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So I happened to check the oil on the 80 vette my dad left me in the will. The stick was dry. I put a couple litres in and its just barely on the stick. My issue is, I'm not sure that the stick is stock length as my dad replaced it with a chrome one. Does anyone have the exact measurement from tip to handle? Oil Pressure seems fine which is stopping me from adding any more oil. Obviously once I change the oil and measure with this stick I will scribe the full mark on the chromes stick. Is the capacity 5 litres with the filter change?
Is your dipstick marked with a part number? The service parts books list either 14010287, 14026165 – the factory indicator could carry a different # and the assembly manual will have that #.
Pics of the handle and oil-level end would help ID it.
Should have also asked for a side view pic of the oil pan. If it has an aftermarket deep pan, it wouldn't register on the stock stick correctly with a standard volume fill.
The handle end that I can see looks pretty standard for GM. Can you do a close-up showing just the handle and the zig-zag?
From: Loud, Raw and Dangerous 1968 327 4S in Southern California
Might be a good time to get the oil and filter changed. Put back in the correct number of quarts or liters for your engine and see where it ends up on the dip stick.
Last edited by Redvette2; May 30, 2023 at 10:46 AM.
I have a 1980 with the original L-48 and original dipstick. Just measured it, and its 22-1/8" from the tip, to where the neck seats in the the handle (figured this would be the most critical measurement). Took a picture to help show how I measured.
Last edited by MMK; May 29, 2023 at 08:44 PM.
Reason: Adding Picture
I have a 1980 with the original L-48 and original dipstick. Just measured it, and its 22-1/8" from the tip, to where the neck seats in the the handle (figured this would be the most critical measurement). Took a picture to help show how I measured.
Thanks so much. I think that is exactly the same as mine which means I need more oil.
As per your earlier question as to amount of oil. No 5 litres is incorrect. That's a bit much.
The correct amount with a filter change is 5 quarts. Somewhere around 4 3/4 litres.
As per your earlier question as to amount of oil. No 5 litres is incorrect. That's a bit much.
The correct amount with a filter change is 5 quarts. Somewhere around 4 3/4 litres.
Just to muddy the waters a little more - 5 US quarts is about 4.2 imperial quarts or about 4.75 litres.
Where the full mark is is a function of the volume of the pan, the length of the stick, and the length of the dipstick tube. The only way to be truly sure is to calibrate the stick with the pan off. (Yeah, I wouldn't remove the pan to do that either.) Under the circumstances I think you are on the right track. If it is a stock pan, you should be able to drain the oil, pour in the correct amount, and mark the stick.
I ordered a chrome one to replace on my 1981,and the tubing was same length but the dip stick it self was much longer than my original I cut mine off to match my original,I’m assuming this dipstick would be perfect if you have a deep oil pan.
1980 Dipstick Length
