Thread: 2 piece dipstick tube in block?

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When was disassembling the engine (somewhat), there was the upper dipstick tube which presses into the opening, but below that there was another metal sleeve which sat at the BOTTOM of the dipstick tube hole in the block. This tube sticks a few inches into the pan past the block below.

Is this normal? What is the purpose of this lower dipstick tube "sleeve"? Can I just not use it?

I'm just wondering what the heck it's for and do I need it.

I'm guessing your talking about SBC I never worried about it most times you can't get them out and they get broken off between machine shop and reassembly. Just be sure opening is clear.

Yup, chebbie used the two piece dipstick tube for years....

Originally Posted by Dave Severson

Yup, chebbie used the two piece dipstick tube for years....

Dave, do you agree that I really don't need the lower part? I'd rather simply not use it. But if they were to have put it in for a reason, I don't want to eliminate what is necessary.

Actually, the lower tube serves two functions: first, it holds the dipstick ridgid so it can't get wound up in the crank when the oil gets into a high "windage" situation. We found that out the hard way on a race motor. And secondly, it helps keep the dipstick from leaking at the mateing surface of the upper dipstick tube because the oil can't get thrown up into the dipstick hole in the block and seep past the upper tube.

John