Dip Stick Interferrence

[Clark K.]

At a NCRS meet three years ago, a judge told me that my oil dipstick tube should touch the exhaust manifold between two bumps. It is obvious to me that a former owner had bent the original tube in order to eliminate this interference. That was why the tube was bent away from the manifold. Since that dipstick tube also took a condition point for rust, I decided to change it out.

After changing it out early this year and then taking it to the 2012 San Diego National, another judge told me that although the tube was touching the exhaust manifold between the two bumps, pulling out the dipstick is difficult due to the power brake master cylinder. There was no deduction, but a question arose that I would like to answer.

So, what do I need to do in order to keep the tube in the proper configuration, but allow the dipstick to easily clear the master cylinder? In case it matters, my car is an L76 (327/365) with A/C and Power Brakes.
-Clark

[Joe L.]

Re: Dip Stick Interferrence

At a NCRS meet three years ago, a judge told me that my oil dipstick tube should touch the exhaust manifold between two bumps. It is obvious to me that a former owner had bent the original tube in order to eliminate this interference. That was why the tube was bent away from the manifold. Since that dipstick tube also took a condition point for rust, I decided to change it out.

After changing it out early this year and then taking it to the 2012 San Diego National, another judge told me that although the tube was touching the exhaust manifold between the two bumps, pulling out the dipstick is difficult due to the power brake master cylinder. There was no deduction, but a question arose that I would like to answer.

So, what do I need to do in order to keep the tube in the proper configuration, but allow the dipstick to easily clear the master cylinder? In case it matters, my car is an L76 (327/365) with A/C and Power Brakes.
-Clark

Clark-----


I can tell you this: I believe it was extremely rare, if ever, that the dipstick tube actually contacted the "seat" cast into the manifold. That may have been the design intention but it was not realized in practice. You will find it very difficult to bend the tube so that stays put in the "seat". So did the guys on the line at St. Louis.

[Jim L.]

Re: Dip Stick Interferrence

After changing it out early this year and then taking it to the 2012 San Diego National, another judge told me that although the tube was touching the exhaust manifold between the two bumps, pulling out the dipstick is difficult due to the power brake master cylinder. There was no deduction,

Clark, I've got an unmolested '63 with power brakes. Removing the dipstick tube is a minor PITA. As far as I'm concerned that's just the way it was and what the judge observed about your car is normal.

Jim