Mercruiser 4.3 v6 dipstick pipe does not fit into a Chevy 4.3 v6 block

[dlogvine]

I thought that Chevy and Mercruiser 4.3 V6 pre-vortec blocks are exactly the same, it is the accessories and other parts are different. But today I tried to fit dipstick pipe from Mercruiser into a chevy block and looks like the hole in the Chevy block is a little smaller than that in Mercruiser. The shorter automotive dipstick pipe fits just fine, slides in the hole without any problems, but the original Mercruiser dipstick pipe does not fit. A look at both pipes and at least visually pipe diameters seem to be the same. I will check them out tomorrow with micrometer, but that seems to be very strange if they are different. Or are they? Thx

 

[Scott Danforth]

they would be same

however you have to drive in the stick

I have a set of vice grips I drilled a hole in between the jaws. it clamps around dipstick tubes so I can hammer them into the blocks

 

[dlogvine]

they would be same

however you have to drive in the stick

I have a set of vice grips I drilled a hole in between the jaws. it clamps around dipstick tubes so I can hammer them into the blocks

Tried it again, used a small clamp and used wise grips, tried to drive it in but it went in about 1/2" and not moved any further. While driving it in the vise grips scratched the dipstick and the brass flush ring.
First question, should I get the reamer of the exact pipe size and enlarge the hole to the size of the pipe?
Second question, is the damaged (scratched) brass ring repairable or should I try to get another deep stick pipe?
Thank you

 

[Scott Danforth]

Tried it again, used a small clamp and used wise grips, tried to drive it in but it went in about 1/2" and not moved any further. While driving it in the vise grips scratched the dipstick and the brass flush ring.

I use a vice grip that I modified. I ground the teeth off the jaws and then drilled a hole between them to prevent maring

First question, should I get the reamer of the exact pipe size and enlarge the hole to the size of the pipe?

No, you want a press fit.

Second question, is the damaged (scratched) brass ring repairable or should I try to get another deep stick pipe?

should not need a new one unless you damaged it to the point of leaking

 

[scoflaw]

It should not need to be beat in. There is probably some interference with the curved section. Try clocking it at different positions as your pushing it in.