SLEEPER 86

I have a 383 that has 6 miles on it. The crank is making contact with every dipstick I have tried with it, even a new Milodon dipstick. At about 240* before top dead center I get a hit inserting the dipstick, it's not impossible to insert it, but I can definitely feel it hit the crank
anyone else had this problem??
I have snapped the tip off a braided dipstick and mangled a stock one. Changed oil and filter each time, but this is getting expensive!
can I bend the dipstick away from the crank and mark the proper position to insert it?
I need help!
Thanks!

sofakingdom

iTrader: (1)

Yes you can do that.

Sounds kinda like the hole through the block was drilled at some weird angle. Or, there's some kind of something or other going on at the bottom of it, that directs the stick off to the side.

greenyone

iTrader: (1)

Speaking of dipsticks. Can anyone recommend a good replacement for stock? I twisted the tube on mine fighting with a rusty manifold bolt on the passenger side of my 91.

SLEEPER 86

Been thinking this out. I have a one piece reusable oil pan gasket, and I'm wondering if the gasket might have compressed out and be deflecting the dip stick towards the crank?

SLEEPER 86

Greenyone,
you can pick up a stock replacement at AutoZone, just be sure to specify which side of the block it goes in. Or try Jegs if you have headers, there are several out there, I like the Milodon one myself.

splitty

There is supposed to be a tube in the block about 6 inches long that keeps the dipstick from moving around in the pan. It goes in the hole for the dip stick before you put your dipstick and its tube in.. I just bought one for my engine. It looks like 5/16 steel tube with a flare on one end. It fits tight in the hole in the block, just tap it in until you feel it seat home. Install your dip tube and stick and you should be ok. I had to go to the dealer ship for it. It cost 20 bucks. Hope this helps.

SLEEPER 86

That might be it, I'll check it out and let you know.
Thanks!

SLEEPER 86

I feel a step or shelf about half way down in the block. Is that normal? Or could I have driven one of these tubes into the block trying to install a previous braided dipstick? Never knew the insert was there.

SLEEPER 86

Splitty, I went to the local dealer and the service manager had never heard of this tube, tried to look it up and found nothing. Do you recall what year or model you searched? Or better yet a part number?
Any help here would be greatly appreciated!

splitty

I told them I was working on a 74 Monte Carlo with a 350. If you have any old motors laying around you can take the oil pan off of, you will see the tube I'm talking about. You can tap that one out of there and use it in your motor. There is a little ledge inside the block that the tube seats on, so you should feel something. I just threw the bag it came in away or I would be able to give you the part number. Let me see if I can find the receipt.

splitty

Luckily the receipt was still in my wallet. It says pt#/dscription 3951600 tube. It is special order and non returnable. Its for a 74 Monte.

splitty

I just googled Gm#3951600 and all kinds of stuff came up on it. Pt#s help a lot. lol..

SLEEPER 86

Thanks again man, I'll check it out