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I got a replacement oil dipstick and tube. The original one is broken and flops inside the block's cavity. When attempting to remove the dipstick, the whole assembly comes out. The new one, even though shorter in overall length it has the same length from the base of the tube downwards as shown in the pic below and that's really what matters. It appears that this is a press-fit tube and... uh.... I am having a hard time pressing it in with the engine in the car. Is there a trick installing the dipstick tube in the block while the engine is in the car?
On the old unit, you see that flange about an inch up from the bottom? With the dipstick removed, take a boxend wrench that will slide all the way down from the top to where it rests on that flange. Now you can tap on the wrench with a small hammer and hopefully seal it into the block. (I see the new unit doesn't have much of a flange). Also before you start, apply a dab of Permatex Black around the bottom inch or so.
I recently installed one of those aftermarket sticks (although it is a passenger side unit). I suspect it is the thickness of the chrome plating that makes it tight, but I had to grind a substantial amount of material off the outside of the tube to get it to go in.
On the old unit, you see that flange about an inch up from the bottom? With the dipstick removed, take a boxend wrench that will slide all the way down from the top to where it rests on that flange. Now you can tap on the wrench with a small hammer and hopefully seal it into the block. (I see the new unit doesn't have much of a flange). Also before you start, apply a dab of Permatex Black around the bottom inch or so.
Awesome! This worked. I did grind a small portion of the tube just to get it started in the hole of the block. I then slipped a short, 11mm box-end wrench which fit perfectly over the flange and then with a long screw driver and small hammer I tapped the rest of it in. Not as painful as I thought it was going to be.
Love this forum!
Last edited by Lagonia; 12-23-2017 at 06:57 PM.
Reason: Spelling
Look at the tubes from the flange down - the length is equivalent - and yes, it does read the oil level correctly - verified all that after installation.
know what happens when you assume? IF you have an oil pan that holds 4 quarts and one quart for the filter, then change the oil and fill it up like normal, oil level on the dip stick should read FULL, if 5 quart pan, then should read 1 quart low etc.
know what happens when you assume? IF you have an oil pan that holds 4 quarts and one quart for the filter, then change the oil and fill it up like normal, oil level on the dip stick should read FULL, if 5 quart pan, then should read 1 quart low etc.
It will be fine. Note in the photo that the ends of the sticks are equal regardless of the tubes. I have this after-market setup myself. Although its harder to reach the shorter handle, at least it not sticking way up in the air.
12-23-2017, 05:35 PM
79 - Oil dipstick tube press fit?
OK