[Sly's 53 Suburban]

I'm just putting the final touches on my Chevy 5.7 Vortec engine. I need the experience of the members here at Hotrodder. I purchased a new Dipstick Tube for installation and the fit is extremely tight and I don't want to damage it during installation. I'm thinking I should use my propane shop heater to warm up the engine and surrounding area real good and hot. Then place my new Dipstick Tube in the freezer to get it really good and cold. Once these two things are done I would try installing. Can I get some idea's from you, on installing this thing?

[bracketeer]

The dipstick should just push in. You must have bought one of those cheap chrome dipsticks. You get what you pay for...

Go to the junkyard and get a real one.

[Sly's 53 Suburban]

I brought one home from the Chevrolet dealership where I work in the parts department. I also bought a cheap Mr Gasket chrome assembly and they both seem a little too tight.

[edge]

I do not know about the Vortec, but the dipstick tubes on my 91' GTA and 94' Suburban were a tight fit also. There is a good bit of tube that has to fit into the hole in the block. I coated the tube with a litte grease (just a light coat will do) and rotated the tube back and forth while pushing at the base were it curves into the block. Sanding the paint off the tube may help a little. Ed

[Matts99Sierra]

i just put s et of headers on my 99 gmc sierra in which the dipstick tube had to come out. after about an hour of tugging on it it finally popped out... then tryin to get it back in was even more fun... i had to put a long screw driver down there and tap each side in little at a time while tryin not to bend it out of shape. even the old one on my 5.3L fit tight as hell. but at least i didnt have to worry bout it leaking.

[Mighty Mouse S-10]

I slid a box end wrench down over mine and used a dead blow hammer to tap it down. I'm can't remember what size wrench it took, but this worked for me; Dave

[poncho62]

If it's that tight, take a grinder and grind down the diameter until it fits. Don't go too much or it will be loose.

[Sly's 53 Suburban]

Just an update. With the combination of putting dipstick tube in freezer overnight, using O.E.M. instead of cheap chrome after market and a thin film of oil before installation and my dipstick tube is installed. Thanks to all who responded, for your help.