Dipstick tube source - possible

[Bryan]

Well, on my old block of my 48 Dodge the dipstick tube was broke off. On the new block a couple of weeks ago I wiggled the tube slightly with my hand and it broke off. Reckon was already rusted.  The only source of tubes looked like VPW, but no info on them.    On mine I measured about 1 1/2" of tube in the block, and 3.97 (4") outside the block.  The outer diameter of the tube (outside the block) was exactly .45" OD and about .38" ID.   The stick is 10 7/8” long from flange to tip, and .31” W. Stick widens at top so it is tight in tube.  Looked at various sources of steel tubing, all was OD fractions that were too small or large.  I converted the measurements to MM and found it was 11.43mm OD and 9.65mm ID.   Found these on Amazon. Figured I can shave a 1/2mm off the outside and make it fit. Would only have to grind about 1 1/2" of the length where it went in the block.  Eowpower 8 Pcs Outer Diameter 0.5 to 12 mm, Length 300mm, 304 Stainless Steel Capillary Metal Tube Tubing: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific     300 mm is almost a foot long.  2 mm thickness probably enough -  3mm is about 1/8".

[Brent B3B]

That is great, but If it doesn’t work .......

I am a fan of supporting the site if possible 

[Bryan]

I got the stainless metric tubes later in the day.   Late morning I tapped the broken dipstick tube out and measured where it was inserted in the block. Only 1" inserted.  The diameter of the tube IN the block at the end is .4375" which is 7/16".   But from the tip in the block it keeps gradually getting wider (measured .45" outside about 2" up on the broke piece).  They sell 7/16" tubing but I still think I'll use my 12mm tube and grind the end smaller.

[greg g]

There were 4 or more different tube lengths and as many or more dipsticks used across the years and brands of these engines, including ones that mounted through the oil pan on some trucks.  It's important to match the tube to the stick to assure accurate measurements. 

[Bryan]

Main thing is that there are several alternatives than finding that "special" expensive part on Ebay if a person breaks the tube off.   A lot of SAE and metric stainless, bronze, etc tubes out there. Important is mounting the tube so it doesn't slide up and down in the block and change the level reading, and matching the height of the tube sticking out or bevel that stops the stick.

[Sniper]

Many years ago, I was changing the oil on my first Mopar, a 75 Dart SE with a slant six.  Took 12 quarts of oil to hit the full mark on the dipstick.  Being a relative noob about cars back then I thought something was wrong, but wasn't 100% sure so I stopped and waited till the neighbor guy who was into cars got home from work.  After we confirmed with the Dodge dealer that it should take 5 quarts not 12 and being told that a new dipstick and tube were not available we ended up getting a universal dipstick.  We put in 4 quarts, marked the dipstick for low then added one more and marked it for full. 

 

 

[LazyK]

any idea how the size compares to a later model MOPAR V8 or slant six?