Dip stick in the oil pan !?!?!?
 

There were two broken off dip sticks in the bottom of my oil pan! They were broken off from about the full line down. Anybody ever hear of this problem and know why it happens?

Its happened to me before. At the time I did not have the resources to remove it. There is a dampener in the oil pan that should keep it in the bottom. I dont think you should have a problem. However it should be removed as soon as possiable.

Also I think it happens because of the indentition on the dipstick marking the full line. That is where the HOT oil sits and creates an even weaker condition. IMHO

[This message has been edited by RipMeyer (edited May 21, 2002).]

I'VE SEEN THIS HAPPEN TWICE BEFORE. ONCE ON A BIG BLOCK PONTIAC, & ONCE ON A SMALL BLOCK CHEVY. BOTH TIMES THE GUYS REBUILDING THEM FORGOT TO REPLACE THE GUIDE TUBE THAT FITS IN THE BLOCK, THAT THE DIP STICK RIDES IN, KEEPING IT ANGLED DOWN & OUT OF THE WAY OF THE COUNTERWEIGHTS OF THE CRANK.WHEN YOU PULL YOUR PAN, YOU SHOULD SEE THE GUIDE TUBE HANGING DOWN ABOUT 1 3/4" PAST THE PAN RAILS.

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junkyardjohn
http://community.webshots.com/user/junkyardjohn

Yeah, that tube is there, but it goes through that plate that covers the bottom of the engine, it's like a splash plate or something and I think it hits on there or something.

Sounds like you have a windage tray. The dipstick doesn't make it through the hole, then the crank grabs hold of it, and SNAP! There's your answer. :-)

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70 GMC 3/4 ton Sierra Grande 402/TH400
72 Jimmy 4WD 4spd 4" & 35's
64 Corvette Coupe
68 Camaro 'vert TPI & TH700
69 Z/28 355 12.6's @110
72 Datsun 240Z-ol' reliable

You can drill a hole through the windage tray to fix the problem. You have to put the dipstick in the tube with the oil pan off to see where it hits.

When I rebuilt my sb, I searched all over the place for that tube that's supposed to keep it in place. Heck, I even purchased one from the dealer, and it wasn't right, so I finally ended up leaving it the way everyone else does.

Doesnt the tube go through the windage tray? Should hold the bottom of the tube straight, pontiacs do atleast?

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Charles W. Hein
S. Williamsport PA

imaindianoutlaw@yahoo.com

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