jpc647

Can the oil fill tube be removed on a 72 350 motor without removing anything else?

I tried tapping it back and forth with a rubber mallet and gently using vice grips to try to spin it, but nothing. Is it connected by some other means?

Stevec

Tap harder...

jpc647

Okay. so I guess there isn't some other type of mechanical fastener holding it in from inside the timing cover or anything? Is it going to pop out, or does it have to turn out like 1/4 or 1/8 turn before it'll release?

Thanks for the fast response.

Stevec

Tap it from side to side and it should come loose...

joe_padavano

The tube is pressed into a hole in the block. There are no other fasteners. On the other hand, I have never successfully removed an oil fill tube without destroying it or at least severely crushing it.

Run to Rund

Joe, you just used too big a hammer, lol. Go back and forth, front and back; even a wooden block works as enough hammer.

Redog

I got the tube out of my 330 pretty easy. I used a hammer and a block of wood. Hitting side to side and it came out in less than 5 hits

Allan R

The rubber mallet is the best tool for this - you're on the right track. I took a fill tube out of a 455 2 years ago and understand your dilemma. It only took me around 5 minutes and it came out undamaged. DON'T use vice grips on the tube unless you want to damage it!! Do remove the air cleaner to give better swing to the front with the rubber mallet.

The oil fill tube is structurally strong enough to be hit (at the top - that gives the best leverage) with more than just a light tap. Side to side and then front to back. In between that, grasp it and try rotating as like stirring a pot - both directions. Trying to spin it with vice grips is just and invitation to crushing it or scratching it up. Sooner than later it will release and come out fairly easy.

NOTE: Don't go crazy with beating the heck out of it though - just uniform hits like putting a wheel cover back on. The vibration from the hits helps break the friction bond between the filler and the block. You can also spray a little penetrating oil or WD at the base to 'help' it along.

Tony72Cutlass'S'

Dont cha mean da infamous boat anchor

Allan R

That would be the one. It's probably been turned into a new piece of something by now. Dang, I just dropped it off for free at the metal yard cause they were closed when I got there.

jpc647

I ended up putting an old socket in the very top part of the fill tube, and putting vice grips around that, to prevent from squishing the tube too much.

I got it out, I mean it was a little damaged, but oh well. I painted it, and it looks okay.

Thanks guys.

hdfat2002

I got the tube out of my 350 just now by smacking it with a rubber mallet while pulling up by hand. Didn't take much to get it out.

TripDeuces

Get a big wooden dowel that fits in the tube and move it is a circular motion, like your stirring it, while lifting the tube with your other hand.
No damage and comes right out.

Christophe2m6

Can the tube be removed while engine still full with oil?
I mean, oil level will be low enough to permit removal of the tube?

Thanks a lot!

fast eddie

If the oil is that high, you got bigger problems!