Dipstick Tube Oil Leak - Need Advise

[TGP37]

96 GPse 3100v6

I had removed the dipstick tube to repair a hole by the tab that bolts to the heads. Was percolating oil onto the exhaust manifolds in boost. Not a lot, but enough to smoke lightly.

SO I fixed that and now the oil is weeping out the base of the tube. No leaking at idle, but any load and it dribbles down the pan onto the ground. I did not notice any gasket, grommet or o-ring. But I may have lost it when I pulled the tube out. The port itself was cleaned well with a nylon brush and wiped clean, the tube has no defects where it inserts into the block.

I'm thinking I need a grommet as there is a slight wiggle in the tube now (before bolted to the head of course).



What do you guys use to seal the tube? Any tricks?

Is the seal typical of leaks if not done right? Or am I facing an issue with blowby or something pushing out oil...?

I know it seems like a silly question but, it's not so silly when I'm leaving an oil trail where ever I punch it...lol


Thanks

[3400-95-Modified]

There should be an o-ring on the tube, if that got damaged after removal/reinstall then that could be the source of the issue.

[TGP37]

There should be an o-ring on the tube, if that got damaged after removal/reinstall then that could be the source of the issue.

That's what I thought. I have nothing but steel tube w/ no material in the port either so I probably dropped it in the pan or on the ground somewhere. Black RTV should work? I'm gonna look for a grommet or o-ring that'll fit but we know how that goes sometimes.

Thanks 3400, pretty sure that is the problem. I can feel fresh oil just below it and it started immediately after the removal/reinstall.

[bob442]

I've forgotten to put my dip stick tube back in when I re-sealed my front headers, and it didn't leak. Maybe you have a PCV issue, which would happen once you hit boost with a stock PCV system correct? Anyways, some dip stick tubes have o-rings, some are press fit, try putting red lock tight on it when you put it back in.


Sent from my iPhone using my iPhone at work cuz I have nothing to do

[TGP37]

After closer inspection, it appears it is coming from the LIM pass side, the valley where the RTV is applied. It dribbled its way down the block in a way hard to track. The percolating oil was an issue that was fixed, and I suppose I wrongfully assumed the dipstick tube was the culprit.

RTV was too thin and got blown open. I remember laying the RTV, it was thicker then the gap but I was low. Now I got a decent seal all around.

I didn't want to tear into the top end again, but glad I finally did to diagnos this little trickle. I could have drove it fine for miles as long as the level was kept up.....but I can't stand leaving little oil puddles where ever I park.