Small Block LA Dip Stick

Moparfiend · Mar 23, 2020

This might seem to be one of those questions but I am going to ask anyway. Caveats:

1. I understand the length of the DS is dependent on the tube in which it sits.

2. I understand that when setting up a motor part of it includes correctly setting up the pan, the pump pick up and dip stick length.

Unfortunately I did not set this up and as such just trying to compare notes and figure out what I am dealing with.

What I do know is this is a 1973 340 block that is using my old stock 318 pan and pick up.

I compared the DS from my current engine (after market) and the one off my 318 (which I believe I should be using now that I found it). I found that the Original 318 DS is 17” while the aftermarket is 18”.

QUESTION: What length is YOUR DS in your stock small block LA?

Kern Dog · Mar 23, 2020

I was just reading a Mopar Action article on recalibrating a dipstick.
Put the pan on and add 4 quarts. Insert dipstick. Remove and mark where the oil stopped. Add one more quart. Insert dipstick. Remove and check where the oil stopped. THAT is the full mark, the lower mark is the ADD one quart mark.

Islandkent · Mar 23, 2020

Easy Peasy!
Well explained. Even I can understand that.

towtruckAl · Mar 23, 2020

kern is that for 4 qt or 5 qt pan.

Kern Dog · Mar 23, 2020

Are there any 4 quart LA series pans? All that I have seen are 5 quart for cars and 6 for trucks and vans.

copper67sat · Mar 23, 2020

Original dipstick from my 67 318 measures 18" from where it stops on the tube to the tip.

Moparfiend · Mar 23, 2020

copper67sat said:
Original dipstick from my 67 318 measures 18" from where it stops on the tube to the tip.
View attachment 926333

Thanks copper67sat for taking the time to help me. Thats how I measured it as well. This is very interesting as my older don’t know if original DS was 17 while aftermarket is 18 as yours is.

I think another data point would be great.

Moparfiend · Mar 23, 2020

Kern Dog said:
I was just reading a Mopar Action article on recalibrating a dipstick.
Put the pan on and add 4 quarts. Insert dipstick. Remove and mark where the oil stopped. Add one more quart. Insert dipstick. Remove and check where the oil stopped. THAT is the full mark, the lower mark is the ADD one quart mark.

I will do this on my next change! Simple assuming its a 4 qt pan. I assume this is the original pan.

Small Block LA Dip Stick

Moparfiend

FBBO Gold Member

Kern Dog

Life is full of turns. Build your car to handle.

Islandkent

FBBO Gold Member

towtruckAl

Well-Known Member

Kern Dog

Life is full of turns. Build your car to handle.

copper67sat

FBBO Gold Member

Moparfiend

FBBO Gold Member

Moparfiend

FBBO Gold Member

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