I am in the process of removing the oil pan off of my 2000 Montero Sport and the only thing holding me back is the dipstick tube getting stuck on the exhaust manifold. It is a 3.0 with the all-aluminum made pan. Does anyone have any tricks to remove the dipstick tube, according to the service manual the only thing that is holding it in is an o-ring. I already unbolted the bracket

 

Rotate the dipstick tube back and forth while pulling it. Old hardened o-ring makes it difficult, but it will come out. Be ready to smash your knuckles on something once it gives.

 

I ended up cutting the tube with a saw after a hour of trying to remove the tube by hand. Once I got the pan out I grabbed a pair of pliers and pulled away on the remainder of the tube, I had to hold the pan down with my legs and pull with all my strength to get it out.