Dipstick!

[H3slate]

I have an oil leak coming from the base of the dipstick tube.

Last year I replaced the dipstick tube hoping that would solve the problem. Well, the problem has come back. There is not much holding the tube in the hole, there is a mounting bracket up towards the top of the engine block. Anytime I pull out the dipstick there is some movement of the tube.

Not quite sure how to fix it, possibly hitting the o-ring at the base of the tube with some sealant, or maybe finding a better way to secure the tube.

Anybody else have this issue? Any solutions?

 

[H3slate]

The part in question is #18 in the diagram.

 

[erdlen65]

I had that happen fairly often in my old mustang 5.0 I just put some high temp calking around the base it's not the prettiest fix but it worked for me.

 

[abearden]

Personally, I'd pull the tube and clean the hell out of everything including in the hole with some solvent. Once that's dried, I'd put a ring of oil resistant RTV gasket maker around the tube and replace. It would fill the gap holding it in place better and seal it at the same time.

However, if you want to keep it stock, is it possible your o-ring is warped or out of shape and needs replacement?

 

[Doc Olds]

The GM oil fill tubes are like a compression fit. I can't tell for sure from your pic, but the key is to get the collar of the tube all the way down and touching where it goes into the hole in the pan. Do not use a flat screw driver or anything sharp because you can puncture the tube. Get the closest fitting open end wrench (metric or standard) and slip it over the collar in the tube, and then tap the wrench near the tube a couple times with a small hammer (or whatever you can get to it) to drive it in all the way. If there is a tiny gap between the collar and the hole, it is not seated all the way.

Once it starts to leak crud gets stuck in there and makes it tougher to seal, so I too would suggest taking it out and cleaning the tube and hole with a shop rag, then start over.

 

[H3slate]

Thanks for the tips Doc, while working on another problem I was able to reinsert the dipstick tube and get it all the way in. No more leaks!!