The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Dipstick and Tube

I have a '53 3100 half-ton with the original 216 engine. Should the dipstick tube be straight or curved? Mine has a pretty good curve to it and the dipstick is very hard to get in and out.

http://lymanhall.smugmug.com/Other/Other/i-qCjb2M4/0/M/DSC_1297C-M.jpg

I haven't been able to find any pictures of the right side (passenger side) on an original 216.

It should be straight. It seems to me I had the same problem, and someone said that it was bent by a previous owner.

The tube is easy to replace, it just pulls out of the block. You can replace it with a new tube of the same diameter cut to the correct length.

Here is a picture of Denny Graham's engine:

http://www.pbase.com/dennygraham/image/137589816

The tube is 3/8" in diameter, and on my engine it rises about 5 7/8" above the block.

Denny's looks just like the original.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/advance-design_parts_co/12315516204/in/set-72157640522200463
https://www.flickr.com/photos/advance-design_parts_co/8601993635/in/set-72157633120087261
https://www.flickr.com/photos/advance-design_parts_co/8250844067/in/set-72157632186114015

Thanks Stove and Brad. I put the tubing bender on it and tugged it back straight, and now the dipstick goes in easily and even shows the right oil level. I appreciate the help!