What can cause the dipstick to get pushed out?

US6x4 · Jul 28, 2019

It doesn't seem to matter how tightly I compress the rubber base of the oil dipstick (NHC-250), it continually pushes out about 3/8".

My first thought is blow-by or a restricted road draft tube but what else can cause this to happen?

Could the rubber be hardened and not grabbing the tube anymore? What have you all observed on your rigs?

simp5782 · Jul 28, 2019

Vibration from the engine and the rubber is just weak.

frank8003 · Jul 28, 2019

Top of the engine.
Pm says to clean out that filter.
They get plugged.
Then she does not run as per design.

US6x4 · Jul 28, 2019

I need to clean that filter for sure. Is that rubber part available from Cummins or elsewhere?

simp5782 · Jul 28, 2019

It is part of the dipstick found on Ebay under # 851-204993

frank8003 · Jul 28, 2019

US6x4 said:
I need to clean that filter for sure. Is that rubber part available from Cummins or elsewhere?

You brought it up, see TM, goto parts target and use part number and or NSN or FSN and figure it out.
We want you to post what it is you found that corrected the predicament.
There is much knowledge here in the SS database, you could add to that................
We like pictures too and not with tap a whatever either.
at least use the paperclip thingie?

US6x4 · Jul 28, 2019

Those complete dipsticks are cheaper than I expected. Cleaning the draft tube is free so I'll try that first.

WillWagner · Jul 30, 2019

US6x4 said:
It doesn't seem to matter how tightly I compress the rubber base of the oil dipstick (NHC-250), it continually pushes out about 3/8".

My first thought is blow-by or a restricted road draft tube but what else can cause this to happen?

Could the rubber be hardened and not grabbing the tube anymore? What have you all observed on your rigs?

Yes to both. A hard stopper can cause it and/or high CC pressure. Try a new stopper first.

US6x4 · Oct 20, 2019

Well, I still haven't gotten a new dipstick yet but I attempted to clean out the breather cap and all the internals are missing. The gasket, the 4 screens, and the baffle are all gone so it wasn't a clogged breather problem...

WillWagner · Oct 20, 2019

Let me see if I can find a p/n for the rubber. What was common practice was to buy 2, cut one in half and install the in tact one first, then the lower half of the other stopper. When you put it in, DO NOT tighten it until the screw stops, that is over tightening it. Turn it until there is slight resistance on it then stop.

US6x4 · Nov 7, 2021

frank8003 said:
We want you to post what it is you found that corrected the predicament.

I ordered a new dipstick on ebay (thanks Simp) and the fresh rubber of the new part holds it all in without any problems.

frank8003 · Nov 8, 2021

US6x4 said:
Well, I still haven't gotten a new dipstick yet but I attempted to clean out the breather cap and all the internals are missing. The gasket, the 4 screens, and the baffle are all gone so it wasn't a clogged breather problem...

It was designed to be minor backpressure item
Perhaps put all the missing pieces back

What can cause the dipstick to get pushed out?

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