Need to remove tranny dipstick tube, 300SDL

[cmac2012]

I like my car and am perhaps too cautious with my tranny fluid level. It has a slow leak and I can't afford to fix it just yet. So I check fluid level every couple of days. Especially on my days of 80 to 90 miles commuting. Two days of that will often have me down to the min line or close.

The stick often objects when being reinserted, yesterday it objected in undeniable fashion by breaking as I tried to pull it out. I had no idea there was a spot that was even close to that. It does do a sort of short range S curve, a bit sharper curve than I would have recommended. I found a replacement dipstick for later model 722s online - the bulk of it is long tight spring stock with maybe 1.5 inches of indicator part. Sure seems like such a stick would have a longer lifespan in my motor. I bought this stick about 10 months ago. I think it's slightly different that the original.

Right now I need to get the tube off so I can get the remnant out. Looks tight. Not as easy as I was hoping for. I'm sure I'll get it but if anyone has the magic sauce to ferry me across the hard part I would be grateful.

I'll take a pic and post it.