Mercruiser 4.3 Dipstick Options

[AMMO DAWG]

I'm re powering my 2006 with a Mercruiser 4.3 I picked up (Barn Find), I got it back from the machine shop and I did not get the dipstick tube or dip stick wth the engine. From what I have been able to research they tap directly into the drain plug in the oil pan, however I also see that MarinePower sells a tube (https://marineenginedepot.com/dipstick-tube-43l262ci-inboardoutboard) that looks like it goes into the side of the engine or oil pan. They want over 100 buck for just the tube that mercruiser uses, anyone have any insight as to if I can use the 19 dollar option listed above?

 

[Bondo]

From what I have been able to research they tap directly into the drain plug in the oil pan,

Ayuh,...... Merc's either go through the hole in the block, or into the side of the pan,.....

The one in yer link, appears right in the picture,......

 

[alldodge]

If ya know what the original serial number was, we can look it up

 

[AMMO DAWG]

Unfortunately all the tags were gone, I do know it came off a 1999-2000 boat. Attached is a plug on the starboard side of the block looking from the front. Think that is where a tube would go? Also, any idea how to remove that plug, has a hex, but it is not the normal height you would see on a standard bolt.

 

[alldodge]

That's what I'm finding, several years, different lengths, but all seem to go right there.

 

[nola mike]

That's just the standard oil drain, no magic to the bolt. And yeah, that's where the new dipstick goes. The others you're looking at won't seat correctly, they won't reach the bottom of the pan from the side of the block. You can cut a couple of inches off and make it fit. You can check the oil level like that but you won't be able to drain the oil. I'm just attaching a drain hose to the plug so I'll be able to drain through the bilge plug.

 

[AMMO DAWG]

Thanks for the info, so I currently have a hose attached to the pan drain hole, the machine shop plumbed that in. That is the reason I was hoping to put a dip stick in the side of the block, from what I can tell the 4.3 truck engines are installed that way. I don't mind modifying the tube if that will work, so you are saying the hex head I had in the picture in the side of the block should unscrew? Thanks again

 

[nola mike]

Yes, if I'm looking at the pic correctly. Should be a slightly recessed drain plug on the starboard side of the pan. Wait... That should be your drain plug hole, which is where your hose should be plumbed? But yes, truck engines are on the side of the block. No need to drain them through the dipstick.

 

[nola mike]

Should be a slightly recessed drain plug on the starboard side of the pan. /QUOTE]

port side, sorry!

 

[AMMO DAWG]

More questions Rekated to Mercruiser 4,3 dipstick tube

As I continue to work on the re power on my 2005 Sea Ray 185 with a 4.3, my barn find engine had a missing oil dip stick tube and dipstick. So I ordered the attached which the Mercruiser Parts Catalog shows attaches to the oil pan and tees to the dipstick tube and drain hose. I'm scratching my head, only one end is threaded, how does the two non threaded ends attach. One end goes to the oil pan and the other to the drain hose extension pipe by the diagram. Anybody tore into one of these and have any insight on how it attaches and seals?

 

[Bondo]

As I continue to work on the re power on my 2005 Sea Ray 185 with a 4.3, my barn find engine had a missing oil dip stick tube and dipstick. So I ordered the attached which the Mercruiser Parts Catalog shows attaches to the oil pan and tees to the dipstick tube and drain hose. I'm scratching my head, only one end is threaded, how does the two non threaded ends attach. One end goes to the oil pan and the other to the drain hose extension pipe by the diagram. Anybody tore into one of these and have any insight on how it attaches and seals?

Ayuh,..... The piece on the right in the line drawing goes through the threaded piece,.....

It's a long bango fitting,....

Btw,...... Keep yer threads together, insteada startin' new topics,..... I merged the dipstick threads,....

 

[AMMO DAWG]

Thanks Bondo, makes sense now, and sorry about the double posts, I'll watch out for that in the future. Like to tap into your knowledge one more time if I can, in the attached they have a valve attached to the side of the water pump (33), what purpose does it serve and how important is it. Yet another part that is missing.

 

[Baylinerchuck]

Mine is just plugged. This is a 1990 4.3LX.

 

[AMMO DAWG]

Thanks, my new water pump has a plug in it was hoping I didn't have to order more parts.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... Donno where ya got the line drawin',.... What did they call #s 32, 33, 'n 34,..??

Nothin' I've run across before, unless it's a water return for a cabin heater,......