S2 gearbox dipstick/filler

[cbudden]

Hi,
Am looking for advice on the removal of the gearbox dipstick - my car is undergoing a major refresh after many years laid up and I had hoped to change the gearbox oil but have found it impossible to remove the dipstick - it appears to be plastic and am therefore nervous about using too much force. From the information in the handbook it implies it should just pull out - am I missing something? Does anyone have any suggestions on how to safely remove it or alternatively a way to change the oil that doesn’t involve the use of dipstick/filler hole?.
Many thanks
Chris

[lancialulu]

They are sometimes notoriously stiff/stuck, but a vertical tug should do it. Remember to drain the two compartments (2 drain plugs) but fill through the dipstick hole. Recommend Mobil SCh 1 75/90 fully synthetic

[D5177_55A]

Is it caught on something when pulling vertical? Mine has a ‘cutout’ on the flange, that previous owners seem to have made – by force. It sometimes gets stuck and needs ‘unscrewing’ by twisting it.

[lancialulu]

Is it caught on something when pulling vertical? Mine has a ‘cutout’ on the flange, that previous owners seem to have made – by force. It sometimes gets stuck and needs ‘unscrewing’ by twisting it.

the dipsticks should all have a flat on one side. Not sure if this is to orient the tiny breather hole away from the top of the gearbox.

[D5177_55A]

Ahhh – not done by brute force then

[cbudden]

Gentlemen,
Many thanks for the comments and support. I can confirm that I have finally (after 3 days of trying) managed to extract the dipstick. A fair amount of patience, an improvised tool to allow me to use ‘gentle’ hammer blows to exert vertical force and some sweat finally got it out. The recess into which it fitted was coated in that aluminium/alloy white corrosion which must have been binding the dipstick. It’s all clean now and am seeking out a new o-ring.
Thanks again
Chris