402 dipstick tube?

[Captain_Howdy]

I took off the exhaust manifold on the passenger side to fix a broken flange stud and when I did, I just pulled and twisted the dipstick tube to get it out of the way. Now I can't get it to go back in, is there some trick to getting it back in? 72 C20 with a stock 402.

[harpo231]

Gotta hit the hole !.....

[Captain_Howdy]

It only goes in 1/4 inch or so and feels like it's hitting something hard. Is there and O-ring or something in there? I'll keep wiggling, it was tight coming out!

[71cheyennesuperlongb]

Find a flare nut wrench like for brake lines to go around the tube.Place it at the flare on the bottom of the tube and drive it in with a hammer.

[Redneck Rydes]

There is a O-ring in there,you have to pull that out,make sure it is not damaged,slide it back on the dipstick,add a dab of silicone,and wiggle and push it back down,should be just fine.

[Captain_Howdy]

It was the o-ring. Took the manifold back off and crawled in there and could see the o-ring. Got it out in two pieces, it was real hard and 47 years old. Replaced it and it all went together. I'm glad I didn't just force the tube in and push the ring into the pan, it was surprisingly hard when I pushed on the tube and felt like a metal lip or something.

[Redneck Rydes]

Glad I could help.