Dip stick sides can i change

flipbro

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Feb 8, 2013
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Hay guys i have the opertunity to buy a complete rebuilt 350 truck block to repower my 84 wellcraft. Problem is the dipstick is on the oil filter side and my origanal block is on starter side can i just use the truck oil pan and have the dipstick on the oilfilter side? I will be bolting every thing else from my marine block on this one will it work? the truck block is 1979
 

tpenfield

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Re: Dip stick sides can i change

What engine was in the Wellcraft before??? 350???

Usually the dipstick is on the side where less belt-driven stuff resides. So, it might be trouble on the port side of the engine.

Also, when using an automotive block, you will want to change out the core plugs and maybe the camshaft. There might be too much overlap on the truck cam.
 

flipbro

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Re: Dip stick sides can i change

Yes it was a 350 originly! The motor im looking at already has brass pluges from the rebuild. Im going to use my cam heads starter altinator carb ect just want to use the truck block and oil pan. Just wondering if anyone else has done this and changed dipstick sides
 

Bt Doctur

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Re: Dip stick sides can i change

dipsticks usually go thru the block to the pan. without that casting,No.If it goes directly into the pan, yes.
 

wrench 3

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Re: Dip stick sides can i change

If both dipstick tubes go into the engine block, you will need a different flywheel. GM changed sides on the dipsticks at the same time they went from a two piece rear main seal to a one piece.(rear end of crankshaft got bigger)
A lot of Mercruiser "V" engines with the oil extractor fitting on the dipstick tube, went into the oil pan drain plug. In that case, you could reuse it and it's a crap shoot on the flywheel.
 

Bondo

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Re: Dip stick sides can i change

If both dipstick tubes go into the engine block, you will need a different flywheel. GM changed sides on the dipsticks at the same time they went from a two piece rear main seal to a one piece.(rear end of crankshaft got bigger)
A lot of Mercruiser "V" engines with the oil extractor fitting on the dipstick tube, went into the oil pan drain plug. In that case, you could reuse it and it's a crap shoot on the flywheel.

Ahhh, nope,... The dipstick moved in '79,... the rear main seal changed in '87....

The dipstick can be put anywhere ya want,... ya just may not be able to use the original...
 

wrench 3

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Re: Dip stick sides can i change

Ahhh, nope,... The dipstick moved in '79,... the rear main seal changed in '87...

I was working for a GM dealer when they changed. I was sure they both changed together, but I've been wrong before.
 

flipbro

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Feb 8, 2013
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830
Re: Dip stick sides can i change

Bondo is absolutly rite on what he says I found this out a few years back when i replaced the motor in my 82 vette with a 92 block and ended up having to buy a new fly wheal in 87 they changed to a 1 peace rear main and bolt patter on crank is differnt!
 
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