tip was gone! I didn't see it in my engine compartment or on the floor, so I assume it's in the tube or the oil pan. The tip was metal so I'm afraid to start the car for fear of damaging anything. Is it ok to start and drive?
I've seen suggestions to change the oil to see if the broken part comes out or drop the oil pan to try and retrieve it. I used to do that type of work, but got too many pains now.
Thanks!
Joe
I would go ahead and change to oil to see if it comes out. It should. (Really the oil pickup screen would prevent it from being pulled into the oil pump but it's best to get it out of there.)
Like @chucktobias said, I would get the engine fully warmed up to thin out the oil and hopefully, the broken piece will com out when it's drained. If not, there might be a way to get one of those flexible magnets in the drain hole to fish around to see if it will catch it. Good luck!
I appreciate the replies. I ordered one of the flexible magnets and will try it in the dipstick tube first. If that doesn't work i'll try draining the oil. Fingers crossed!
We are trying to avoid removing the oil pan if possible.
That would be the 100% safe way though if just draining the oil doesn't get it out.
Absolutely correct.
The tip was metal so I'm afraid to start the car for fear of damaging anything. Is it ok to start and drive?
No, it may not be. I would not start the car.
Drain the oil and take off the lower oil pan, it should there.
Here's a link to a pic from toyota-club.net showing how the lubrication system looks on these:
I ordered one of the flexible magnets and will try it in the dipstick tube first.
Realize that although that's an aluminum engine block, the dipstick (if it's iron at all) is far from the only iron component - I would not recommend sticking that inside.
The tip was metal so I'm afraid to start the car for fear of damaging anything. Is it ok to start and drive?
No, it may not be. I would not start the car.
Drain the oil and take off the lower oil pan, it should there.
Here's a link to a pic from toyota-club.net showing how the lubrication system looks on these:
I ordered one of the flexible magnets and will try it in the dipstick tube first.
Realize that although that's an aluminum engine block, the dipstick (if it's iron at all) is far from the only iron component - I would NOT recommend sticking that inside.
We are trying to avoid removing the oil pan if possible.