Does the dipstick tube take an O-ring? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**71CHEVYSHORTBED402** · 12-11-2018, 07:53 PM

When I removed the dipstick tube I was surprised to see there wasn't an O-ring. But I ended up finding one when I pulled the oil pan. It was on the rim inside the oil pan tube. It's possible one was added when the engine was rebuilt long ago.

Word is dipstick tubes don't take an O-ring because the tube is press fit and they're not necessary? I asked a transmission shop for an O-ring, and they also say the tube doesn't use one. So my question is, does the original oil dipstick tube use an O-ring or not? Thank you

towbar · 12-11-2018, 08:05 PM

never seen or used an o-ring on sbc or bbc such as yours....but have used a small dab of sealer on the tube at the time of install to prevent any seepage.

projectking · 12-11-2018, 09:02 PM

+1 I’ve always put a small amount of black RTV on them.

**jocko** · 12-11-2018, 09:24 PM

yep, no-o-ring. It's a press fit, that's all. But RTV not a bad idea for insurance. I don't think the factory used any. But then again, these engines were exactly known for being leak-resistant ...

**70STOVEBOLT** · 12-11-2018, 11:09 PM

It is not a press fit on my 402. It fits loosely but it does have a bracket welded on with a bolt hole to mount to the exhaust manifold so it cannot come out. I put a small o-ring on it just because.

**leddzepp** · 12-11-2018, 11:22 PM

I tried putting an o-ring on one, was unsuccessful even with the thinnest one I could find.

68panelman · 12-12-2018, 07:56 AM

No O-ring. I've had the loose complete pull out type too. A light hit with a hammer on the upper area before the seat takes care of that problem.

davepl · 12-12-2018, 11:10 AM

That picture looks like a Moroso pan or similar, not a stock pan. No o-ring that I know of on the stock setup, but probably on some of the aftermarket...

57larry · 12-12-2018, 11:37 AM

no O ring but you can use RTV snot

68panelman · 12-12-2018, 12:20 PM

What engine do you have?
My '70 Blazer has it's original 255hp
350, and the dipstick tube is bossed into the block on head mating surface

**70STOVEBOLT** · 12-12-2018, 12:22 PM

Big blocks have the dipstick coming out of the right side of the oil pan.

68panelman · 12-12-2018, 12:24 PM

Thanks, never owned a BB, still learnin everyday!

Andy4639 · 12-12-2018, 04:05 PM

No O-rings that I have ever seen on the oil stick. Transmissions do though!

Redneck Rydes · 12-12-2018, 06:12 PM

Every big block I have had did use a o- ring,always put on on and a dab of silicone

**68bowtie** · 12-13-2018, 10:09 AM

FWIW my “how to rebuild big block chevy engines” book says there is an o-ring.

**71CHEVYSHORTBED402** · 12-13-2018, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davepl

That picture looks like a Moroso pan or similar, not a stock pan. No o-ring that I know of on the stock setup, but probably on some of the aftermarket...

It's an original 402 oil pan.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redneck Rydes

Every big block I have had did use a o- ring,always put on on and a dab of silicone

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68bowtie

FWIW my “how to rebuild big block chevy engines” book says there is an o-ring.

I hope you guys are happy man, there was nearly a consensus

Seemed to work with an O-ring, I don't recall a leak. I'll see if I can match it up and/or do as suggested above and seal it.

Edit:

This might be it. Part number 274244.https://www.yearone.com/Product/1964...l-camino/8758n

Per the part's book, 274244 was used on all engines.......Don't shoot the messenger(s), miles may vary

I ordered one off Ebay and will advise of fit.

EDIT: I got the 274244 O-ring. Looked right, fit on the tube right, too big for the oil pan tube.

The old one could be just dried up, but I believe it's plastic instead of rubber.

my56chevytruck · 12-14-2018, 12:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 71CHEVYSHORTBED402

When I removed the dipstick tube I was surprised to see there wasn't an O-ring. But I ended up finding one when I pulled the oil pan. It was on the rim inside the oil pan tube. It's possible one was added when the engine was rebuilt long ago.

Word is dipstick tubes don't take an O-ring because the tube is press fit and they're not necessary? I asked a transmission shop for an O-ring, and they also say the tube doesn't use one. So my question is, does the original oil dipstick tube use an O-ring or not? Thank you

Never saw one on a dipstick, so let me ask, are you sure this tube is correct for your engine? Just wondering.

Redneck Rydes · 12-14-2018, 09:53 AM

Lets stop all the B.S. Big Block Chevys take a O ring, small blocks Do not,End of it!

demian5 · 12-14-2018, 12:25 PM

Now is it a square-cut o-ring or traditional round type?

Redneck Rydes · 12-14-2018, 12:45 PM

It is a round style O-ring

**71CHEVYSHORTBED402** · 12-15-2018, 01:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by my56chevytruck

Never saw one on a dipstick, so let me ask, are you sure this tube is correct for your engine? Just wondering.

Knowing what I do of the truck it's probably the original tube. An image is below, though the clip is in a box someplace. My 72 has a 402 as well, and both dip stick tubes have the same shape. Where it gets tricky is the book says the tube is 3928901, which comes up showing straight tubes, and the retainers may be fixed? I figure 3928901 was a post factory replacement.

**68bowtie** · 12-15-2018, 02:11 AM

Is that possibly a straight tube that someone bent? Mine has two clean bends (not 100% sure of what it originally came from).

Name: 2018-12-14 031.jpg
Views: 4616
Size: 28.4 KB

Name: 2018-12-14 031.jpg
Views: 4616
Size: 28.4 KB

Redneck Rydes · 12-15-2018, 10:08 AM

Some were bent like that mainly to miss the A/C unit and non A/C were straight.

**71CHEVYSHORTBED402** · 12-15-2018, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redneck Rydes

Some were bent like that mainly to miss the A/C unit and non A/C were straight.

Ah ha, learn something new everyday...............Both my trucks had A/C. I also just noticed the retainer was attached to the tube at some point.

**71CHEVYSHORTBED402** · 12-18-2018, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 71CHEVYSHORTBED402

It's an original 402 oil pan.

I hope you guys are happy man, there was nearly a consensus

Seemed to work with an O-ring, I don't recall a leak. I'll see if I can match it up and/or do as suggested above and seal it.

Edit:

This might be it. Part number 274244.https://www.yearone.com/Product/1964...l-camino/8758n

Per the part's book, 274244 was used on all engines.......Don't shoot the messenger(s), miles may vary

I ordered one off Ebay and will advise of fit.

Well, I got the 274244 O-ring. Looked right, fit on the tube right. Oil or not that tube isn't going in all the way, it just bungles up the O-ring because it's too wide for the oil pan tube.

The old one could be just dried up, but I believe it's plastic instead of rubber.

Well, I got the 274244 O-ring. Looked right, fit on the tube right. Oil or not that tube isn't going in all the way, it just bungles up the O-ring because it's too wide for the oil pan tube.

The old one may just be dried up, but I believe it's plastic instead of rubber.

12-11-2018, 07:53 PM	#1
71CHEVYSHORTBED402 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern Nevada Posts: 7,329	Does the dipstick tube take an O-ring? When I removed the dipstick tube I was surprised to see there wasn't an O-ring. But I ended up finding one when I pulled the oil pan. It was on the rim inside the oil pan tube. It's possible one was added when the engine was rebuilt long ago. Word is dipstick tubes don't take an O-ring because the tube is press fit and they're not necessary? I asked a transmission shop for an O-ring, and they also say the tube doesn't use one. So my question is, does the original oil dipstick tube use an O-ring or not? Thank you Attached Images __________________ Tony 71 Custom Deluxe, SWB, 2WD, 402, A/C. I developed an assembly kit for restoring the (a) truck from the ground up. My build thread, and more on the assembly kit https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=730025

12-11-2018, 08:05 PM	#2
towbar Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Marshall, NC....heart of the Appalachians.....aka, Gods country!! Posts: 537	Re: Does the dipstick tube take an O-ring? never seen or used an o-ring on sbc or bbc such as yours....but have used a small dab of sealer on the tube at the time of install to prevent any seepage.

12-11-2018, 09:02 PM	#3
projectking Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Orland Park Il Posts: 2,041	Re: Does the dipstick tube take an O-ring? +1 I’ve always put a small amount of black RTV on them. __________________ 68 GMC C3500 Longhorn DRW 67 Chevy C10 LWB 90 Mustang Gt 90 Mustang Notchback

12-11-2018, 09:24 PM	#4
jocko Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Godley, TX Posts: 17,975	Re: Does the dipstick tube take an O-ring? yep, no-o-ring. It's a press fit, that's all. But RTV not a bad idea for insurance. I don't think the factory used any. But then again, these engines were exactly known for being leak-resistant ...

12-11-2018, 11:09 PM	#5
70STOVEBOLT Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Winona Lake, IN Posts: 6,424	Re: Does the dipstick tube take an O-ring? It is not a press fit on my 402. It fits loosely but it does have a bracket welded on with a bolt hole to mount to the exhaust manifold so it cannot come out. I put a small o-ring on it just because. __________________ 70 C/10 SWB 402/TH400/3.73 "The Needy Beast" 200,000 Mile Club Disc Brake Club Owner installed options: Front Sway Bar Power Steering Power Brakes Cigar Lighter Courtesy Lights Deluxe Side Markers Wiper Delay Sliding Rear Window Power Windows Power Locks Sniper EFI 2015 Silverado 1500 LS 4.3/6L80/3.23 lowered 2" front & rear

12-11-2018, 11:22 PM	#6
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 20,036	Re: Does the dipstick tube take an O-ring? I tried putting an o-ring on one, was unsuccessful even with the thinnest one I could find. __________________ 1972 C/10 Cheyenne Super SWB. Restored, loaded, slammed. 1968 C/10 50th Anniversary LWB. Unrestored, stock, daily driver/work truck. RIP ElJay RIP 67ChevyRedneck RIP Grumpy Old Man RIP FleetsidePaul

12-12-2018, 07:56 AM	#7
68panelman Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Delaware and Long Island, New York Posts: 3,458	Re: Does the dipstick tube take an O-ring? No O-ring. I've had the loose complete pull out type too. A light hit with a hammer on the upper area before the seat takes care of that problem.

12-12-2018, 11:10 AM	#8
davepl Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Redmond, WA Posts: 6,332	Re: Does the dipstick tube take an O-ring? That picture looks like a Moroso pan or similar, not a stock pan. No o-ring that I know of on the stock setup, but probably on some of the aftermarket... __________________ 1970 GMC Sierra Grande Custom Camper - Built, not Bought 1969 Pontiac 2+2 427/390 4-speed Coupe 1969 Pontiac 2+2 427/390 4-speed Convertible

12-12-2018, 11:37 AM	#9
57larry Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 1,161	Re: Does the dipstick tube take an O-ring? no O ring but you can use RTV snot

12-12-2018, 12:20 PM	#10
68panelman Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Delaware and Long Island, New York Posts: 3,458	Re: Does the dipstick tube take an O-ring? What engine do you have? My '70 Blazer has it's original 255hp 350, and the dipstick tube is bossed into the block on head mating surface Attached Images

12-12-2018, 12:22 PM	#11
70STOVEBOLT Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Winona Lake, IN Posts: 6,424	Re: Does the dipstick tube take an O-ring? Big blocks have the dipstick coming out of the right side of the oil pan. __________________ 70 C/10 SWB 402/TH400/3.73 "The Needy Beast" 200,000 Mile Club Disc Brake Club Owner installed options: Front Sway Bar Power Steering Power Brakes Cigar Lighter Courtesy Lights Deluxe Side Markers Wiper Delay Sliding Rear Window Power Windows Power Locks Sniper EFI 2015 Silverado 1500 LS 4.3/6L80/3.23 lowered 2" front & rear

12-12-2018, 12:24 PM	#12
68panelman Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Delaware and Long Island, New York Posts: 3,458	Re: Does the dipstick tube take an O-ring? Thanks, never owned a BB, still learnin everyday!

12-12-2018, 04:05 PM	#13
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,945	Re: Does the dipstick tube take an O-ring? No O-rings that I have ever seen on the oil stick. Transmissions do though! __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

12-12-2018, 06:12 PM	#14
Redneck Rydes Registered User Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Trenton,Ontario & South Carolina Posts: 755	Re: Does the dipstick tube take an O-ring? Every big block I have had did use a o- ring,always put on on and a dab of silicone

12-13-2018, 10:09 AM	#15
68bowtie Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Turlock, CA Posts: 8,801	Re: Does the dipstick tube take an O-ring? FWIW my “how to rebuild big block chevy engines” book says there is an o-ring. __________________ Please help my sister in law with her battle with cancer https://gofund.me/902f6fce Thank you all so far you are angels!! Project "C10 Fever" (68 factory black 396 swb) Project "Little Sister" (70 c10 blue original paint refresh) Project "Blue Bomb" (70 c30 blue original paint refresh) SOLD Project "Vitamin C" (71 c10 orange original paint refresh) SOLD



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

12-14-2018, 09:53 AM	#18
Redneck Rydes Registered User Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Trenton,Ontario & South Carolina Posts: 755	Re: Does the dipstick tube take an O-ring? Lets stop all the B.S. Big Block Chevys take a O ring, small blocks Do not,End of it!

12-14-2018, 12:25 PM	#19
demian5 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Lake Forest, CA Posts: 2,177	Re: Does the dipstick tube take an O-ring? Now is it a square-cut o-ring or traditional round type? __________________ "Work hard, use your vacation days." 1970 C15 GMC Long Bed 1986 C20 Scottsdale 1983 K2500 Sierra Classic Suburban 6.2 Instagram: C10sofOC

12-14-2018, 12:45 PM	#20
Redneck Rydes Registered User Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Trenton,Ontario & South Carolina Posts: 755	Re: Does the dipstick tube take an O-ring? It is a round style O-ring

12-15-2018, 02:11 AM	#22
68bowtie Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Turlock, CA Posts: 8,801	Re: Does the dipstick tube take an O-ring? Is that possibly a straight tube that someone bent? Mine has two clean bends (not 100% sure of what it originally came from). __________________ Please help my sister in law with her battle with cancer https://gofund.me/902f6fce Thank you all so far you are angels!! Project "C10 Fever" (68 factory black 396 swb) Project "Little Sister" (70 c10 blue original paint refresh) Project "Blue Bomb" (70 c30 blue original paint refresh) SOLD Project "Vitamin C" (71 c10 orange original paint refresh) SOLD

12-15-2018, 10:08 AM	#23
Redneck Rydes Registered User Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Trenton,Ontario & South Carolina Posts: 755	Re: Does the dipstick tube take an O-ring? Some were bent like that mainly to miss the A/C unit and non A/C were straight.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.