My oil dipstick sleeve tube came out of the block today while i was checking oil. I put back but leaks...was real bad at first when engine warmed up...ie smoking down the freeway.

One end of the tube has a small metal edge circling around the tube about an 1 1/2" from that ende. I'm guessing this is the end and its edge that goes in and its supposed to go all the way back in up to the edge, but I can only get it 1/2 way back and it leaks. Should I try forcing it all the way in (which I've done to no avail so far) and/or is something else supposed to go on there to help seal it?

Thanks!!!

Rob in Austin, TX


FYI: 1972 F-100 V-8 with 390 and headers.

PS-only getting 10 1/2 MPG since I bought it a year ago...is this normal or should I have the carb. looked at or something else?

 

The dipstick tube should seat fully into the hole with the circle that you mentioned (swedged shoulder) even with the top of the hole. Clean the bottom of the tube and the inside of the hole with any degreaser (carb cleaner etc) on a paper towel or q-tip, apply some sealer. Small vise grips clamped loosely over the swedged area will give you something to tap against in order to reseat the tube. Also, there should be a tab welded somewhere on the tube that bolts to the block for support to prevent the tube from pulling out.
1977 F-100
300 I-6 / C-4 (soon to be AOD)
Offy intake w/Edelbrock 500CFM
Hooker Ceramic coated headers w/duals
MSD6
Whiter whites/Brighter brights

 

thanks for the help!

 

 

Hi.

Im having the same problem with may 390 and Im looking for a way to fix it. But my other problem is that the dip stick for somereason is bent to heck.

 

Maybe someone knows better than me, but I do believe that 10.5 mpg for that setup is pretty good. Wish mine got that much.

 

Get another dipstick from salvage or dealer. If it is bent very badly the additional friction against the tube will eventually break the mounting tab off and cause the tube to pull out. Mike
1977 F-100
300 I-6 / C-4 (soon to be AOD)
Offy C intake w/Edelbrock 500CFM
Hooker Ceramic coated headers w/duals, turbos, tips, and 02's
MSD6A w/Blaster Coil
Headlight relay system (Delanty style)
Overhead Mount FM-CD etc.
R-134 A/C system (I'm cool)