I just changed the oil on my 63 valiant. It has been sitting for over a year. When I checked the Oil level, I have oil up the dipstick tube and cant get a reading. It also looks as though the dipstick is coming out just a bit when the car is running.

Any thought on possible issues and more importantly solutions?

Thanks for your help.

Your dipstick tube may be bent outward at the top, causing the stick itself to graze the spinning crankshaft. The next step is when the crank "eats" (snaps off) the end of the dipstick, rendering it useless. Remove the stick, insert a screwdriver or metal rod into the dipstick tube (pick one that's large enough in diameter to almost fill the tube), and push the top of the dipstick tube an inch or so towards the passenger's side of the car (in towards the engine block). See if that helps.

Have you serviced the car's PCV (crankcase ventilation) system?

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

I'll give that a try. It makes sense and I think it just may do it.

I serviced the PVC a while ago. If I pinch off the line going to the carb I can hear an audible click so I think it is working.

Is there anything specific I should be looking for?

what size slant? how much oil did you add? i gotta ask

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'72 Valiant DD for over a decade-225-Disc brakes, big T-bars, big Sway bars f/r, carter bbd/super six, GM HEI, 2- 12" subs in trunk, 1000w amp...
'77 cherokee cheif widetrack-360-33x12.5 tires-no lift. keeps driveway dry-project/backup DD/mudder

It is a 225 and I added about 4 1/2 quarts.

One thing to make sure on, smell the dipstick and see if it has fuel in the oil. A bad fuel pump will push fuel into the oil and cause the oil level to raise a lot. This will kill the engine and needs taken care of fast if its the problem (new fuel pump). It will be very noticable if it is getting gas in the oil from the smell.

Just to make sure, you are checking the oil with the engine shut off correct?


Jess

when i worked at jiffy lube we had a comeback by some lady, she was hella pissed cuz when she pulled the oil cap she didnt see any oil in there... we even had techs attempt to check the oil while runnin. shows their work force screening

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'72 Valiant DD for over a decade-225-Disc brakes, big T-bars, big Sway bars f/r, carter bbd/super six, GM HEI, 2- 12" subs in trunk, 1000w amp...
'77 cherokee cheif widetrack-360-33x12.5 tires-no lift. keeps driveway dry-project/backup DD/mudder

Ok I'm an idiot. I guess I was doing too much at once, or something, and the engine was running. Everything is fine there. I was just adding more to worry about. Now if I can get this idle thing under control I will be OK.

Thanks for your help,

John

Try a fresh set of spark plugs first thing, and you might want to replace the fuel filter before it starts causing problems.




Jess