DIPSTICK CONCERNS/SOLUTIONS:

[Stewart G Griffin]

As you probably know if you've read my other post, i'm in a crucial jam.

i need the truck running asap for backup transportation so, i think what i'm going to do in the interest of time is to switch from 350 to 305.  The 305 runs with no issues and i will completely inspect/rebuild/redo the 350 on the side as time permits.

The only problem is that 305 only has a provision for the dipstick to be on the left/driver's side, whereas the 350 had provisions for either side.  If you're familiar with stock sBC exhausts manifolds for the 80-87 (and possibly earlier models), the left side exhaust manifold's downtube is right where the dipstick would be so it's not going to work.

Are there any solutions up to and including a different oil pan---with dipstick going directly into pan, that we can utilize to make this work?


If there are any flexible type dipstick tubes, they would have to be very small and very flexible as there is almost no room here---i will try to get a picture up ASAP.

P.S.  If there is a way to plug the existing hole and an alternate way to measure the amt of oil in the pan, we can do that too. (i already have an idea).

[zieg85]

I have the same issue with the 86 exhaust manifolds on an older engine.  I couldn't find an application for the oil pan dipstick not that it isn't possible.  I am opting for headers.  I suppose you could weld one in place, my 4.3L comes out of the pan on the passenger side.

[Stewart G Griffin]

Would something like this work?

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/catalog/parts/partsProduct.jsp?displayName=Oil+Pan&itemId=prod11198&navValue=15100961&parentId=cat10008&productId=945390&fromString=&itemIdentifier=945390_22082_5560_&filterByKeyWord=&categoryNValue=&isSearchByPartNumber=&categoryDisplayName=InternalEngine&store=1833&skuDescription=Dorman/OilPan&fromWhere=&searchText=&_requestid=882051



i am reading that some pans were made with the dipstick going directly into the pan.


Actually, screw that;  i don't have time for all this;  i will just plug the hole for now and every week i will measure the amt of oil in the pan by draining it, measuring the amt----by visual verification in the drain pan and then pouring it back in.

So how do i plug the hole?

[Stewart G Griffin]

OK, i just went out and took another look at it;  There is another solution----the dipstick tube and dipstick can be shortened.

So, "we're cool"  on this.

When i say "we're cool," i mean as far as this subject goes it's not a major crisis anymore.  It does not mean i'm cool.  You all are cool, but at the moment, i'm not cool.  In fact, this whole engine crisis is and has been emotionally devistating.

i need to marry or live with a doctor or lawyer. $$$

[Irish_Alley]

just a thought if your willing to fork out money for a new oil pan why not just fork out the money for older manifolds, shorty headers or even long tube headers?

[choptop]

It would be better to replace the manifolds, but wont necassarily take too long to just rebuild the engine you have. Around here it it only takes about two days of work in the machine shop, and they drive the cam bearings in, rebuild the heads, and bore the block to match the pistons. Most have a complete 350 rebuild kit in stock, with pistons. Takes a few hours to tear down, and a day to build if you take your time. These engines can be built alot faster than that, I am just real picky on cleanliness, so that eats up most of my time. You've been down this long, why not built it and not have to worry about it again. Your whole Simplex idea was based off of making everything easy to work on. Here is your chance to make it like it should be. Not necassarily simple, but repaired right. Cutting dipsticks, modifying, or plugging holes and guessing on oil level isnt going to help your problems at all. You may just have a cracked head, or head gasket. Find out what the problem is for sure before condemning the engine. You are so close, Id hate to see you give up. The heads probably need a refresher anyway, so then you can know if they are cracked. You are so close to the answer, dont quit and start another nightmare. We're with ya buddy, keep going.

[Stewart G Griffin]

1)Buying new manifolds headers etc., would entail changing modifiying the exhaust etc.  Admittedly, this is not too big a deal, but i don't want to do that right now if we don't have to.

2) You may be right and the engine will be rebuilt regardless.  The only thing is if the block is cracked then that's more time wasted and i really need the truck back running ASAP.  With the the 305 at least that's more of a guarantee and probably faster to get back up and running.

[Stewart G Griffin]

Alright, let me ask this at least:

i know there are 305 haters out there.  i can respect that.  However, i need transportation urgently.

If a dipstick hole is not plugged on SBC's, will oil tend to squirt/come out of this hole or are we "cool?"

b)305's have 23 cubic inches over 283's and yet 283's are loved, so maybe we all need to re-assess the dislike towards 305s?

[ccz145a]

Why not just put your 350 pan on your 305 then ??

[Stewart G Griffin]

It won't work as the pan has two "bulges" to accomodate the dipstick on either side----technically you can run two dipsticks on a crate engine.  This was to make the crate a universal drop in.



And, also the hole would still be there.

[Stewart G Griffin]

OK, nevermind----problem solved.  (i think?)