MYBAD79

Today I tried to install the lower dipstick tube. I have a '86 and up 1pc rms block but nowhere I could not find a lower dipstick tube for this block... looked at all big name vendors and only found the tube for the older 2pc rms block. I thought it wasn't a big deal so I ordered that one...
When I insert it from the deck surface side it almost hits the main cap bolt and it's very loose in the hole.... how is this tube supposed to be installed ???




This is a photo of my old engine, the dipstick tube extends 2-3" into the oil pan and prevents the dipstick from wobbling around inside the pan so it can't get hit by the crankshaft...

Do the newr blocks still have this lower dipstick ? The dipstick position changed from driver to passenger side - any idea why ??

Artsvette73

Mine was a snug fit. Then the top of the dipstick is secured to one of the headder bolts. Shouldn't be loose in the hole.

carl a

mine wobbles in the block. i read here to crimp it a little to snug it into the block,

Edzred72

Don't you mean "flare" it a little Carl??

My machinist said that there is a "stop" cast into the lower dipstick hole in the block. The lower tube should actually go in just so far then stop. (mine did) Then again....that's on older two piece main seal blocks. Don't know about newer blocks.
Eddie

MYBAD79

I'll post a photo tonight - the tube might not fit in these newer blocks.... how can I find out if there's supposed to be a lower tube or not ?? Anybody have a Chilton manual for a 86 or newer Vette/Fbody/truck ???

MYBAD79

The newer style block looks like this:




Maybe the newer blocks don't use a lower dipstick tube because the windage guard separates dipstick and crank anyways ???

Next question - where does the windage guard bolt to ??

noonie

If you buy a new replacement from GM, the dipstick tube is pressed in from the top as far as the interference part with the stop lip and it does extend into the crankcase a few inches as shown in the first pic.

carl a

yes flare is the correct term. thanks for watchin my back ed! what exactly did you use to flare it? a punch?that wobble is driving me crazy, no room for something like that on my motor!

Artsvette73

Older blocks had two piece dip stick tubes lower and upper. The newer blocks have one piece tube. I don't know when that the started.

MYBAD79

That makes sense

Edzred72

Just a tad...
Eddie