guy i got this nova back from didn't bother with dipsticks. of course that is one of the reasons i got it back so cheap. anyway, small block 010 block drain on the side down low. do they make a tube that attaches to that size-style drain bolt? he packed orig tube hole with silicone. if i push it into the pan to use correct tube, i know BAD THINGS will happen to the engine...it is 1/2-20 size. standard half inch fine thread. what i would need is some kind of adaptor from that size with hole down the middle to any standard tube or pipe or flare size. i have a feeling it doesn't exist...

holy confusing post batman! Are you asking if a dipstick tube can bolt directly to your oil pan drain plug hole?

i didn't think it was confusing. yes. if i stuff dipstick into orig hole that was packed with silicone, i will push silicone into oil. it will then go into my oil passages and kill my motor. there are marine dipstick tubes that attach to the drain plug, but they are bigger size plumbing fittings. i need an adaptor from standard pass style 1/2-20 oil plug to a plumbing fitting of some sort so i can fab a dipstick tube. or if somebody markets this i can just buy it, but i can't find it...

they exist i have them on my Yanmars, but you will have to find one made for your engine or buy one that is close enough, maybe if you try some pan manufacturers they may have some options.

you can't remove and clean or replace your existing tubes, what kind of idiot fills them with silicone???

I have that style on mine. It's an old omc setup from the 70's and 80's. Just uses a brass block in place of the drain plug and the dipstick tube hooks to the side of the brass block

Here's a link to what I'm talking about
http://item.mobileweb.ebay.com/viewi...d=110808050666

You probably should not and post .... Yea , find an OMC setup , mine was an 1988 and still had dipstick tube bolted to the oil pan drain hole .

thanks Mag. that is what i am looking for. unfortunately, the OMC setup, which i just put on other motor, has a much bigger thread goes into pan. if i pull motor, i will just clean out the orig hole, since i have several of that style tube. but i don' wanna pull another motor. just did one. and i still hafta finish the interior.

dont have to pull the engine,just take a drillbit with grease on it and it will cling to the silcone.

there's a thought. drill bit the size of hole? or smaller? running with a drill? or turning by hand? thanks. derek.