1972 - LT1 oil dip stick and tube

[D S.]

Re: 1972 - LT1 oil dip stick and tube

This is what I have (see photo), a 1972 LS-5 dipstick. According to the JG both the 350 and 454 had the same stampings on the shaft and had the same handle configuration as Kurt Neiman's photo of his '70. The only difference is the color of the buttons.

[Scott K.]

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

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.

Thank you for the reply on this. Well.. I know the pan is a replacement and it was done by a very well known, reputable local Corvette shop here in West Chester PA.. so I doubt that the pan is incorrect..

[Joe L.]

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

Thank you for the reply on this. Well.. I know the pan is a replacement and it was done by a very well known, reputable local Corvette shop here in West Chester PA.. so I doubt that the pan is incorrect..

Scott-----


Can you take a photo of the pan and post it?

[Scott K.]

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

Scott-----


Can you take a photo of the pan and post it?

[Joe L.]

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

Scott------


Just as I suspected. This is absolutely not a correct oil pan for your application. In fact, it's not a correct oil pan for ANY Corvette application although it's somewhat similar to the 1975-79 Corvette pan (which was also used on Camaros and full size Chevrolets). This is some sort of generic, aftermarket oil pan. I suspect that for proper calibration the 1975-79 dipstick and tube would be the closest and that may be exactly what you have (and why you have it).

[Scott K.]

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

Scott------


Just as I suspected. This is absolutely not a correct oil pan for your application. In fact, it's not a correct oil pan for ANY Corvette application although it's somewhat similar to the 1975-79 Corvette pan (which was also used on Camaros and full size Chevrolets). This is some sort of generic, aftermarket oil pan. I suspect that for proper calibration the 1975-79 dipstick and tube would be the closest and that may be exactly what you have (and why you have it).

Hmm.. ok. The dipstick was in the car when I bought the car. Oil pan was replaced after I bought the car. The shop did not change the stick to match the pan -- now, whether they bought a pan to match the stick is beyond me.. but I'd imagine that they ordered the pan that would be an "applicable" replacement. While I don't recall, they may have offered me options at that time. The pan that was on the car evidently looked like it had some damage so it was recommended that it be replaced -- which is what was done over a year ago.

So.. net/net.. If I buy the correct stick & tube, when the tube is installed, it may very well result in the stick sitting properly in the pan.. No?

It sounds like I should take a look at getting a "correct" pan too.

[Joe L.]

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

Hmm.. ok. The dipstick was in the car when I bought the car. Oil pan was replaced after I bought the car. The shop did not change the stick to match the pan -- now, whether they bought a pan to match the stick is beyond me.. but I'd imagine that they ordered the pan that would be an "applicable" replacement. While I don't recall, they may have offered me options at that time. The pan that was on the car evidently looked like it had some damage so it was recommended that it be replaced -- which is what was done over a year ago.

So.. net/net.. If I buy the correct stick & tube, when the tube is installed, it may very well result in the stick sitting properly in the pan.. No?

It sounds like I should take a look at getting a "correct" pan too.

Scott-----


I do not think the correct dipstick and tube will provide an accurate oil level reading when used with this pan.

Reproductions of the original pan are available as manufactured by/for Keen Parts.

[Scott K.]

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

Scott-----


I do not think the correct dipstick and tube will provide an accurate oil level reading when used with this pan.

Reproductions of the original pan are available as manufactured by/for Keen Parts.

Joe,

Thank you for the comments and advice. This board is such a valuable source of support. Best route sounds like to round up the stick, tube and pan and have it all done at the same time.

Best -

Scott.

[David 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,

Pictured in the link below is how to measure a dipstick.

Dave

http://imgur.com/a/KT6ZN#0