Question about oil dipstick reading
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 218
Likes: 4
From: Durham NC
Question about oil dipstick reading
I recently replaced the engine in my 85 vette with an engine from another 85 vette. When i fill it with 5 quarts of oil, the dipstick reads 1/2 quart low. The dipstick bolted to the manifold as usual, but is it possible that it could still not be in the oil pan correctly. I did not remove it while the engine was out. I did remove the oil pan to replace some items, but I did nothing to the dipstick (at least I do not think I did).
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 3,065
Likes: 39
I believe my '85 takes 6 quarts of oil if I remember correctly. Honestly I didn't really pay much attention to if it was 5 or 6 but I'm pretty sure it was 6. The oil filter should use about 1/4-1/2 quart. When you fire it up that level should drop down.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 218
Likes: 4
From: Durham NC
I always used 5 quarts in my previous L98 and the manual calls for 5 quarts. I will check and see if the dipstick bracket has gotten bent during removal from the previous car and installation in my car. This may cause the tube to not be fully seated in the oil pan.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,397
Likes: 2,742
What is the part number on your stick?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 218
Likes: 4
From: Durham NC
Part # = 14084337 W.
Yes, I am checking when warm and level. But, I think I see the issue. I believe the bracket is bent a little and not allowing the tube to be inserted fully into the pan. etc. At least that is what I think I am seeing. It is raining a lot here now and I will check this out further when the weather clears up. Not a big deal, just would like for it to read accurately. If things stay as they are, I just know that when full, the dipstick will show 1/2 quart low, etc.
Yes, I am checking when warm and level. But, I think I see the issue. I believe the bracket is bent a little and not allowing the tube to be inserted fully into the pan. etc. At least that is what I think I am seeing. It is raining a lot here now and I will check this out further when the weather clears up. Not a big deal, just would like for it to read accurately. If things stay as they are, I just know that when full, the dipstick will show 1/2 quart low, etc.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,397
Likes: 2,742
Part # = 14084337 W.
Yes, I am checking when warm and level. But, I think I see the issue. I believe the bracket is bent a little and not allowing the tube to be inserted fully into the pan. etc. At least that is what I think I am seeing. It is raining a lot here now and I will check this out further when the weather clears up. Not a big deal, just would like for it to read accurately. If things stay as they are, I just know that when full, the dipstick will show 1/2 quart low, etc.
Yes, I am checking when warm and level. But, I think I see the issue. I believe the bracket is bent a little and not allowing the tube to be inserted fully into the pan. etc. At least that is what I think I am seeing. It is raining a lot here now and I will check this out further when the weather clears up. Not a big deal, just would like for it to read accurately. If things stay as they are, I just know that when full, the dipstick will show 1/2 quart low, etc.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 218
Likes: 4
From: Durham NC
Problem solved. It was the curvature of the dipstick. I curved the dipstick strongly counter to the shape of the tube and it now extends into the oil pan properly and reads the oil level correctly.