Help ,Small Block Oil Fill tube Removal

[Mark Evans]

I want to remove the Oil Fill tube from my small block intake manifold to strip and paint.

Is the Fill Tube threaded or pressed into the manifold? What's the best way to remove.

[Mike E.]

Re: Help ,Small Block Oil Fill tube Removal

Pressed in. A punch used on the botoom side to catch the lower lip is the best/only way I have devised to remove that.

[Bob R.]

Re: Help ,Small Block Oil Fill tube Removal

I sprayed some pb blaster around the base let it sit a couple of days and was able to pull the tube out on a 65 manifold. I might have been lucky but it came out with very little trouble.

[Joe L.]

Re: Help ,Small Block Oil Fill tube Removal

Mark-----

A warning: the oil fill tube is a swaged fit into the intake manifold orifice. This means, basically, that as the tube is pressed into the manifold its OD is reduced ever-so-slightly. Once you remove a tube, the swaged fit is lost forever. When re-installed, it will likely be somewhat loose and might vibrate out, etc. Yes, there are things that one can do to "upset" some metal and/or "knurl" the bottom of the tube to re-establish a tight fit, but these are often "hit-and-miss".

I recommend leaving the tube in place and cleaning up everything with it installed.

None of the above applies if your intention is to use a new tube, though.

[Chuck G.]

Re: Help ,Small Block Oil Fill tube Removal

I'll be the "bubba" here.

Get a hefty broom handle, or use the handle of a hammer, and put it down the tube. Then wiggle back/forth, side to side. See if it pops out. That's always worked for me. Chuck

[John D.]

Re: Help ,Small Block Oil Fill tube Removal

Mark, Joe's correct on the oil filler tube removal. Once in a while we are able to remove one of them without destroying it in the process. Then we paint it up real pretty and try to install it. Next thing that happends is it ends up being too loose. Better off getting it out with whatever method and just putting a nice new one in. You didn't say what year or what HP. If it's just a plain steel one they are cheap to buy. The plated ones are more bucks. we have a really large brass drift. Almost as big as the oil tube. Had it for years. I beat the crap out of them from the borrom side and sometimes luck out and the tube goes flying. Other times you have to destroy the things to get them out. John

[Mark Evans]

Re: Thanks,Small Block Oil Fill tube Removal

Thanks to all for the different approaches to what will looks like a very simple task. But if you haven't done it before you could end up into one costly mess.I am going to paint in place.

I have restored many cars and boats but this is my first time working on a C2.You guys are saving me a lot of grief and time, as I said before this is one useful and knowledgeable discussion Group.

I should have some AFTER pictures of my engine compartment in about three weeks.I would like you guys to Comment after I post.