Can't Find Replacement Oil Dipstick Tube Anywhere

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Majoraslayer

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I've checked all of my local auto parts stores and online, but NO ONE seems to list a direct replacement oil dipstick tube for our trucks. Technically AutoZone and Amazon show search results, but the reviews all indicate that the parts are listed incorrectly and are too short to actually fit. There's not even a part listed on RockAuto aside from some kind of adapter plate that's out of stock. Does anyone make an oil dipstick tube that fits our 1988-1998 small blocks? I'm hoping someone knows of an alternate off-the-shelf part that isn't properly documented. As common as building 350 engines has been over the years, it's hard to believe that NO ONE sells a dipstick tube that fits our trucks.

Before it's asked, my original dipstick tube rusted out, so I replaced it with a spare I pulled from a 1993 Camaro LT1 350. The bolt hole lined up and the pitch of the dipstick seemed to measure correctly, so it looked like a good fit. However, now I have a leak from where this tube slides into the block, so I'm guessing it's not the right fit since it doesn't seem to use any kind of seal. I don't think it's a crankcase pressure problem, as the oil doesn't have enough pressure to actually push up into the tube itself and the leak doesn't show signs of spraying as if it's being "pushed" out. There's just a slow drip at the spot where the tube enters the block that has coated my starter in oil while driving.
 

kennythewelder

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8 think there is an O ring grove, in the engine block, where the dip stick go into. I had issues with mine leaking. I pulled it, cleaned all of the oil off, of it, and cleaned the hole, with some salvant on a rag, then I used make-a- gasket silicone on the end of the DS tube, where I knew that the silicone would seal all the way around the DS tube. After installing the DS, I let the silicone dry, over night. It hasn't leaked since, and being silicone, I can always brake the seal, if I need to.
 

extramile71

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I've checked all of my local auto parts stores and online, but NO ONE seems to list a direct replacement oil dipstick tube for our trucks. Technically AutoZone and Amazon show search results, but the reviews all indicate that the parts are listed incorrectly and are too short to actually fit. There's not even a part listed on RockAuto aside from some kind of adapter plate that's out of stock. Does anyone make an oil dipstick tube that fits our 1988-1998 small blocks? I'm hoping someone knows of an alternate off-the-shelf part that isn't properly documented. As common as building 350 engines has been over the years, it's hard to believe that NO ONE sells a dipstick tube that fits our trucks.

Before it's asked, my original dipstick tube rusted out, so I replaced it with a spare I pulled from a 1993 Camaro LT1 350. The bolt hole lined up and the pitch of the dipstick seemed to measure correctly, so it looked like a good fit. However, now I have a leak from where this tube slides into the block, so I'm guessing it's not the right fit since it doesn't seem to use any kind of seal. I don't think it's a crankcase pressure problem, as the oil doesn't have enough pressure to actually push up into the tube itself and the leak doesn't show signs of spraying as if it's being "pushed" out. There's just a slow drip at the spot where the tube enters the block that has coated my starter in oil while driving.
I found one on here if it helps you
 

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Majoraslayer

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8 think there is an O ring grove, in the engine block, where the dip stick go into. I had issues with mine leaking. I pulled it, cleaned all of the oil off, of it, and cleaned the hole, with some salvant on a rag, then I used make-a- gasket silicone on the end of the DS tube, where I knew that the silicone would seal all the way around the DS tube. After installing the DS, I let the silicone dry, over night. It hasn't leaked since, and being silicone, I can always brake the seal, if I need to.
I considered trying something like that, but wasn't sure what kind of stuff to use. I'd imagine anything oil-resistant should do it.
 

Caman96

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I've checked all of my local auto parts stores and online, but NO ONE seems to list a direct replacement oil dipstick tube for our trucks. Technically AutoZone and Amazon show search results, but the reviews all indicate that the parts are listed incorrectly and are too short to actually fit. There's not even a part listed on RockAuto aside from some kind of adapter plate that's out of stock. Does anyone make an oil dipstick tube that fits our 1988-1998 small blocks? I'm hoping someone knows of an alternate off-the-shelf part that isn't properly documented. As common as building 350 engines has been over the years, it's hard to believe that NO ONE sells a dipstick tube that fits our trucks.

Before it's asked, my original dipstick tube rusted out, so I replaced it with a spare I pulled from a 1993 Camaro LT1 350. The bolt hole lined up and the pitch of the dipstick seemed to measure correctly, so it looked like a good fit. However, now I have a leak from where this tube slides into the block, so I'm guessing it's not the right fit since it doesn't seem to use any kind of seal. I don't think it's a crankcase pressure problem, as the oil doesn't have enough pressure to actually push up into the tube itself and the leak doesn't show signs of spraying as if it's being "pushed" out. There's just a slow drip at the spot where the tube enters the block that has coated my starter in oil while driving.
You said 88-98, but they are different for Vortec’s apparently.
 

Majoraslayer

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I found one on here if it helps you
I actually have a 1988 truck, but I bet that would fit exactly the same. Maybe I should broaden my search specifically for Vortec years. I know the same exhaust headers are listed for both TBI and Vortec blocks, and headers/manifolds are probably the biggest hurdle for fitment. I'm running those universal aftermarket headers anyway, soooo ‍:shrug:

Good catch!
 

Caman96

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I actually have a 1988 truck, but I bet that would fit exactly the same. Maybe I should broaden my search specifically for Vortec years. I know the same exhaust headers are listed for both TBI and Vortec blocks, and headers/manifolds are probably the biggest hurdle for fitment. I'm running those universal aftermarket headers anyway, soooo ‍:shrug:

Good catch!
GM 10110898 Is the part you want but it’s discontinued. Salvage yard is probably your best source. I wouldn’t use the Vortec, there has to be a reason.
 

Majoraslayer

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Unfortunately there are no salvage yards anywhere near me that have one (I've checked), so RTV it is.
 

Caman96

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Unfortunately there are no salvage yards anywhere near me that have one (I've checked), so RTV it is.
This is worth a try, you never know!
Just add your information… for part you’ll have to enter “Engine Core”. If there’s something reasonably close, call and ask. You have to get creative.
 
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kennythewelder

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I considered trying something like that, but wasn't sure what kind of stuff to use. I'd imagine anything oil-resistant should do it.
The trick, is to clean off ALL of the oil. I used a rag, with some paint thinner on it. Then next thing is to let it sit, at least over night. That way the silicone has time to dry. When my transmission went out in 2022 ish, I had the transmission shop also replaced the rear main seal, while the transmission was out. When I picked up the truck, they said that the oil pan gasket was also leaking. So, I replaced it. Well they were wrong about that. It was the dip stick tube. It was just running along the oil pan, once it seeped out from around the dip stick hole, in the block. Anyway, some silicone form-a-gasket took care of that.
 
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