Kohler CH Dip Stick

[GTSRider]

Just went to check the oil after 10 hrs. of full throttle heavy grass, and leaf
mowing.... and plastic handle of dip stick broke right clean at area where
plastic meets metal stick. Trouble is that it broke inside tube...hope I can get it out....
This stick is only a year old with 160 hrs. on it .
Dip Stick before that broke with 400 hr's on clock...but because I am not original owner of this Cub Cadet 3000 series.... I don't know if stick that broke last year was original or not.
My question is.... is this another poor engineering item with these Kohler engines ?
I hate to buy a new Dip Stick every year.
Anyone know of an all steel stick that will work ?
Plastic handle seems to weaken from heat of engine.
Thanks ,
Pete

 

[rcbe]

never heard of such.. but, might be prudent to check cooling sys for engine running too hot. If air cooled, pull engine shroud and thoroughly clean fins, fan, etc.
Another thing - I allus chk my engine oil before starting for any mowing session. Engine is cold, oil has all drained back down to get best dipstick reading - any pressure/torque put on dipstick is applied while dipstick is at ambient temp - might be what's helping yers to break ?
and is yer engine equipped with an external oil cooler - if so, chk fins to be clean of debris, etc. ....

 

[Gator6x4]

Just went to check the oil after 10 hrs. of full throttle heavy grass, and leaf
mowing.... and plastic handle of dip stick broke right clean at area where
plastic meets metal stick. Trouble is that it broke inside tube...hope I can get it out....
This stick is only a year old with 160 hrs. on it .
Dip Stick before that broke with 400 hr's on clock...but because I am not original owner of this Cub Cadet 3000 series.... I don't know if stick that broke last year was original or not.
My question is.... is this another poor engineering item with these Kohler engines ?
I hate to buy a new Dip Stick every year.
Anyone know of an all steel stick that will work ?
Plastic handle seems to weaken from heat of engine.
Thanks ,
Pete

Time to try the magnet you purchased for the governor shaft again. Barring recovery with a magnet you may consider fabricating two thin strips of metal that will slide down the dip stick tube on each side of the broken dip stick and then clamping the two strips together tightly on the dip stick. Caution ..... Caution if you use metal strips make sure they are fastened and secured in such a manner that will prevent their falling into the crankcase. If you have a strong magnet you may also try sticking a metal strip down the dip stick tube and then applying the magnet to the metal strip to see if it will be strong engough to extract the dip stick.

 

[rcbe]

also might get the engine's model/type/code numbers - go to kohler's website - d/l either an IPL or service manual for that engine - in the case that you hafta remove entire tube assy to retrieve dipstick wand..

 

[savageactor7]

... in the case that you hafta remove entire tube assy to retrieve dipstick wand..

or you might luck out and be able to grasp it with the correct 'crazy fingers' grabber.

http://www.mytractorforum.com/showthread.php?t=132477

^there's a thread where a couple of us replaced the press fit oil sticks with a conventional screw cap one avail on e-bay. It may be of service to you.

 

[GTSRider]

Hey Guys.... thanks for all your tips.... I can't believe my luck with this
Kohler engine !
A month ago governor shaft falls into crankcase... now dipstick falls into
dipstick tube !
I tried magnet.... but it did not work..... very thin , very small, flat screw driver down tube helped bring remaining metal dip stick out.
I ordered another new one from dealer.... 2nd in 12 months...and asked parts guy if dip stick was a regular order item .... he said no....
I wonder if I happen to get that 1 in a million defective dipstick that
was cracked at metal base ?
Who knows.... now I will be on 3rd dip stick !
One of you said to only check oil before start up ...which I think is an excellent idea..... but **** ! ..... dipstick should not break off if you happen to be stupid enough to check oil when engine is hot !
I hope Kohler is listening ! ! !
To recap in the last 12 months....
NEW IGNITION SWITCH
NEW PTO SOLENOID SWITCH
NEW FUEL PUMP
NEW CARB
NEW HEAD GASKETS
NEW FRONT CRANK SEAL
NEW REAR CRANK SEAL
NEW GOVERNOR SHAFT SEAL
All replaced between 500-550 hrs.
Now at 570 hr.s ...... engine is running like a sewing machine at full throttle ,
and like a TIMEX at idle !
Oil after 15 hr.s of full throttle with all above items replaced ...looks as if it just flowed from a new sealed container.
This engine , I know is not typical...some times there is just no explanation.
Thanks for all your help.
Pete
Pete