what is the best dipstick to use. we are constantly having problems with a loose/leaky tube. mine is leaking all over the place. i think next time i will tap it, but i cant know that is it in the car. any suggestions?

thanks for all your help
mike

coat the flange are of the tube with good ole silicone ,that'll keep it from leaking

Rough it up (especially if it's chrome.. they leak a lot), and coat it with Permatex Aviation sealant... can be found in most auto parts stores

i have use the rtv high temp silicone, and have ground the chrome off. it still leaks becuase is can move around. We have also drove a punch into it to slight stretch it bigger. that works for a few months until it starts leaking again. I might just try making a bracket to hold it in.

i have use the rtv high temp silicone, and have ground the chrome off. it still leaks becuase is can move around. We have also drove a punch into it to slight stretch it bigger. that works for a few months until it starts leaking again. I might just try making a bracket to hold it in.
I understand.. that's why I suggested Permatex Aviation sealant (form-a-gasket) This stuff is MUCH better than RTV, and will not come off as easy as RTV does.

Another suggestion is to throw away the chrome dipstick tube. Usually anything chrome seems to be subject to leaks.

Another suggestion is to throw away the chrome dipstick tube. Usually anything chrome seems to be subject to leaks.
+100

Once the cheap chrome dipstick tubes like those from Mr Gasket have been driven in, there pretty nuch disposable. The fit in the block is supposed to be nearly a press fit. The import crap just doesn't seem to be the right size to begin with, and the flimsy material deforms at the first insertion into the block and that's it, it's all done. If it's loose, it will always be loose till you get another.
Without a doubt the best out there is the Lokar with it's heavy aluminum and O-ring fitting (http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/category2_10001_10002_19659_-1). Lokar is extremly proud of that thing (apparent from the $'s they want for it), but it is the LAST dipstick you'll need to buy. I figure I've wasted an easy $40 on buying chrome and GM dipstick tubes. Bought one of these a few years ago and it been transferd from engine to engine and still works like a charm. This last motor I did invest the $0.30 to put a couple of new O-rings on it 'just because'.

i may have to get one.

i definantly agree on the chrome leaking. we have had problems with chrome valve covers, and numerous water necks. i know have edelbrock elite valve covers and no more problems.