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Dipstick tube help needed
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Pro
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Dipstick tube help needed
I need to replace the dipstick in my 80. The engine is a crate with a 1974 block but the dipstick is on the passengers side, I thought the 74 blocks had the dipstick on the drivers side? Is it possible non Corvette 350 engines had the dipstick on the passengers side in 74? The problem I am having is the opposite of all the threads I found here by searching, the hole in the block is too small to accept the tube. I bought one labeled for a 74 and one for an 80 and both were too fat to fit the hole. I tried filing them down a bit but both of them broke when I tried to force them in. The dipstick that was in there was so tight that it also broke when I tried to remove it, I had to drop the pan and hammer it out. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Charlotte NC
I need to replace the dipstick in my 80. The engine is a crate with a 1974 block but the dipstick is on the passengers side, I thought the 74 blocks had the dipstick on the drivers side?
YES...if my memory serves me correctly...the 1974 Corvettes had the dip stick on the LEFT side.
Is it possible non Corvette 350 engines had the dipstick on the passengers side in 74?
It may be possible...Just curious....What is the block casting number at the back of the block on the drivers side??
The problem I am having is the opposite of all the threads I found here by searching, the hole in the block is too small to accept the tube. I bought one labeled for a 74 and one for an 80 and both were too fat to fit the hole. I tried filing them down a bit but both of them broke when I tried to force them in. The dipstick that was in there was so tight that it also broke when I tried to remove it, I had to drop the pan and hammer it out. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
YES...if my memory serves me correctly...the 1974 Corvettes had the dip stick on the LEFT side.
Is it possible non Corvette 350 engines had the dipstick on the passengers side in 74?
It may be possible...Just curious....What is the block casting number at the back of the block on the drivers side??
The problem I am having is the opposite of all the threads I found here by searching, the hole in the block is too small to accept the tube. I bought one labeled for a 74 and one for an 80 and both were too fat to fit the hole. I tried filing them down a bit but both of them broke when I tried to force them in. The dipstick that was in there was so tight that it also broke when I tried to remove it, I had to drop the pan and hammer it out. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
I can say that on an engine build for one of my customers...the oil dipstick on the right side and I used the dipstick for a 1985 corvette...it worked perfect.
DUB
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From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Grind a small taper on the tip of the tube. That will help get it started. And freezer or dry ice is not a bad idea. It's supposed to be a press fit.
Race Director
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From: Charlotte NC
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https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...te-engine.html
If the freezing doesnt work I will give the ZZ4 dipstick tube a try.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Crossville TN
The fit on that tube is line-to-line (same diameters) but can be as much as .002" interference. Any more that that will not be able to assemble (without abuse).
You can polish the block bore and the outside of the dipstick tube (where it mates), put a wipe of grease on it and in block bore, and freeze tube if necessary (dry ice will get the dipstick a LOT colder than your home freezer).
The key to the installation is to get the tube lined up well with the block bore before putting much effort to drive it in. Using a plastic or wooden mallet would be preferable to using a metal driver.
You can polish the block bore and the outside of the dipstick tube (where it mates), put a wipe of grease on it and in block bore, and freeze tube if necessary (dry ice will get the dipstick a LOT colder than your home freezer).
The key to the installation is to get the tube lined up well with the block bore before putting much effort to drive it in. Using a plastic or wooden mallet would be preferable to using a metal driver.
Race Director
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From: Charlotte NC
How are you trying to install it???? I have made a special tool that I use to get the oil dipstick tubes in.
I DO NOT hit on the end of the tube where your dipstick goes in. I use the flared portion of the tube where it will seat against the block when completed.
DUB
I DO NOT hit on the end of the tube where your dipstick goes in. I use the flared portion of the tube where it will seat against the block when completed.
DUB
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I was hitting them from the end, they go in part way but then stop and end up bending.
Race Director
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From: Charlotte NC
It appears that some use an extension or the box end of a wrench which seems to work when slid down on the tube.
My tool is quite different than that and actually slides down over the tube and contacts the flare of the tube so I can drive it in....and it extends outwards so I can hit the tool and still stay on the flare of the tube.
DUB