1972 - LT1 oil dip stick and tube

[Jeff A.]

Re: 1972 - LT1 oil dip stick and tube

Yes - both of these do - I have quite a few more of these- will take a look at a few more later in the week.

[David L.]

Re: 1972 - LT1 oil dip stick and tube

Jeff,

I still have about 40 or 50 Chevrolet dipsticks in my "collection", mostly 60's and early 70's with a few in the late 50's. I sold most of my Corvette dipsticks. I believe that the "M", "E", and "B" represent the manufacturer. I even have some dipsticks without any manufacturer's stamping letter.

Dave

[Don L.]

Re: 1972 - LT1 oil dip stick and tube

I believe the correct dipstick for the 1972 Corvette should be stamped "ADD", "FULL", "USE SE ENGINE OIL" as well as a "M" (or possibly "E", depending on the manufacturer) and WITHOUT the dimple in the handle. The "A" dimension should be 20 5/32" and the "B" dimension should be 20 59/64". The "M" dipsticks have a black plastic tip at the end of the loop on the handle.

The 3862730 dipsticks sold over the counter in the 1980's are stamped "ADD 1 QT", "FULL", "USE SE ENGINE OIL", "3862730" and "M" and do have a "dimple" on the handle.

I believe that the 1969-1971 dipsticks are stamped "ADD", "FULL", "USE GM6041-M-QUALITY MS OIL" and "M" (or possibly "E") WITHOUT the "dimple" on the handle.

The 1965-1967 dipsticks were stamped "ADD", "FULL", "ENGINE OIL" and "M" with a black plastic tip on the handle.

You should confirm my findings with others before spending any kind of serious money.

The upper dipstick tube is GM # 3876784. I have several used original tubes if you need a photo. Is the top 2" of your upper tube smaller in diameter then the rest of the tube? I can't tell from your photo.

Dave

All, I am aware of at least 2 1972 small blocks with round handled dip sticks that have the verbiage David cites ("ADD", "FULL", "USE GM6041-M-QUALITY MS OIL" and "M" (or possibly "E") WITHOUT the "dimple" on the handle.")

One car is a 1 owner and known original. One car is very early '72MY production and the other is mid-late production. It's the mid-late car that's the one owner.

Anyone else?

[Edward J.]

Re: 1972 - LT1 oil dip stick and tube

The dip stick I have on my 72 has a small indentation just below the Farrel and the replacement I just purchased from Paragon does not have this indentation. I believe all other aspects of the Paragon dip stick are the same as the one currently on the car.
What is correct?

The tube I also purchased is a tin color, but almost bordering on a shiney finish. The one I currently have is a dark color almost black, but could be that it is just weathered, etc.

What is correct?



Thanks

Jerome, Its been my undestanding that the dip sticks from GM did not have any dimples on the handle as the repro one use the dimples to hold the handle to the dip stick its self.

[David L.]

Re: 1972 - LT1 oil dip stick and tube

All, I am aware of at least 2 1972 small blocks with round handled dip sticks that have the verbiage David cites ("ADD", "FULL", "USE GM6041-M-QUALITY MS OIL" and "M" (or possibly "E") WITHOUT the "dimple" on the handle.")

One car is a 1 owner and known original. One car is very early '72MY production and the other is mid-late production. It's the mid-late car that's the one owner.

Anyone else?

Don,

I'm sure there were leftover dipsticks stamped "USE GM6041-M-QUALITY MS OIL" that were installed in 1972 models. The part number was the same and GM did not throw away parts. They used up the supply on hand until the supply were gone.

Dave

[D S.]

Re: 1972 - LT1 oil dip stick and tube

I have what I believe to be an original 1972 Corvette oil dipstick that has all the same words, dot marks between ADD and FULL, flat handle characteristic but with a red button and an E stamp (or sideways M).
In the 1970-1972 Judging Guide, 4th Edition on page 70 section 11 it clearly states that all 1971-1972 Corvette dipsticks had red plugs. All 1970 350 and 454 had black plugs some with some having a W stamp. There seems to be some differing opinions on whether the stamps are Ws, Ms, or Es.

[Scott K.]

Re: 1972 - LT1 oil dip stick and tube

All, I am aware of at least 2 1972 small blocks with round handled dip sticks that have the verbiage David cites ("ADD", "FULL", "USE GM6041-M-QUALITY MS OIL" and "M" (or possibly "E") WITHOUT the "dimple" on the handle.")

One car is a 1 owner and known original. One car is very early '72MY production and the other is mid-late production. It's the mid-late car that's the one owner.

Anyone else?

My 1972 350, non LT-1, currently has the dipstic above "use gm6041 etc" with a green dot. I see no dimple. I've been advised that the correct stick should have a block dot. I read another post here that says red dot.

For a 1972, may 30 engine, 350/200, ac car, auto, what would be correct?

[Jerome P.]

Re: 1972 - LT1 oil dip stick and tube

My 1972 350, non LT-1, currently has the dipstic above "use gm6041 etc" with a green dot. I see no dimple. I've been advised that the correct stick should have a block dot. I read another post here that says red dot.

For a 1972, may 30 engine, 350/200, ac car, auto, what would be correct?

It is my understanding all '72s with a 350 engine had a black dot at the tip of the dip stick handle.

[Don L.]

Re: 1972 - LT1 oil dip stick and tube

It is my understanding all '72s with a 350 engine had a black dot at the tip of the dip stick handle.

I too understand the black dot/plug is widely seen as the only color for the SB application.

It looks, though, as there is growing support to accept that several different verbiages are seen stamped into the stick's blade. Reference other posts in this chain for some evidence of original cars showing differences to the TMJG.

[David L.]

Re: 1972 - LT1 oil dip stick and tube

My 1972 350, non LT-1, currently has the dipstic above "use gm6041 etc" with a green dot. I see no dimple. I've been advised that the correct stick should have a block dot. I read another post here that says red dot.

For a 1972, may 30 engine, 350/200, ac car, auto, what would be correct?

Scott,

The 1964-1974 Corvette 327 dipstick (GM # 3862730) with the BLACK plastic plug has the following measurements:
A = 20 5/32" (20.16")
B = 20 59/65" (20.92").

The 1965-1967 Chevrolet 283/327 dipstick (GM # 3876786) with the GREEN plastic plug has the following measurements:
A = 20 1/8" (20.13")
B = 20 49/64" (20.77")

The stampings on the stick part of the dipstick vary depending on when they were made.

As you can see by the measurements the 3862730 and 3876786 dipsticks are almost the same length.

Your dipstick with the GREEN plug might be a 3876786 dipstick that was made in 1969, 1970, or 1971. Is there a "M" stamping?

The 3951576 dipsticks (A = 17 5/16" & B = 18 3/16") used on 1969-1971 Z28's and Camaro SS350's as well as other Chevrolet models were made by two different vendors and both were stamped "USE GM 6041-M-QUALITY MS OIL". The ones with the GREEN plug were stamped with the letter "M" while the ones with the "flat tip" were stamped with the letter "E".

Dave

[Scott K.]

Re: 1972 - LT1 oil dip stick and tube

Scott,

The 1964-1974 Corvette 327 dipstick (GM # 3862730) with the BLACK plastic plug has the following measurements:
A = 20 5/32" (20.16")
B = 20 59/65" (20.92").

The 1965-1967 Chevrolet 283/327 dipstick (GM # 3876786) with the GREEN plastic plug has the following measurements:
A = 20 1/8" (20.13")
B = 20 49/64" (20.77")

The stampings on the stick part of the dipstick vary depending on when they were made.

As you can see by the measurements the 3862730 and 3876786 dipsticks are almost the same length.

Your dipstick with the GREEN plug might be a 3876786 dipstick that was made in 1969, 1970, or 1971. Is there a "M" stamping?

The 3951576 dipsticks (A = 17 5/16" & B = 18 3/16") used on 1969-1971 Z28's and Camaro SS350's as well as other Chevrolet models were made by two different vendors and both were stamped "USE GM 6041-M-QUALITY MS OIL". The ones with the GREEN plug were stamped with the letter "M" while the ones with the "flat tip" were stamped with the letter "E".

Dave

yes.. there is an M stamping.

[Mark D.]

Re: 1972 - LT1 oil dip stick and tube

In the 1970-1972 Judging Guide, 4th Edition on page 70 section 11 it clearly states that all 1971-1972 Corvette dipsticks had red plugs. All 1970 350 and 454 had black plugs some with some having a W stamp. There seems to be some differing opinions on whether the stamps are Ws, Ms, or Es.

I can just about guarantee there will be changes forthcoming in the next JG revision. There are definitely changes in the soon to be released 68/69 JG.

Regards,

Mark

[Patrick H.]

Re: 1972 - LT1 oil dip stick and tube

I can just about guarantee there will be changes forthcoming in the next JG revision. There are definitely changes in the soon to be released 68/69 JG.

Regards,

Mark

Really?

[Scott K.]

1972 - 350/200HP Dipstick Length & Marketings

Ok.. need to figure what's what.

I've read this thread several times and have searched for the correct part.
My engine is definitely a 1972 350/200HP Corvette Engine. CKX May/72
This is a non-LT1 car with ac (if that matters).

The dipstick, which based on my recent Judging sheets, is incorrect as it has the green button and the words that reference "use 6041 M". I just measured the length of the dipstick. From the tip to the spot where the flat part of the stick connects just under the "bell", it is essentially 18.5 inches. It is 22 inches from the tip of the dipstick to the top of the handle.

I found a replacement, with a tube, based on the description of the stick being stamped "Add Full Use SE Engine Oil M" . The length of the stick is 21" stick length. and another 3 3/8" handle. For a total of 24 3/8" Has a block dot on the handle.


How can the correct one be longer than the one I have ? Now I'm wondering how accurate the oil reading are with the current stick...

[Joe L.]

Re: 1972 - 350/200HP Dipstick Length & Marketings

Ok.. need to figure what's what.

I've read this thread several times and have searched for the correct part.
My engine is definitely a 1972 350/200HP Corvette Engine. CKX May/72
This is a non-LT1 car with ac (if that matters).

The dipstick, which based on my recent Judging sheets, is incorrect as it has the green button and the words that reference "use 6041 M". I just measured the length of the dipstick. From the tip to the spot where the flat part of the stick connects just under the "bell", it is essentially 18.5 inches. It is 22 inches from the tip of the dipstick to the top of the handle.

I found a replacement, with a tube, based on the description of the stick being stamped "Add Full Use SE Engine Oil M" . The length of the stick is 21" stick length. and another 3 3/8" handle. For a total of 24 3/8" Has a block dot on the handle.


How can the correct one be longer than the one I have ? Now I'm wondering how accurate the oil reading are with the current stick...

Scott-----


The correct dipstick will measure 21" in length from the base of the "bell" to the tip of the blade. So, your black plug dipstick sounds like the correct one.

The dipstick tube should have a developed length of 9-1/4" from the collar which seats on the block to the upper end.

The above-described pieces will provide an accurate oil level reading IF, and only if, the installed oil pan is correct. It may be that the incorrect dipstick you have was installed in order to accommodate an incorrect oil pan. It thus might be reading correctly. However, if you have an incorrect oil pan installed and you install the correct dipstick and tube, it will NOT read correctly.