The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 54 1/2 ton 235 Dipstick

Hi everyone,
Did all 235s have dipstick tubes? My project truck's engine came with a shorty dipstick and no tube, so I started researching and actually bought Deve's dipstick tube. Now, I am looking for dipsticks, and have seen guys on ebay selling some as "correct for 235s with no dipstick tube".
What gives?

Most likely you could use a stick/gauge with no tube, if the stick/gauge is the correct length for your year/type of 1941-1962 235 (with standard pans for each year).

A tube was "standard" equipment on domestic trucks.
Here are some of the gauge/stick and tube lengths from 1941 to 1957 (58-62 235/261 should/might match the 1957 lengths/parts).

Q.Did all 235s have dipstick tubes?
A.I would say no because some earlier car, COE and Double Duty engines came with just a short dipstick. According to MPC.

1929 - 1957 Chevrolet Master Parts & Accessories Catalog
1953-57 Six Cylinder Engine Assy. Cross Section Typical

Dipstick,Rod,Gauge;
47-55, Commercial Utility, 15 3/32", Measured from under washer to bottom end. part #3701556

Tube;
47-57, Commercial Utility, 8 7/64", part #3705397
Note: On jobs prior to 1955 cut to 6 3/4"

Yeah, the tube is correct for most 235/261 engines of the era, but I agree dipsticks are harder to find. Put an ad in the Parts Wanted section here. I have always had pretty good luck.

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Anybody got a good suggestion on how to get a dipstick tube out of my old 235 without damaging it?

I always drop a long 5/16" bolt in it so it does not crush, then grab it with vice-grips and twist and lift.

In my experience, its pretty hard to NOT damage it anyway. It depends on how stubborn it is. The dipstick fits in surprisingly tight already, so you don't have a lot of room for mistakes.

I put some heat to the block around the tube which helped me get mine out.

Thanks for the ideas, I appreciate them.