HELP ASAP! Gen II Oil Dipstick Tube Installation

[bracketracer]

This is driving me nuts! I am trying to put a new dipstick tube in the race engine I am building, and I am striking out. I have now broken 2 brand new GM tube assemblies trying to put them in. This one for the Gen II 3.1 is a pain, since the tube has a bend built in to go under the Ignition Control Module & Coils mount. I have lubed the hell out of them to try to help with no luck. Is there a special tool I need to press it in or what? They keep breaking right at the flaired portion that needs to get down to the block. I haven't been able to get within 1/2" of that point so far. Please someone tell me how to get this installed before I get my next new one!

[1988GTU]

Shoulda used junkyard ones. lol They usually just pop right in for me. Did you remove all the old gunk and if the old o-ring is still in there, that too?

[bracketracer]

The block was hottanked and kept bagged up and clean, so there is no junk in the hole. I didn't see any o-ring in it though. Is there supposed to be one? The tube itself seems to "press fit" without gaskets or o-rings.

[3100 MPFI]

are you trying to do this with the exhaust manifold still on the car? When I put a new one in my car (3100, but not that different), the old one came right out, but the new one didn't want to go in. I had to remove the exhaust manifold, and then it went right in.

[bracketracer]

Actually, I am trying to do this with the engine on an engine stand with absolutely nothing in the way at all. I may have discovered my problem though. All along I was ordering a dipstick for a '93 Pontiac Sunbird 3.1 V-6 (what it is going into). The block that I am building was out of a '91 Pontiac 6000 3.1 V-6. Even though they look identical, I decided to see if GM listed a different part number for the two. Sure enough, when I called the dealer today and compared part numbers they are different. Maybe the diameter of the tube is slightly smaller for the older block. If so, my problems are solved (hopefully). Otherwise, I will be very gentle with installation. I don't want to break a 3rd brand new tube (even though they sell new for under $20 thru the dealer)! Any other feedback for tools or techniques for installation will be much appreciated.

Thanks, Joe

[Superdave]

yah, the older one should work fine.. they always go in for me, just don't come back out.

[3100 MPFI]

my only advice is if you use a hammer to tap it in, put a block of wood over the opening. I didn't on one of mine (I was pissed off, and not thinking straight), and I ended up messing the opening up bad enough that I had to replace the new one.

[Rhedalert]

if the different part # tube still gives you a problem, sand the paint off the end that sits in the block. That helped me out.

[bracketracer]

Thank you everyone for your advice! I got the replacement tube last night from the dealer and will try to install it ASAP. It looks exactly like the 2 previous ones that I had, so I'm not sure what the deal is with that.

[geoffinbc]

Find an open end wrench that fits over the tube but not the flared part of the tube. Then hammer on the wrench and it will press the tube in for you. Do not wiggle it or press from the top. Your just going to bend it if you do that.

[bracketracer]

I love your idea, but it won't work with this tube due to the metal tab that bolts to the cylinder head to stabilize and hold it in place. I will let you guys know once I get it done.

[IsaacHayes]

Use the other end of the wrench, or use those wrenches with the notch in them for getting around tubes (cant think of the name)

[91LQ1Lumina]

Flare Nut Wrench?

Is that what you were thinking?

[bracketracer]

Thank you very much to everyone who posted a reply to my dilemna. The tube I got this week ended up fitting with a little prep. I used a Dremel to remove the paint from the area that seats into the block, I used white lithium grease to ease insertion, and used the open end of a proper wrench and hammer to seat it. It's in, and not broken, FINALLY!

Now I have a new problem. I need a dipstick to actually fit the older style ('90-'91) smaller dipstick tube. I think I will check with the dealer rather than a junkyard, because I don't want a ratty one on the new motor. However, if anyone has an older, smaller one, that is in good shape that they are willing to part with, let me know.

Thanks again everyone! I love this board!

[bracketracer]

I actually got the correct one from the dealer for $16 new, so I am all set now. Thanks to everyone who helped with advice and suggestions!