JoeCB

This is really wierd but we have a rusted out dip stick tube. The tube has a hole someplace behind the exhaust manifold and I can't get the dip stick to make the turn down into the oil pan, it just goes straight down along the outside the pan. QUESTION... can the tube be changed without dropping the oil pan. I know that on some engines the tube is bent over a little before the pan is installed. Appreciate any words of wisdom here.
1993 4.3 L Vortec "W" code engine
thanks
Joe B

old dog

man you got a tough one ,never done one on a 4.3 did one on a small block and 2.8 .if there is a hold down bolt ,remove it take a small bolt 5/16 or 3/8 cant remember which ,that is long enough to have a smooth shoulder to stick into the end of the tube and put a pair of vise grips on the end of the tube clamp the tube and bolt tight .and carefully twist it back and forth until it starts to move and pull and twist and it will work it's way out . to install use the same bolt ,line the tube up and carefully tap it in with a small ball peen hammer until it bottom's out on the shoulder .

JoeCB

William, thanks for the reply.... When it gets a little warmer around here I'm going to give it a try. My biggest concern is if the tube has a bend in it inside the engine.. then it won't come out without dropping the pan.

Joe B

old dog

every one i have had out (a few)all installed from the outside and about 1 inch went into the block .gently twist and it should relax the fit on the tube .

JoeCB

Thanks much ole' dog, that's what I was hoping for. I had bad thoughts about fighting about 6 inches of tube out of the block. I worked at the old Cadillac plant in Detroit and watched them drive the tubes thru thr block flange then bend them over so that the dipstick cleared the crank throws. You couldn't change those without droping the pan.
Joe B

old dog

the chevy's are quite a bit different .the 4.3 is just about the same as a 350,327,305 i just got done with a 2.8 v-6 s-10 hope every thing works out for you .