Dipstick tubes are typically a press fit - right? I can't get mine back in - unless it's supposed to be tack welded on or something. If its not really under pressure can I just seal it in place? I want to do it right.

Any thoughts?

 

It should have to be tapped in with a moderate amount of force. Are you sure it's for an Olds and not a "GM"?

 

Sometimes I have luck freezing the one part and heating the other. In this case a heat gun or propane torch on the block might just be enough?

 

When you say you can't get yours back in, does this mean you removed it and are trying to reinstall the same one? If it's a new one, it will be a tight fit. I lightly sanded the bulged area below the seating ring so it would go in easier and also be easier to remove later. I put a dab of RTV on the bulge to ensure it sealed, and also to help stabilize the tube.

Otherwise, you probably have to tap it in. Use a block of wood on the top of the tube and lightly tap the wood with a hammer. Be sure to keep the tube straight so it goes in instead of bending.

 

I drove mine in with a piece of 1/2" metal tubing that I cut on an angle to sort of wrap around the base of the tube where the flange is. Worked pretty slick! I'll take a pic of the tubing if you want.

 

I tapped mine in with a box end wrench over the tube. It was tight but it fit.

 

Do you have a pic of the tube you are trying to install? As previously asked, is it the same one you removed?

 

Thanks for all of the input gang. Yes its the original tube. Here is a pic before it was pulled out. I am going to try and hone the end to see if it makes a difference.

 

So here's what it looks like now. Has it sheared off or something? I'm stumped.

 

Looks like the bottom of the original tube is still in the block. You will have to remove that before you can install a new one. The easiest way is from inside the block, you have to drop the pan and drive it out. Don't know if there is an easy way to get it out from the outside?

 

x2 the tube is broken and the bottom is still in the block. Maybe you can bend the little end up enough to get under it and pry it up. It will be in the block about 3 inches or so. After it starts moving it will get easier to get out.

 

Those tubes always break. Usually a tight fitting screw in the hole, vice graps on the head and a hammer pops it loose. Be aware the chrome tubes fit terrible. End needs ground some and fits loose. Supercars Unlimited sells replacement tubes, not cheap, that seem to fit well, just mocked mine up and it should fit tightly.

 

Dang.
I hope I can get it out without pulling the engine out of the chassis again. I have a spare 330 in my driveway - I'll yank the dipstick out of that...

Thanks gang!

 

I have been able to remove the broken portion with a small chisel and hammer (small ball peen works best for access)... Sheet metal screw and vise grips (or small slide hammer) will also work...

 

If you want OEM, here are a few places to find them:

https://www.thepartsplaceinc.com/cla...%20AND%20TUBES

http://www.elcaminostore.com/el-cami...1982-1985.html

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-GENUINE-...38.m2548.l4275


I wouldn't wait too long though, they are getting harder to find!

 

I have the Mr gasket chrome dip stick. I slightly ovaled it for it to fit right. As for the removal you can thread a bolt into the remaining portion of the tube left in the block and use a slide hammer to pull it out .

 

I used a crew extractor and a little elbow grease and it came out. Thank goodness - I really didn't want to have to drop the pan.

Thanks to all for the tips and advice.

 

Excellent!

 

Good "Extractor" idea... It apparently worked well for you to "extract" the broken portion of tube from the block...

 

If you can drive a small punch in between tube and block it will reduce outside diameter and make it easier to pull out.