trouble getting my dipstick case back in... help please

[Stinkin Linkin]

Hi, I'm just wrapping up my valve cover seal replacement. I used "Quik LS's" posting on how to do it, and the job went pretty well. I'm reconnecting all my hoses plugs etc. Then I get to my dipstick tube which I had pulled in order get it off a long bolt holding the valve cover on. The instructions said not to worry and I see someone has already posted a thread with a similiar problem. Now, my dipstick IS going back in the hole it came out. BUT it seems its not going in quite enough. I've gotten my hand down there and felt that there is a lot of gunk built up around the mouth of the hole. I'm out of ideas. I've tried to clean it up but my arm is ready to fall off. I've spent about thirty minutes wiggling and jiggling and nothing. Its just a matter of time before I break the damn dipstick casing. Any ideas or suggestions would be very much appreciated. thanks

 

[Quik LS]

you got it - there is no secret but to clean up the hole and keep a firm pressure on it while you wiggle it in. Make sure to put some oil on the end of it to help it in.

It is much easier to do from underneath - so if you can - jack up the car and do it from under.