86z28stroker

Does anyone know where I can get an oil dipstick for an 86 camaro.

sqzbox

Auto parts stores usually have chrome replacements. Auto Zone, Advance, Napa, and Pep Boys. It's a good idea though, when you install it to change your oil and after start-up check the level with a fresh 5 qts. and check to make sure the oil is on the full mark. If it isn't, mark the full level on your dip stick so you know where full mark is with a dremmel or small file.

MrDude_1

also, where you want to take a reading from, if its smooth, rough it up with some sandpaper or a file.

the rougher surface allows the oil to cling at the level and not slip off..... letting you read it easier.

red90bird

what if you put 5 quarts in and it dosen't even read on the dipstick? I don't want to overfill it or underfill it

MrDude_1

then the dipstick is too short. lol.


what he was saying is:

put a known about of fluid in... inotherwords, drain the motor, then add in the reccomend amount... in the case of our SBCs its 5 quarts.

then, onces its settled, put the stick in, and where it registeres is where you mark the full line.


after that, you use the stick to check it.

sqzbox

If the dipstick is to short, head to the local bone yard and get a longer one! The tube is what you want in the first place, right? I assume your replacing it because the old tube is broken

red90bird

actually its the dipstick tube off the lo3 which is now on the lo5 which is in my car. I suppose I could just shorten the tube some, the other problem with that tube is I have to wrestle the dipstick to get in there.

Air_Adam

Don't use those Mr. Gasket ones, they are a PITA. The tubes never fit in the block right. At least, not on the 3 I tried on my '79 350 block.

sqzbox

So, the tube your using now has got a pinch in it?, right? that's the only reason I can think of that would cause it to go in PITA.

red90bird

yeah there's a pinch in it, it was a pain to get on there though, I don't really want to change it. what kind of motor would have a longer dipstick? or could I just cut the tube so its shorter?

sqzbox

Measure your dipstick and head to the wrecking yard and start pulling dipsticks till you find one long enough. If you start cutting the tube you'll send metal shavings into the pan, you don't want to do that! Or you can go get an after mkt. tube at the auto part's store. Just tell the guy behind the counter it's for an LO5 and you should get the right one. cool?

red90bird

I also saw "universal" dipsticks, apparently they just need cut to the right length. would using a tubing cutter still get metal shavings into the pan? I just don't want to have to pull off the exaust manifold, then wrestle the dip tube out (then installation is the reverse of removal ). anyway I'm not that concerned about it, I'm pretty sure that the motor doesen't burn oil; hopefully.

sqzbox

In that case just find a longer dipstick! shouldn't be to hard to find at the bone yard! Good luck and update what you find ok?

kevinc

From an '86 Camaro.

ShadowZ28

i know at advance they have a "universal" dipstick. its fairly long and has a ring on it that you tighten when you get the desired length. its not the most gorgeous thingin the word tho....