How can i tell if the correct oil dipstick is in my 50 model chevy it looks like there is a quarter inch or less gap between the stick seating and the top of the tube that it goes into,the stick remains exposed about quarter inch, the handle appears to have been resoldered onto the stick, is there a length spec somewhere of this dipstick so i can get replacment on 216, i also wonder if maybe a grommet or seal is supposed to be there to fill the gap thanks Ken
sounds like someone just found a dipstick that would work. i''ll see if i can get a measurement and a picture of my 235. they may be the same. jon
You can drain your oil and measure out 5 qts, put back, give time to drain down into the pan, and then measure with the dipstick. If it's on full your OK and can put in a spacer to fill the gap and if it's not you can file a new full line. This is stopgap because the stick should shield the top of the tube with the cap to keep bad stuff from getting in or out. I have several and you can have one for the shipping but they're so easy to find you should be able to find one near you.
Thanks Evan and JOn i have a side mounted oil filter is it still 5 qts or 6 I have found some parts house dipsticks but they seem longer than the one i have so im wondering if mine is too short Take care Ken
'Course ifin' it was a 228, I could hep! I like the idea about notchin' the stick- 5 quarts oughta show you where you stand. Fill 'er up and drive that rig! (For all of us that sneak out under the cover of darkness and make driving sounds while sitting in the driver seat of our immovable parts...) Go get 'er- Just be sure to stop by SE Kansas on your trip! Zig
Yep , that's why he mentioned allowing time for the oil to drain back into the sump . If your engine has ever been out of the truck , it is highly likely they rolled it over onto the dipstick -tube- , bending the heck out of it and then simply replaced it with the wrong length bit of tube hammered into the block.... The mystery ' rebuilt ' (uh huh sure) '57 235 in my '49 pickup suffered this malady and since I am too lazy to pull the pan off to knock the tube out and replace it (what the hell , it runs -perfect- so what if no oil pressure) I simply went out to the oldest junkyard I know and began grabbing dipsticks from old engines , I have a nifty , correct roundstock 216 dipstick floating 'round in my bed and some goodness knows from what 60's vintage stamped flat steel one in the engine as it reads correctly.... -Nate
