Deenasty

Story: I purchased a Lokar Dipstick for my 383 LT1 about 2 months ago. Today I was in the process of changing motor mounts, oil pan gasket, headers etc... When I pulled the dipstick out, the bottom of the stick itself, was bent, and a piece was missing!! When I pulled the pan out, the pieces were luckily on the bottom of the pan. This is a bad design from Lokar!! Im guessing the stick itself is too long, or plain and simply doesnt work with the LT1. I called Lokar myself the day I ordered this dipstick, and they gave me the correct part number. I will be contacting Lokar tomorrow, and speaking to customer service, to see what is going on. Thank God none of the pieces made way into any of the engine internal parts Stay away!

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Z95m6

Is there a chance the dipstick could of gotten caught and tore off because of the extra stroke of your 383?

sleepy_z28

Oh jesus, I just installed mine last night in my new 383. The PCM is comming to day and I was going to fire it up this afternoon. That's great to know. The one I bought was for the late model 350. Any PN for the one that they're sending you? I guess I should be okay leaving the stick out for the startup and break in. Thanks for the info!

pat97SS

I had my Lokar for over a year and had no problems except for the fact that it was difficult to get the dip stick itself into the tube. I did buy the dipstick for the newer small block Chev they had listed in Jegs. I do not recall the part number. This past year I bought a new GM tube and spent a little time bending it to fit my AS&M headers. Now I do not have to burn my hand to check the oil. I have a stock bottom end.

blazzinbird

ive had my lokar for awhile now no problems

will i wouldnt worry to much

btw call me after you fire it up

sleepy_z28

Yeah man, might even call you right before I fire it up.
I'm thinkin until I get more info, I'll just leave the stick out and plug the hole and put the stick in just to check periodically.

ibanez6rg

I don't have any problems with mine. Except putting the dipstick in is a bit rough.

Alex 97Z28 M6

I have had the same problem on a stock block LT1. I actually spoke with the person that makes the item about it and he explained why it can break off like that. Due to the design and material used, the flat piece at the end where it meets the round area is susceptible(sp) to breaking off if too much pressure is applied or just over time (it's the weak link of the piece). Sometimes this is due to the flat edge not being nice and smooth and getting caught up on the tube when reinserting it thu causing people to sort of force it down.

They should send you a new stick to use. As far as the piece breaking off and falling in the pan, you should have no worries since it has been explained to me that the piece is to large to be picked up by the pickup of the oilpump. Mine is still in my pan and I have had no problems in over 7K miles (just hasn't found it's way out yet).

simple

same here, no probs with mine for over a year now, twisting it to get it in seems too work best for me

i surely wouldnt say stay away from it!

sseeya

I had the same thing happen with a stock dipstick on my 383 stroker. Do you by any chance have splayed 4 bolt mains?

Deenasty

No I dont have splayed 4 bolts.. I am just giving you guys a heads up. I wouldnt want this to happen to anyone else..