Hi guys, have you had to replace the dipstick tube? It seems like they commonly break so I am thinking someone here must have replaced on at some point. I took mine off my 1971 Cutlass to get the header on yesterday. I was lucky enough to get it out in one piece, but it seemed soft around the point where it bottomed out, sure enough when trying to get it back in it broke at that point.

I was shopping around for the new one, but Summit, Jegs, Inline Tube and OPGI all have reviews saying they didn't fit, either having a too large or two small diameter. I already have transmission cooler lines that don't fit from RIght Stuff (through Summit) and would prefer not to repeat this mistake. Surely someone makes a proper replacement....

Does anyone know of a place to get a new one that will fit?

 

I haven’t bought one yet for my 71 Cutlass but I’m looking at supercars unlimited, seems to have good comments about, maybe others here can comment

 

I haven't heard of this site. I will check it out, thanks

 

Yes, many have done that and there are multiple threads about it.

This one has good info, including sources for a replacement:
https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...-dipstick.html

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...-question.html
https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...tick-tube.html

 

Thanks! Based on that information it looks like I will have to give Supercars Unlimited a shot.

 

When I had to replace the dipstick tube on a 455, I went with this: "Spectre Performance 5727 Chrome Engine Oil Dipstick for Oldsmobile 350/455 V8" available for $13 on Amazon. Worked like a charm, fits perfectly.

 

Thanks, I will keep that in mind in case this Supercars Unlimited one doesn't work. Hopefully it either fits as is, or only requires slight bending to make it work around the header flange. And of course hopefully it fits properly at the block...

 

I have found all the chrome dipstick tubes fit loosely. The Supercars Unlimited tube fits very tightly, use something soft to tap it in. Yah, I have broke multiple tubes installing headers.

 

theres a factory gm one on *bay right now , Pricy, Tim

 

Try The Parts Place Inc. I recently checked and they offer 400/455 and 350 dipstick and tubes. I had to file the retaining ribs just slightly, but better too big than too small. Also, the rubber gasket that is supposed to stay with the dipstick often gets stuck on the tube. You won't find OE quality unless you buy OE.

The aftermarket chrome dipsticks are complete garbage. No seal at the tube top and are generally sold as one size fits all (which will not).

 

Chrome tubes are sucky, at least the Mr gasket etc ones......here's what worked well for me- I hand pushed the tube into the block as far as I could then I took a section of metal pipe that was a bit bigger than the tube, slid it over the tube so the bottom edge of the pipe sat on top of the tube lip that stops it from going to far into the block, tapped lightly on top of the pipe and drove the tube home perfectly.

 

If you must use an aftermarket, and it fits loose, you can tighten it up by rapping the retaining ribs on one side with a hammer. This will obround the tube slightly and give it a little grip.

 

417090 dipstick tube is for 74 and later, not really correct for 68-72 cars, I suppose it would work with the correct indicator stick just not correct for application