Huff035

iTrader: (15)

Well i had to take out the dipstick to get my headers in. So i took it out bolted up the header. tried to put the dipstick back in and...it goes in about 2-3 inches and starts to rub. i think i bent it. i thought about trying to bend it back so it would fit. but a friend told me that he once did that and the vibration caused it to break off inside the oil pan and he had to take all of the that crap off to get the end out. Im thinking about just buying another used or new. What should i do. should i just buy a new one? just in case, because the used one could be bent also.

355z28

iTrader: (8)

I just rebent mine with a tubing bender to make it fit perfect again, i know a few people that just left their hedder loose after the header was up in on that side, then they put it back in with a dab of RTV, then bolted up there header.

Ive never heard of anyone having that bad of luck, but i guess it could happen if you were really agressive with it

Badazz 97 TA

iTrader: (18)

if you can get it out again, take some 1000 grit sandpaper and sand the end of it down a little. just enough to take off the paint. it should slide down. or put it in the freezer for a little while

Huff035

iTrader: (15)

well i didnt force it down there or anything. idk if i just bent it when i was trying to get it out. i def think its bent though

hbgben

It takes a decent amount of time for it to fit properly again. It's supposed to be a tight fit, which means no oil leaking issues. Take your time, sand off the paint if needed.

Huff035

iTrader: (15)

i just decided to order a new one. because if you hold this one up you can def tell there is a lil bend in it. which sucks because i just spent $27 for something i already have. hopefully i dont bend this one!

transamws6_97

iTrader: (5)

i had to keep bending mine little by little to give it adequate clearance for the headers

Huff035

iTrader: (15)

so should i put the dipstick back in and then bolt up the headers?

caldercay

Same thing happened to me. The portion that fits down inside the block - well,
that portion was bent about 1/2 way. I tried diligently to straighten it with
a tubing bender - it appeared to be absolutely straight, but when I would
insert it into the block, it always stopped at that same point.

I ended up buying a new one for $18 at the Chevy dealership and it slid
right in - well worth the $18 . . . not worth trying to "fix" the borked one.

Huff035

iTrader: (15)

just did the same exact thing but had to pay $9 for shipping...did you have to unbolt your header when you put it back in?

caldercay

Nope - didn't remove the header. I do suggest lifting the engine a bit on the
passenger side if you can. Do a test fit first - from the top, put the tube down
and check how it's going to route to its hole in the block. You might have to
bend it slightly so that it can slide down straight into its hole.

If you do have to bend it, ONLY bend it at the top portion.

It's important that you DO NOT bend it in the section where it fits into the
block, or you'll be right back in the same situation. I turned the tube so that
it is was pointing to the radiator - after I slid it in a bit, I turned it to point
to the driver's side (the way it should be pointing) and had to bend it a bit
(up at its top portion) and then it slid the rest of the way in, then installed
its bolt into the block.

Dont force it, take your time . . . and if it doesnt want to slide in first try,
take a quick break, look things over, then give it another go.

Huff035

iTrader: (15)

thanks for all of your help...greatly appreciated!