llabesab7

My 74 vette is not showing any oil on the dipstick. My oil pressure is fine and I have no leaks. Am I putting the dipstick in wrong. I notice that it doesn't go in as smoothly as some cars. Thanks

7T1vette

Is this a late "April Fool's" joke? If you don't see oil on the dipstick,

ADD OIL!

There are 4+ quarts of oil in a SBC sump. If that oil is low by less than 2 quarts (still way too low), it won't show on the dipstick but the engine will still have oil flowing and building pressure through the pump.

Do you ever check it?

llabesab7

I do check it. I'm not losing any oil at all. could the dipstick be the problem?

blunblk68

may be slowly burning some that you are unaware of??

Conrad Celinski

I say its time for an oil change and make sure you put the right amount in. Then check the dipstick

llabesab7

What could be causing the oil to burn?

69bones

Ok, I'll bite... Have you ever seen oil on the dipstick? How do you know you're not losing it if it's not measurable?

I agree... Change it and watch it.

billcarson

don't be kidding about missing oil boy it just ain't right.

llabesab7

Could it be the ring and pistons?

wilesre

My Suburban burns a couple quarts between changes. No leaks. No blue smoke. I'm guessing worn rings. Just a tiny bit each revolution. Just started this winter. I did a compression check about 10,000 miles ago and everything was cool. No change in running condition. Planning on doing another compression check (and check plugs) as soon as it's convenient. I guess my point is: check your oil frequently, even if you think everything is cool.

llabesab7

will do. thanks

Mike Ward

Before somebody talks you into doing a frame off resto, why not just add oil till it registers on the dipstick then monitor consumption?

gdh

I'd change the oil and filter putting in the correct amount, check the level on your dipstick. If still not showing up measure your ds.

llabesab7

Its a new dipstick. It took two more quarts. Its burning it somewhere. no smoke out the tailpipe. May be rings, I don't know. If its not one thing its another. If it needs rebuilt whats the cost?

Lupigiato

How long have you had your 74? Has this happened before or it's the first time you ever took notice of a dry stick?

llabesab7

Had it since October. Needed a new cam and lifters and I had my mechanic up grade the suspension. That's about it. Never really thought I would need to check it

Sunstroked

Wait a minute here. A new dipstick? Now just just so you know, there are different lengths to them. If you bought a dipstick from an auto supply store, they usually come with a dipstick tube as well. Did you check the length of the new stick against the original? Did you simply install the new stick in the original tube? This problem may simply be you have a stick designed for a short tube in the original, longer tube.

7T1vette

This has to be a "leg puller"....

Dustup7T2

OK, I'll bite.

Especially with any motor vehicle installed with an internal combustion engine, transmission, suspension, electrical or braking systems... there is surprising information developed by the manufacturer and printed in the owners manual on regular maintenance schedules. By chance, did you receive one for your car when taking ownership?

If so, you will find a chapter or a table dedicated to maintenance interval periods, usually by mileage accrued or by time expired, on when to check certain sub-systems.

Really, it would be to the car's and your financial benefit if you could periodically, review that data.

It would help you more than some of us can, to begin the troubleshooting by establishing a solid foundation of where the problem lies, new dipstick notwithstanding.

Let us know what you determine. Good luck.