The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop How long is the 235 Dipstick?

So, I'm wondering if my engine has the correct dipstick in it. I've had a couple of instances where I've lost oil pressure when going downhill, with my oil only down to "add quart". I never had this happen with my old 216, and it's got me to thinking about whether the stick is right. (my pan and pump are clean)

Afterall, my truck is a bit of a miss mash, I've got a Ford generator!

So, if you would be so kind as to tell me how long the tube is that sticks out of the block. Also, how far down from the "top" the full mark is.

Thanks in advance Stovevolters.

Would it make a difference by different years? I have a later model block - 1960 -
and am happy to post the length tomorrow. But, did they all have the same starting point?

I don't know. My engine is "full pressure", I would imagine its the same. I'll bbet somebody knows.

I think I've seen half a dozen different lengths over the years of Chevrolet 216-235 engines. Some of the older types didn't even have a tube but stuck directly into the block.

GMC is even worse with the different models of trucks.

I know it doesn't help, but oh well...

Jeff

Jeff is correct about a variety of tube/stick lengths for 216/235/216 engines, even in the same year and same size engine. Check out group 1.516 GAUGE-TUBE, Oil Level (gauge = calibrated dip-stick).

Mr Lang,

The dipstick on my 1953 235 full pressure powerglide engine is 15 and 1/8 inches from the stop to the end. The tube is six inches from the block to the end of the tube.

My engine takes 5 quarts plus one for the filter, which brings it to the full mark after running the engine. How much oil do you put in your engine to reach the full mark?

Kurt

Putting the correct amount of oil in the engine is the key.
After a recent oil change might be the best time to test.
If the stick shows it needs more, it's short... I wouldn't add more oil and over fill the engine.
Likewise if the stick reads over full, it's long.
If the stick fits one of these wrong scenarios, you might need to get a replacement dipstick.
2 pennies worth.

Jerry

Well, I didn't really pay much attention when I filled the engine with oil. I know I didn't put six quarts in it. I guess the thing to do, is drain it, measure, and pour it back in. I just pumped the oil from a five gallon pail. This time I'll measure it!

Thanks. I'll re-fill, and if needed, put a new notch on my dipstick.

That's the best approach. Make sure you add the right amount relative to engine/oil-pan that you have; and, add the correct amount relative to the oil filter that you have (volume of the filter).

If you have a filter that does not drain to the bottom, you have other considerations regarding emptying the filter (with a sludge-siphon, baster, perhaps) and, with some styles of filters, decide if you want to pre-fill the filter with clean oil (if it is a side-drainer and if you want oil to more quickly be pumping through your engine)

Then, mark the dip-stick (the oil level "gauge").

Just to update this:

I have the wrong dipstick in my engine. After filling the engine with 5 litres (just over 5 quarts) I'm 1 1/8" past the full mark on the dipstick. I also compared the stick with the one from my spare 216, and its the same!

So, I filed a new notch on my dipstick.