sea442

I am putting a new dipstick tube in a 400, does it not require a seal of some sort? It has raised areas on the tube but will not go any further than those. I would figure it would "drive" into the block some to create a seal?

Fun71

Do a web search for "TH400 dipstick tube seal" and you will see the rubber piece that makes the seal.

Nufo

if you're talking about the engine dipstick tube, which I'm gonna guess you are, yes it does go in past those ridges. A little sealant and a bolt with a washer over the end or a piece of HARD wood, not pine and a small mallet and you can get it in and it will seat. I installed mine in my 400 with no issues. Good luck with your project


Nufo(Fred)

RetroRanger

the aftermarket one i put in my 350 was too large at the flare to fit in the block, another member advised me to file the flare to close to the dimension of the original one, once I did that it fit nicely snug and tight but not I bent it trying to install it tight.

sea442

I thought it should drive into the block some. I will try the filing down. Thanks guys!

Fun71

Doh! I thought you were referring to a TH400.

The last oil indicator tube that I installed was a really tight fit so I lightly sanded around the "bump" so it slipped in easier. I then wrapped some Teflon tape around the sealing area so it held tightly but I could remove it without too much effort.

I put a block of wood over the end of the tube and tapped on the wood with a hammer to seat the tube.

442craig

Hey sea442,

Did you have any luck with the dipstick? I have the engine in the car and can't see what I am doing. The dipstick was tight at first, I tapped it with a piece of wood it went in and then got really loose. I am assuming I am at the flair. I am a little apprehensive about tapping it more. Is that what you did?

Thanks,

Craig

olds 307 and 403

I found the aftermarket dipsticks don't fit tight. I find they go in much easier if you grind the very end a bit. I use sealant on the ribs, something like RTV or non hardening sealant to prevent potential leaks.

sea442

That's exactly what I did. I also wrapped Teflon tape on. You may be able to see it from underneath if you pull the starter, or look in from the wheel well.

442craig

So just hammer it in? Doesn't seem like the ribs will fit in the block.

I'll give it a try! Wish me luck!

Craig

mrolds69

It's not really a BFH job. Go easy...put some grease on the ridges. Put a bolt or washer head bolt inside the tube where the dipstick goes. Then tap...tap...tap

442craig

Damn! I was looking for a good BFH job to do

I'll give it a shot!

Thanks!

Craig

sea442

I filed the ribs down so they would go in. The ribs will stop it when it goes in to the correct depth.

442craig

Thanks!

I'll give it a try!