Is there such a thing as an oil fill tube dipstick?

Total noob question, but I have a 283 that I have put in my 50 Chevy. I had to use exhaust manifolds form an 80s van to clear the steering gear, but now the manifold is covering the original dipstick hole. I attempted to modify an OEM dipstick and tube to fit in there, but the angle at which it had to be installed made it hella-difficult to get the stick in and out, let a lone read the oil level. The pan is full, but the stick now doesn't go into the oil!

I was wondering if there was a flexible dipstick out there that I could try, ( I know I might have to get an oil pan with a built in dipstick, But I'm trying to avoid that at the moment). I also began wondering if there's such a thing as an oil fill tube dipstick? This would be a much simpler solve if there were such a thing.

Any and all constructive advice is appreciated!!!

Best!

 

If there were such a dipstick it would never read right. I would think the stick would hit the lifter valley before any measurable amount of oil. There are aftermarket dipsticks that are flexible. Lokar makes one and I am sure there are others.

 

I never realized sbc dipstick holes are in different places on the block. What year is the 283?

Since you mention the oil fill tube, are you using the old style manifold with the tube for the oil fill? Im pretty sure that tube just runs into the lifter valley and lets the oil run into the block through holes, so you couldnt run a dipstick through it because you would bottom out on the lifter valley (and even if you could get through that, then youd run into the crankshaft).

 

There is no such thing as a oil filler tube dipstick for a sbc. it would probably be easier for you to measure the length of dipstick you need using a piece of wire then take it to a machine shop and have them make you a flexable dipstick which you can mark the full level on after first stab with correct amount of oil in engine.Either this way or do the work,pull the pan,find one with tube in pan or have tube put in your pan. Had a buddy even put a site glass in his oilpan,worked fine.

 

Get a later 305 chevy pan, or after market pan that has the dipstick tube in the side of the oil pan. No big deal.

 

The real old Jeeps had them.

 

Lokar does sell flexable engine oil dipsticks but I would call them to discuss your application Toll Free 1-877-469-7440 their tech guys are great.

 

Get a longer dipstick, perhaps from a Chevy Van.
If its too long cut it off in small bits until you can insert it fully into the tube...and then on level ground with the engine off overnight AND the right amount of oil in the engine, pull the stick and notch it where the oil level is.

BTW...I mean put into the correct dipstick tube your now finding too long for your current dipstick...not the oil fill tube. That won't work period.

 

That happens when you put passenger side dipstick manifolds on a driver side dipstick block. I made a short custom dipstick for my O/T truck, but it's hell to get to the dipstick!

Tim D.

 

Think about your dipstick location, Jimmy?

Vans use really long dipsticks, but 87-back pickups and 91-back Suburban/Blazer that used those same manifolds should have something of a more managable length.

 

If you can slide the dipstick you have now in the tube that you have on the engine now go out and find a dipstick that is several inches longer (you might want to grab a couple) and slip it in the tube. if it bottoms out in the pan trim enough of the end so that it will seat on the tube in normal fashion and then take a reading with the oil at the correct full level and mark the stick with a file or engraver. Matcit against the old stick and mark the qt low spot and you have it. Just make sure that the stick you get slips down in the tube easily.

If you get creative you might use a length of welding rod and weld/braze the cap/washer on the top end and make your own.

 

Lokar makes a flexable dip stick and one that can be used if you do not have a dip stick tube. It just slips right into the hole in the block where the tube was. However, it (shudder) has a billit handle. Maybe you could primer it or sumthen.

 

if your engine doesnt use oil, just change it ever 3000, but i would still like to check it

 

on the back of the engine is the oil fill tube. The cap is also attached to the dipstick. I dont think this is what you are talking about though, are you wanting to put dipstick in the the valve cover where the cap is?

 

Some 305's had a dipstick mounted on the driver's side of the pan. Late 70's MonteCarlos ran them with higher manafolds. They take a small plug in the deck to block the case in tube.

 

The top of a Cadillac flathead dipstick was the breather/oil filler.