78'-Loose dip-stick tube

[Doug F.]

can someone tell me on my 78' whats holding the dipstick tube in place to the engine?? mine is loose and what i mean is it wants to swivel, thus being loose to me,,, any suggestions how to tighten it i would appreciate it,, thanks, doug

[John D.]

Re: 78'-Loose dip-stick tube

Dug, Had the same problem with my 63. Last week I put a NOS one on.But I believe even mine is still in the books. This topic was covered about a month ago or so. It's difficult to use the old one over unless you glue it in or some other crappy way. Anyhow the NOS one is super tight. Don't mess with the old one. I believe yours is still available from GM. Sure that JL or Duke will tell you in short order. John

[Joe L.]

Re: 78'-Loose dip-stick tube

Doug-----

The tube is a swaged fit into the block orifice. Most likely, someone previously removed your dipstick tube and re-installed the same one. This is a "prescription" for exactly the problem that you're experiencing. These tubes are a one-time-only item. Once removed, the swaged fit is lost and they must be replaced.

The oil upper dipstick tube for your application, GM #460147, is GM-discontinued. I can't find a supercessive part number for it, but check with your GM dealer and see if he can find one using this number. Otherwise, you may be able to find one in the aftermarket. Or, if you're lucky, good 'ol Dr. Rebuild might just have an NOS example in stock.

Finding one of these is probably going to be the easy part. Installing these things can be a bear. My recommendation: first, bevel the end of the tube with a grinder. Next, put the tube in the freezer overnight. Better yet, pack it in dry ice. Then, quickly remove the tube, insert it straight-and-true and, tapping on a nut that you place over the tube and which bottoms on the tube's collar, tap it into place. DO NOT mash flat the tube's collar. If you do, it will weaken the tube and the tube will subsequently break off at this point.

[Doug F.]

Re: 78'-Loose dip-stick tube

thanks everyone!! great details !!! later doug