I just bought a 66 Cadillac Calais 4DR HDT 429 for $500 wasn't started in little over 2 years little gas in carb it fired right up and idled good.
Upon inspecting the engine over in the driveway i noticed what looks to be a aftermarket oil dipstick tube and dipstick. I pulled it to check oil and its maybe 8-10 inches long and it's one of those cut to length ones. Of course it doesn't read oil on it do to being to short.
Does anyone know where i can find the right tube and dipstick to fit this.
Mike- My 1967 Eldo came with the wrong tube also. My dip stick showed I needed to add a quart of oil when in fact I knew the correct amount was in the engine. My Mechanic calculated the length that the tube needed to be and cut that amount from the tube so the dipstick registers correctly. Several places sell the tubes and dipsticks on line such as USA Parts and OPGI. They want upwards of $100 bucks for their stuff. Check your local parts store for a replacement and get one big enough to work. Cut down If necessary and paint to match. Other folks also had some good ideas about this so search the forum a little for another solution that might suit you better. Good Luck.
Mike,
I have a couple of 429 dipsticks I bought for my '66 BEFORE I found out why they always bent up as soon as I started the motor. The dip stick tube is inserted from the outside of the block and then after it is fully inserted, the inside end is bent inward and to the rear to aim the dipstick away from moving parts. If you want the dipstick, PM me. As far as the tube is concerned you are going to have to drop the oil panto remove and properly replace the tube.
Greg Surfas
There were two different tubes/dipstick used. One was 3/8 the other 7/16. The 3/8 dipstick has the "hood" that slides over tube. The 7/16 has a flat cap that firs flush with the flared end tube. They are not interchangeable.
I don't have the dipstick, but do make reproduction tubes.
Tim
Greg, unfortunately I found that out also! That may be why the short stick is there.
Mike, get a longer dipstick and change the oil to verify the correct level. Make a file mark if not at the full line. If you hear it hitting the crankshaft, put the short one back in and place the longer on on the firewall unless you want to drop the oil pan.
What I did for a while after I found out the reason for bending the stics wah that I kept the dip stick in the trunk and checked the oil with the motor off. If there is interference between the stick and moving parts, it will twist the stick immediately.
Greg Surfas
I'm cleaning the trunk and i found a aftermarket/universal chrome dipstick tube. I'm thinking it didn't fit so they just used the stick and cut it?
the chrome stick is in it now but looks like it was cut way short.
I'm almost sure this engine has been removed at one time and refreshed/built or idk.
Here's a pic of the tube that's in it now.
On a side note anyone know what these are and if they go to the Cad i found them in the trunk.
Mike,
Those look like brake line fittings.
Greg Surfas
Yes, Banjo bolts for retaining the flexible brake hose to the Disc Brake Caliper.
Bruce. >:D
hmm i believe this car has 4 wheel drum brake maybe there off another parts car?