I have a 383 stroker that I had built. My engine builder and myself did not even see the problem until the engine was finished. The main cap is right in the way of the dipstick tube. Here is my question. Has anyone came across this? If so what did you do? The only way I see the tube will clear is to machine the cap down and use a shorter bolt. How much can you machine away before you lose the strength of the cap. My engine builder said someone must have come across this before, so I am checking the advanced guys for help.

Michael

 

On my engine, I simply trimmed the dipstick tube down (by quite a bit) until it no longer hit the main cap. It still seems to read correctly, so I'm happy.

 

We did the same on my motor and I have the same main caps and a canton pan and it works great for me too.

Hope that helps,

 

do NOT machine the cap!! just cut off the dip stick tube..

 

I have the same problem with milodon caps and a canton pan. I actually posted my problem on this forum and it was moved because it wasn't an advanced enough question. Still don't have a real good solution, cut the tube (had to crappy canton pan) and bent the tube so that when I push the dipstick in it hits the cap with the flat side of the tube and bends oner the cap and sneeks into the pan. I check the oil then remove the dipstick and cap the tube. DO NOT LEAVE THE DIPSTICK IN WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING, once you cut the tube the dipstick can flap and get caught up in the crank (not a good thing). Hope this helps, I thought there would be a better solution too but haven't found it if you do let me know

 

Amazing... 7 posts and he's already a critic.

I explained why I moved your post.... I really thought you would get more response on LT1 Tech, since that was what you were talking about. Everyone who posted below also posts regularly on LT1 Tech.....

And now I'll move this one to keep you happy.... .