1966 L79 Oil Dip Stick

[Rob V.]

Hi--

A previous owner installed a chrome dipstick tube and dipstick on the L79 327 engine in my '66 Coupe. After an oil and filter change, it appeared that the calibration was incorrect for the "full mark" on the dipstick, so I jettisoned the assembly, and a friend provided me what appears to be a more correct dipstick/tube assembly. Anyway, I would like to attempt to verify the application for the dipstick assembly I now have installed on the engine. The part # stamped on the dipstick is 3862730, with a very faint "M" stamped about 1" farther up the dipstick.

Thanks for any/all input on this subject.

[Rich G.]

Re: 1966 L79 Oil Dip Stick

Rob

FWIW, that is the way the Dip stick is marked on my 66 L79. Doesn't make it right, but it is the same as yours

Rich G

[Michael M.]

Re: 1966 L79 Oil Dip Stick

Rob, production dipsticks do not have part numbers or oil specifications stamped in the blade. Original dipstick blades have stamped circles that indicate "ADD" and "FULL" and "ENGINE OIL M". The blades that have the part number must be service replacement.

[Rob V.]

Re: 1966 L79 Oil Dip Stick

Rich and Michael--

Thank you both for taking the time and effort to respond to my question! I now feel fairly confident that what I have installed should be relatively correct; as well as calibrated properly!

Rob

[David L.]

Re: 1966 L79 Oil Dip Stick

Rob,

The GM 3862730 dipsticks made in the 1980's are stamped "ADD 1 QT", "FULL", "USE SE ENGINE OIL", "3862730" and "M" (the vendor).

Original 1965-1967 dipsticks are stamped "ADD", "FULL", "ENGINE OIL" and "M" w/black plastic end cap on the handle.

It's possible that another vendor made 1965-1967 dipsticks with an "E" stamping instead of the "M".

Here are the measurements to check to see if you have a 3862730 dipstick.
A = 20 5/32"
B = 20 59/64"

Dave

[Rob V.]

Re: 1966 L79 Oil Dip Stick

Thank you David! It would appear that I have one of the 1980s dipstick/tube assemblies. However, it certainly is much better than that chrome assembly that was on there.

Rob

[Joe L.]

Re: 1966 L79 Oil Dip Stick

Thank you David! It would appear that I have one of the 1980s dipstick/tube assemblies. However, it certainly is much better than that chrome assembly that was on there.

Rob

Rob------


It should deviate in configuration only in extremely minor ways from the original and it should certainly be 100% correct from a functional perspective.

[Rob V.]

Re: 1966 L79 Oil Dip Stick

Roger that! Thank you Joe!

Rob

[David L.]

Re: 1966 L79 Oil Dip Stick

Rob,

The correct upper tube for your car is GM # 3876784 used on 1966 Chevrolet & Corvette (283, 327) and 1967 Corvette (327) models.

It's the middle tube in the photo.

The 3865664 is a replacement tube for the 3876784 tube and must be slightly modified to give a correct reading. Also, the 3865664 tube does not have the change in diameter near the top end like the 3876784 tube does.

Dave

[Rob V.]

Re: 1966 L79 Oil Dip Stick

David--

Thank you for providing the excellent photos and descriptions of the tubes; I will endeavor to locate the correct tube assembly and dipstick/blade for my engine. I truly appreciate everybody's kindness in responding to my question!

Rob

[Joe L.]

Re: 1966 L79 Oil Dip Stick

David--

Thank you for providing the excellent photos and descriptions of the tubes; I will endeavor to locate the correct tube assembly and dipstick/blade for my engine. I truly appreciate everybody's kindness in responding to my question!

Rob

Rob------


You can get the correct tube in reproduction. I do not recommend trying to install a used tube. These tubes are an interference fit in the block and for proper fitment can be installed "one-time-only".

[Claus S.]

Re: 1966 L79 Oil Dip Stick

Is there any difference on a dipstick for a 350 and 327 engine?

Exact how much oil(not including the oil filter)goes in a 350 and a 327?

[Joe L.]

Re: 1966 L79 Oil Dip Stick

Is there any difference on a dipstick for a 350 and 327 engine?

Exact how much oil(not including the oil filter)goes in a 350 and a 327?

Claus------


As far as basic configuration and calibration goes, all 1965-74 Corvettes with 327's and 350's used the same dipstick.

The vast majority of 1963-74 Corvettes with small block had a 5 quart oil system capacity (4 quarts NOT including the filter). A small number had a 6 quart system capacity (5 quarts not including filter). These included 1963-65 with mechanical lifters, early 1970 LT-1, and 1970-72 ZR-1. Regardless of whether a 5 quart or 6 quart system capacity, they used the same basic dipstick.

[David L.]

Re: 1966 L79 Oil Dip Stick

Based on my research the 1972-1974 Corvette dipsticks (same GM 3862730 part #) were stamped "ADD", "FULL", "USE SE ENGINE OIL", AND "M".

Do the NCRS judges even look at the dipstick stampings? If not, they should.

Dave

[Claus S.]

Re: 1966 L79 Oil Dip Stick

Great. Thanks