How does one remove the tube, short of using visegrips and totaling it?
So far, I've tried tapping it from the bottom, and using BP blaster. All to no avail.

I'm making a piston stop w/ a used plug. NE1 know how long, from the end of the threads, I should make the add -on piece? [LQ4 stock engine]

 

if you have the bolt out for the dip stick tube(next to the exhaust manifold) it will,or should, pull right out no problem? its getting it back in that hole by yourself that is fun, in the car anyway... lol

 

Ya besides that bolt theres nothing holding it, just pull up and twist it back and forth.

 

This engine is from an H2 Hummer, that was subjected to some off road abuse, including mud baths...
I've tried to pull it out, drive it out.. All to no avail. It's now soaking w/ some more PB Blaster, in hopes that will work.
Is there an o'ring on it, that may be stuck? I can't even rotate it in the block.

 

Did you remove the 15mm bolt that holds it to the head ? If so , it should come out with a wiggle and a tug and yes there is a small o-ring on the tube that sometimes stays in the block .

 

The bolt is out. The brkt fell off, when I removed the bolt..I'll reweld it, if I get the tube out in 1 piece!!

 

wrap some kind of wire (Tie wire) around the bracket and make a loop up top. slide a crowbar or screw driver thru the loop and use both hands to yank it up. this way gives you a lil leverage

 

just pry it out. a dipstick tube is cheap