Twisted Oil Dipstick for 1972 454

[Owen L.]

[Terry M.]

Re: Twisted Oil Dipstick for 1972 454

Owen,
I very much doubt the dipstick (Chevrolet calls it a gauge, go figure) for your 1972 BB was originally twisted, but I don't have one of those at hand to compare.

However I can tell you why everyone is concerned about the "button." In judging we do not remove the dipstick, and thus wouldn't know if it is twisted. We do judge it in place on the engine and the configuration of the exposed "handle" including the "button" is what we are able to judge.

We did print pictures of the far end of the dipstick, the add marks and manufacturer's logo as well as the handle, in the TIM&JG but I don't recall an image of the entire length of the gauge. I may be able to provide additional information later today, but I make no promises.

[Joe L.]

Re: Twisted Oil Dipstick for 1972 454


Owen------


The original GM #3981088 had a twist in the blade The twist was approximately 8" from the lower end.

[Mark E.]

Re: Twisted Oil Dipstick for 1972 454

There's a twist of almost 90 degrees in the dipstick from my '70. I think the twist helps to insert it into the tube.

[Gary B.]

Re: Twisted Oil Dipstick for 1972 454

I looked at three 72's with 454 today. All low mileage, if 489-miles is considered low mileage, original, unrestored cars. They are all what I would consider "later" cars, past the mid-way point of production. All had straight, no bends, dip-sticks. Flat blades.

That being said, I know there was 2-vendors making dipsticks. Did one vendor twist the dip-sticks? Can you post a picture of the stamping of the dipstick? Also maybe a build date?

The more we know, the more I realize we don't know....

Gary B

[Terry M.]

Re: Twisted Oil Dipstick for 1972 454

Well now we are getting somewhere, or maybe not.

[Owen L.]

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[Gary B.]

Re: Twisted Oil Dipstick for 1972 454

Thank you Owen. Great pictures. Mid-May falls right in line with the cars I looked at yesterday. The 489-mile car is June 6th.
I would ask you leave it alone, keep it in the car. Don't change the car to suit the judging manual. As time goes on, we learn more, update the manuals. At least we should I think.... "E" is another vendor, I think. Maybe. We'll have to ask owners to pull there dipsticks so we can we can learn more.
I marked up my manual, saved the pictures.
Thank you again.
Gb

[Leonard M.]

Re: Twisted Oil Dipstick for 1972 454

Here is the dip stick from a July 1972 454. It has a sideways E, no part number and does have a twist.
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[Justin S.]

Re: Twisted Oil Dipstick for 1972 454

Does the twist act as a gusset to make reinserting easier?

The one on my DMax is like pulling a handkerchief out of a clown's pocket and finicky to reinsert.

[Keith K.]

Re: Twisted Oil Dipstick for 1972 454

After reading this, I went out to check the dipstick in my 74 454 - it is exactly the same as Leonard's photos above - same markings, and twist. I think that it does help with insertion

[Mike E.]

Re: Twisted Oil Dipstick for 1972 454

Here is one out of a 56k-mile 71 in the 12700 range. Pictures from top to bottom are top to bottom on the dipstick. It has a small depression across from the red button. Not sure if that dooms it as a service part or not. The rest of the engine compartment is pretty much untouched original.
Dipstick (7).jpgDipstick (8).jpgDipstick (9).jpgdipstick (3).jpgDipstick (4).jpgDipstick (5).jpgDipstick (6).jpg

[Joe L.]

Re: Twisted Oil Dipstick for 1972 454

Here is one out of a 56k-mile 71 in the 12700 range. Pictures from top to bottom are top to bottom on the dipstick. It has a small depression across from the red button. Not sure if that dooms it as a service part or not. The rest of the engine compartment is pretty much untouched original.
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Mike------


I suppose it could be a SERVICE part of the original part number. However, something I've always wondered about is this: why would anyone need to replace a dipstick on a 1970-74 big block?

[Mark E.]

Re: Twisted Oil Dipstick for 1972 454

...why would anyone need to replace a dipstick on a 1970-74 big block?

Good question. You'd think it would be the last part standing in a car. I suppose it may get changed during an engine swap.

[Gary B.]

Re: Twisted Oil Dipstick for 1972 454

Thank you Leonard. Another E dipstick. Hmmm.