Loose Dipstick Issue
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From: Mt. Vernon, WA.
Loose Dipstick Issue OK, I have done my searching homework and was not able to find any answers, so I figured I would make a new thread for the sake of posterity. I have been working on my 5.3L/73 Nova swap and have just finished up altering the truck oil pan, pick-up and dipstick. Everything is coming along great, attached are pics of the new chopped dipstick.
Problem is that removing the dipstick so many times the press fit into the block has become loose and I am concerned of leakage. I am open to any recommendations. Perhaps trying the flair the press fit area of the tube. Maybe a sealent or some sort. I would like to avoid any permenant options like tack-welding or JB weld, but may entertain them if nothing else works. Thanks for any help!
Problem is that removing the dipstick so many times the press fit into the block has become loose and I am concerned of leakage. I am open to any recommendations. Perhaps trying the flair the press fit area of the tube. Maybe a sealent or some sort. I would like to avoid any permenant options like tack-welding or JB weld, but may entertain them if nothing else works. Thanks for any help!
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From: Mt. Vernon, WA.
I was able to cut down the original tube support leg for the job. With the new support leg in place the tube is pretty solid. But I would rather be safe then sorry. There is almost nothing I hate more then cleaning up oil leaks!
The o-ring forms the seal and the bolt keeps it in place. You should be good to go now that you've added the bracket. You did a great job by the way. I may have to replicate your work on my old truck dipstick.
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From: Mt. Vernon, WA.
And thank you for the compliment. If you are cutting down the stock tube I would recommend a couple practice welds on the scrap to get the hang of it. And keep your welds near the end of the tube so you can get a cartridge roll or rat tail file down the tube to clean up any penetration. I had too.
Another nifty trick, I made a small tight fitting wad of brake clean soaked paper towel and forced it through under air pressure. There was a lot of grudgy oil and metal flakes in the tube!
Best of luck to you both!
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Verdad Gallardo Thread Starter
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (8)
Joined: Oct 2011
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From: Mt. Vernon, WA.
Could be the O-Ring needs to be replaced, try one till you get a good tight push in fit. You might try using some RTV. Try putting a small amount on, let is skin some before pushing in the tube, then bolt it in place and let it set up completely. Should you have to remove the tube again, you should be able to clean it off my scraping it off/out.
BC
BC
