Big Block Dipstick Problem

[dan468]

I needed a dipstick for my 68 with a Mark iV big block transplant. I bought one from a local parts store and the oil would not register on the stick. I pulled the tube and placed it on a similar oil pan laying around the shop. I filled it with 6 quarts of fluids to see where it would come to the dipstick, still no luck. My question is, how much fluid should be in the oil pan? Should the level surpass the sump? Do I need a better dipstick? Here's a picture of the mock up with 6 qts and it doesn't touch the tube or stick.

[sanford&daughter]

5.5 quarts to fill my big block. My pickup is only 3/8 from the bottom of the pan

[ItsRandy]

I have a 502 in my truck. When I pull the dip stick and tube the stick sticks out from the bottom of the tube a few inches. Is this a universal dip stick and tube or an oil pan/motor specific dip stick and tube? If universal, you will need to determine how much oil your pan holds and adjust the dip stick tube length until you have the proper reading on the stick when the pan is full. Is there an O-ring and shoulder/seat on the tube for the O-ring to stop against?

[dan468]

Originally Posted by ItsRandy

I have a 502 in my truck. When I pull the dip stick and tube the stick sticks out from the bottom of the tube a few inches. Is this a universal dip stick and tube or an oil pan/motor specific dip stick and tube? If universal, you will need to determine how much oil your pan holds and adjust the dip stick tube length until you have the proper reading on the stick when the pan is full. Is there an O-ring and shoulder/seat on the tube for the O-ring to stop against?

it was supposedly for a big block chevy. How high is the oil level supposed to be in the oil pan? Should i surpass the baffle?

[ItsRandy]

Originally Posted by dan468

it was supposedly for a big block chevy. How high is the oil level supposed to be in the oil pan? Should i surpass the baffle?

The baffle is there to keep the oil in the sump when braking/cornering etc. It would be easier to put the proper amount of oil in the motor and adjust the stick to that level. Do you know what the motor came out of? A lot of motors with stock oil pans required 5 qts. of oil when changing the oil and filter, 4 qts. in the pan and 1 qt. in the filter. If you know what the motor came out of you have a better chance of knowing which oil pan you have. My motor takes a little over 7 qts. when changing the oil and filter, my motor came with a 6 qt. pan and I have an oil cooler which requires a little more oil.

What did the motor come out of?

[dennislbrooks]

I have a chrome tube and stick from summit in my 402. I added 5 qts marked the stick then added the 6th and marked the stick.. I also used a conventional plug wire cap end --rubber-- slid over tube and over the pan insert and used a fuel line hose clamp to seal it better to the pan. I do like my 402 n my 67 4wd.

[dan468]

Thank you, but for learning purposes, I am curious how close the oil level in a full pan is supposed to be to the baffle

[FRANKENSTEINC10]

that all depends on the size of your pan. does the dipstick stick out of the end of the tube? the one I bought for mine sticks out about an inch. the one I originally picked up was for a small block and just the tip stuck out.

[Poppa Wheelie]

i once did the same thing, fooling around with oil capacities with the pan off, I was trying to optimize the oil level for a drag car with a bbc.

That was over 20 years ago, but iirc, 5 or 6 quarts does not reach the baffle, just as your pic shows.

Looks like you need to get a real GM dipstick and tube.

[Ol Blue K20]

My 89 k30 usually with 454 and oil cooler calls for 8 tats in the owners manual