kernelPanicked

Had a real tearjerker today when, doing some final work to my motor with a recent H&C&I job, I had my oil dipstick tube break off in the block. Fortunately I do not have to submit one of those frantic "what do I do" posts because I was able to extract it using a magnet tool. Now I have a smaller problem.

My block is 2000, my heads are 2002 243s. The P/N on my dipstick is 12562468. Doesn't seem that this part exists anymore, so I cannot order a direct replacement.

I'd like to have correct oil readings. Can I buy any style dipstick/tube combination, as long as they're matched? Or can I buy only the older, bolt-to-manifold style?

Also if anyone has gone to a flex or other dipstick and would like to sell their stocker, I'm interested. I'll post in FS/W too.

f1reb1rd

try corvette central they sell oem parts 20.00

kernelPanicked

Thanks for the tip, it was worth a shot...but they list it as discontinued. Everywhere else I've looked was similar, discontinued or unavailable.

So to put my question another way...does anyone know if the other dipsticks available bolt up and read right? I figure as long as the dipstick hole on the block is in the same spot, it should be fine. But then I've seen some threads where guys are saying the hole was in the pan, not the block, on some LS?

printmanjackson

wow, never heard of this before! if you can't get a replacement then your only other choice is to repair the original part.

kernelPanicked

Zero chance I'm gonna try to repair this. This metal looks like it's about as thick as a soup can. I tried that in welding class, didn't go so well .

I can run it with what is left, I think, especially if I can get a larger O-ring to sit between the flange and the block. It will always read a little low if I do that but within the range. Acceptable temporary fix.

However, I don't think I'm done yet. They still make the newer AND older design dipsticks. I have to think one of them will work. From the looks of it, I am going to be the first to find out...

kernelPanicked

By the way, I had not heard of it either, but if you Google "ls1 dipstick broke off in block," you'll see I'm not the first guy this has happened to. And I got lucky being able to rescue it with a magnet tool.

kernelPanicked

Just called a GM dealer. Discontinued and no cross-reference or known replacement. He said to go aftermarket, though after this experience I'm not too sure I want an aluminum dipstick! I might gamble $20 on trying the newer GM design before I drop $60-100 on aftermarket anyway. The heads and dipstick hole are pretty much (exactly?) in the same spot, I don't see why it wouldn't bolt up and read right.

If I work out a GM cross-ref, I'll post it here for future 99/00 owner problems.

d_toll

A salvage yard would be a good place to check.

dadaroo

I have with another car used a non original dipstick and calibrated it for the motor. I did this when the motor was out of the car so I could use it for a modified oil pan and windage tray to set the oil level where I wanted it. If you know your oil level was good you could get another C5 dipstick and make sure the length is approximately correct. May have to trim some off the end if it is too long. Insert and mark the new stick with a file for full and low.

I can measure my 2001 dipstick and tell you how long it is compared to yours. I did buy a spare dipstick about 2 years ago so if the yellow handle discolored I could replace it. They may still be available.