Dipstick Cover Frustration
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Dipstick Cover Frustration
Hello,
I have an 82 collectors edition and many years ago I had a mechanic adjust the valves and replace the VC Gaskets. I didn't notice at the time, but he left the dipstick cover bracket off when he reattached the valve cover bolts. Well, I procrastinated on correcting this and it appears to have come back to bite me.
Recently i went to check the oil and the dipstick cover came off with the dipstick. Now i can't see the opening to reinsert it. I've tried high powered flashlights, feeling for the opening with the dipstick, and following the side of the engine, but no joy.
Is there some trick to locating the opening when you can't see the edge of the block? I don't think its visible from under the car either. I may have to disconnect the battery as I've hit the starter contacts and lit up the engine compartment. No shocks, but not fun.
thanks
Ken
I have an 82 collectors edition and many years ago I had a mechanic adjust the valves and replace the VC Gaskets. I didn't notice at the time, but he left the dipstick cover bracket off when he reattached the valve cover bolts. Well, I procrastinated on correcting this and it appears to have come back to bite me.
Recently i went to check the oil and the dipstick cover came off with the dipstick. Now i can't see the opening to reinsert it. I've tried high powered flashlights, feeling for the opening with the dipstick, and following the side of the engine, but no joy.
Is there some trick to locating the opening when you can't see the edge of the block? I don't think its visible from under the car either. I may have to disconnect the battery as I've hit the starter contacts and lit up the engine compartment. No shocks, but not fun.
thanks
Ken
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,948
Likes: 72
From: Oxford MA-----You just lost the game!!!!
Scott
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
I can't say for sure that it was located on the passenger side, I really don't think about where a dipstick is located and i own more than a couple of cars so I could be confused, but it was on the passenger side when i went to check the oil and it felt like it was inserted in something when it pulled out.
I must confess it was impressive how quickly you responded. Thanks for lending your eyes and expertise to my troubles.
Ken
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,948
Likes: 72
From: Oxford MA-----You just lost the game!!!!
Here's a link that shows a pretty good picture of a 1980-1985 block, and its oil dipstick location.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/GM-CHEVY-350...-/191078483754
I don't know if it'll help you or not, but hopefully, it may give you some idea on where to concentrate. Good luck,
Scott
http://www.ebay.com/itm/GM-CHEVY-350...-/191078483754
I don't know if it'll help you or not, but hopefully, it may give you some idea on where to concentrate. Good luck,
Scott
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,372
Likes: 223
From: Beecher Illinois
Like scotty99 confirmed your dipstick is on the passenger side.
You'll need to get underneath and look for this shield......
The notch shows where the dipstick tube passes behind it.
It might help to remove the shield, but that's easiest done with the starter removed.
Maybe just seeing that notch will lead you to the right location and you can slip it behind.
You'll need to get underneath and look for this shield......
The notch shows where the dipstick tube passes behind it.
It might help to remove the shield, but that's easiest done with the starter removed.
Maybe just seeing that notch will lead you to the right location and you can slip it behind.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
That shield may have put some pressure on the dipstick tube when it was attached to the engine block. When you pulled the tube out, the shield may have sprung inward so that it is difficult to find the [now smaller] opening. You may have to loosen the shield retaining bolt(s) to get the tube repositioned.
I would suggest that you get a bracket for the tube or buy a replacement tube with the bracket so that you no longer have this problem.
I would suggest that you get a bracket for the tube or buy a replacement tube with the bracket so that you no longer have this problem.
