Oil dipsticks and block tubes
06-25-2018, 10:43 AM
#21
Race Director
The SHP stick has a chrome handle.
ZIP also has the correct 63' stick (although I prefer the later stick for better retention in the tube end).
Identifying the length of the tube is an unanswered mystery, one that should have an answer. Is there a Chevrolet blueprint specification or GM drawing with this information?
The tube length is important because, regardless of pan, the correct oil fill depth is just below the crankshaft counterweights so that physical contact does not foam the oil on start up. If the tube is correct, and the dipstick is correct, the fill level is correct. You can use a short filter or long filter or the canister filter, or a remote oil cooler & filter with a check valve, and any pan, but that correct tube length and correct dipstick fill line length remains the same.
The LT-1 stick should be longer, with a lower fill line to set the oil level below the longer 350 crank throws. A 400/383 stick would have an even lower fill line.
During operation the oil pumped into the engine lowers the oil level to the windage tray and pan baffle height. Each engine is different, but during and immediately after sustained hot operation the oil level should be about a quart low if the dipstick and tube are correct.
ZIP also has the correct 63' stick (although I prefer the later stick for better retention in the tube end).
Identifying the length of the tube is an unanswered mystery, one that should have an answer. Is there a Chevrolet blueprint specification or GM drawing with this information?
The tube length is important because, regardless of pan, the correct oil fill depth is just below the crankshaft counterweights so that physical contact does not foam the oil on start up. If the tube is correct, and the dipstick is correct, the fill level is correct. You can use a short filter or long filter or the canister filter, or a remote oil cooler & filter with a check valve, and any pan, but that correct tube length and correct dipstick fill line length remains the same.
The LT-1 stick should be longer, with a lower fill line to set the oil level below the longer 350 crank throws. A 400/383 stick would have an even lower fill line.
During operation the oil pumped into the engine lowers the oil level to the windage tray and pan baffle height. Each engine is different, but during and immediately after sustained hot operation the oil level should be about a quart low if the dipstick and tube are correct.
Larry
Last edited by Powershift; 06-25-2018 at 11:31 AM.
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zim64 (06-27-2018)
06-25-2018, 12:13 PM
#22
Race Director
As the auto shop teacher told us (referring to 1970s and earlier cars):
All engines use oil, some will use qt in 500 miles, others will use a qt in 800 or 1000 miles, worn out ones will use a qt in a 100 miles, if you find you oil level isn't decreasing, it is because the oil is being replaced with water, or unburned gas because your PCV system isn't working properly, or you have bigger issues with the motor.
Doug
All engines use oil, some will use qt in 500 miles, others will use a qt in 800 or 1000 miles, worn out ones will use a qt in a 100 miles, if you find you oil level isn't decreasing, it is because the oil is being replaced with water, or unburned gas because your PCV system isn't working properly, or you have bigger issues with the motor.
Doug
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zim64 (06-27-2018)
06-25-2018, 09:28 PM
#23
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zim64 (06-27-2018)
06-27-2018, 03:57 AM
#24
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Thread Starter
I sure appreciate your guys knowledge on what seems to be a confusing subject...thanks again.
dave
dave