Help! Broken pipe!

fxbill · #1 (**permalink**) 07-19-2003, 12:07 PM

Hi,
I was changing cams this week and on the downhill side reinstalling parts. I went to install the oil pressure sending unit and snapped the brass pipe fitting that screws into the block. I don't think an easy out or pipe remover will take it out. I can drill it and pull the treads out ( or re-tap it), but the engine's in the car and I have the shavings problem. I thought of removing the filter and running air back through the system as I drill it to keep out any brass shavings or slowly turning the oil pump with a drill to force oil out the hole as I drill it, but I'm hoping there's another way to possibly take care of this short of removing the engine and doing a complete tear down. Another option would be to tap the inside of the broken pipe to a smaller size and install a smaller fitting with a hose barb and run the sending unit remote with hose connecting it. I'm out of ideas, but don't want to do anything in haste without thinking of all the options.
I need ideas badly!

Thanks,
Bill

Clois Harlan · #2 (**permalink**) 07-19-2003, 02:52 PM

I did the same thing a couple of years ago. Go to sears and get one of their easy out sets (about $30) and tap the easy out in lightly with a hammer then spry wd 40 around the fitting and wait a couple of minutes before you attempt to remove the broken fitting.

I believe the pipe is 1/4" brass so be sure the kit has an easy out that will fit that piece of pipe. You can do it from under the car easier. Good Luck!

Clois

fxbill · #3 (**permalink**) 07-19-2003, 02:57 PM

I was on the way to the tool crib when you replied.....I have a good quality easy out that fits perfectly with a narrow taper...it should grab well. I also got a 1/4" pipe thread tap which will tap the inside of the brass pipe...just in case......will post results soon....
Thanks for the tip...I'm encouraged to know that it's worked for others....Normally I don't trust easy outs, but this one is large enough that I don't fear it breaking easily....will find out soon...

fxbill · #4 (**permalink**) 07-19-2003, 03:09 PM

Got it!!!! Easy squeezy.... Hotter than h*** here for the past week or so....I've been working on it in the night....At 3AM this seemed like a catastrophe....better in the light of day.
Thanks again for your input....gave me a better feeling of confidence in trying the easy out first.

Bill

Rick Parker · #5 (**permalink**) 07-19-2003, 11:28 PM

The OEM hex steel "Tube" with male 1/4" pipe thread is a better option for this item. It is much stronger than any brass tube or group of fittings that are often used in its place.

Just a thought.

Rick

fxbill · #6 (**permalink**) 07-20-2003, 01:33 AM

Thanks Rick,
I had one laying around from the old Mustang engine. It looks much better, but I'll have to check for clearance when removing the oil filter..it's close. The brass pipe configuration put the sending unit a bit closer to the block, but at a better angle to allow removal of the oil filter through the top....I'm not sure the hex tube will allow that. I'm sure gonna try though...You're right, it's a lot beefier.

Rick Parker · #7 (**permalink**) 07-20-2003, 07:48 AM

If neeeded, you might consider shortening the hex tube to allow for more room for filter removal or actually R&R the tube as part of the filter change procedure. Either way you end up using a better designed piece.

Rick