Upper dip stick tube guide installation

[Doug Y.]

Just got a new upper dip stick tube guide to install on my 1963 327 engine. I cant seem to get it to go into the block. Does anyone have a trick way of installing this tube? I am thinking if I polish the chrome finish from the tube where it enters the block it might fit? Help appreciated.

[Bill W.]

Re: Upper dip stick tube guide installation

Just got a new upper dip stick tube guide to install on my 1963 327 engine. I cant seem to get it to go into the block. Does anyone have a trick way of installing this tube? I am thinking if I polish the chrome finish from the tube where it enters the block it might fit? Help appreciated.

Doug,
I don't remember that tube as having a chrome finish, but in any case your solution will work, sand the critter down a little at a time. Don't make it so small it won't stay in place. Happy sanding! Bill

[John D.]

Re: Upper dip stick tube guide installation

Doug, Bill is correct for sure. Don't attempt to install the chrome one. Buy one from Chevy.
Joe Lucia can give you the part number as he has done 100 times in the past. Or go use the search engine.
Reusing an original is iffy also. Unless you can expand the bottom which is difficult. John

[Tracy C.]

Re: Upper dip stick tube guide installation

Just got a new upper dip stick tube guide to install on my 1963 327 engine. I cant seem to get it to go into the block. .....

Something else to consider is the length of the tube you are trying to insert into the block. Use a wood match stick to measure the availble hole depth and compare the lengh of the bottom of the dipstick tube up to the bead. You may need to shorten the tube some.

Also, within this same hole is another tube is installed that goes down into the pan. This tube guides the dipstick past the rotating assy of the crank/rods. You may need to gently tap this tube home to a rest first.

tc

[Jeff S.]

Re: Upper dip stick tube guide installation

Doug

Ditto regarding the chrome plating, as others have responded. Freezing the tube to slightly reduce the OD can help, particularly in dry ice. I use a flare tubing wrench over the upset portion & drift the tube into the block, as in the photo.

[Dan D.]

Re: Upper dip stick tube guide installation

I believe chrome was used on FI engines. I bought a chrome one recently aftermarket, but haven't installed it yet. It is the correct length and configuration, but probably is just flash chrome over a non-chrome one. I did check it for fit and it seemed like it was going to be tight (as I figured).
A couple of months ago there was a thread on this subject and someone posted a photo of a tool he made using a brake line brass block as a mandrel. Looked very nice and I was going to try and duplicate it. -Dan-

[John D.]

Re: Upper dip stick tube guide installation

I believe chrome was used on FI engines. I bought a chrome one recently aftermarket, but haven't installed it yet. It is the correct length and configuration, but probably is just flash chrome over a non-chrome one. I did check it for fit and it seemed like it was going to be tight (as I figured).
A couple of months ago there was a thread on this subject and someone posted a photo of a tool he made using a brake line brass block as a mandrel. Looked very nice and I was going to try and duplicate it. -Dan-

Dan, No chrome tube on FI engines. JD

[Dan D.]

Re: Upper dip stick tube guide installation

Okay JD, don't know now where I heard this, but I did get it from somewhere, and CC (for one) offers it and says it is for FI engines.
Regardless, I am going to try and use it if I can. I have all the rest of the 63 chrome stuff. I'll let you know how I make out.
Also, there have been a couple of VERY GOOD threads here on timing, VAC, and distributor positioning (Duke in particular). I fought this battle a couple of months ago and gave up on it. Could not get it right. So armed with all this new good info I will be trying again, but it may be a while as I am shut down here by winter for a bit. I may have some questions in a couple of months.
I appreciate all the support I get from you guys. -Dan-

[Doug Y.]

Re: Upper dip stick tube guide installation

Thanks for all the replies much appreciated. On my 65 fuel engine the dip stick tube is not chrome as it is original. The engine I am working with at the moment is a 63 340 HP unit, I will try the idea of polishing bit of chrome off of the end and then installing using a flare nut wrench and light taps with hammer. Thanks again. DCY

[Stuart F.]

Re: Upper dip stick tube guide installation

My 63 340 hp is chrome.

Stu Fox