Dipsticks - are these correct for 70 BB?

70ChevelleRagtop · Mar 21, 2010

Can someone tell me if these are the correct dipsticks for a 70 big block or any other year(s)? I tried searching and found info about part numbers but nothing that really described what the correct dipsticks actually look like. And I can't find any part numbers on these.

dyno jonn · Mar 21, 2010

I can't find any part numbers on these.

No part number on the dipstick is a good sign. Mostly, only the "over the counter" dipsticks had the part numbers on them. Also, there should not be any indentation in the handle used to hold the stick in. The flat ring where you grab is one of the more evident signs of a 69 or 70 dipstick. Along with the ADD and FULL markings you should find USE SE ENGINE OIL along with a sideways E or maybe a upright M.

70ChevelleRagtop · Mar 22, 2010

Jon - That description matches these two dipsticks. These have the sideways E on them. Thanks for the info!

Mr69 · Mar 22, 2010

I don't think the original sticks had ADD 1 QT or flat loops.
I believe it should just say ADD and should have a round tube loop.
I don't think it would have an E. Should have an M.

I have one on eBay now.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330416544875

70ChevelleRagtop · Mar 22, 2010

Mr69 said:
I don't think the original sticks had ADD 1 QT or flat loops.
I believe it should just say ADD and should have a round tube loop.
I don't think it would have an E. Should have an M.

I have one on eBay now.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330416544875

I was always told the ones with the full round handle (no flat spot) were the later version.

1badss396 · Mar 22, 2010

70ChevelleRagtop said:
I was always told the ones with the full round handle (no flat spot) were the later version.

Same here or the flat one are 69?

sparky1698 · Mar 22, 2010

Dana, I was looking on the Yenko site and there is pictures of a unrestored 70 owned by Jay Ball and it has the round dipstick. IIRC the original owner got it around April of 70.

70ChevelleRagtop · Mar 22, 2010

Jon - When I blow that photo up, it sure looks to me like it has the flattened area at the top of the handle loop. Especially when you look at the side closest to the motor.

sparky1698 · Mar 22, 2010

I think I need new glasses. I can't tell for sure. It looked more rounded than the other pictures. Maybe it's the angle. I will solve the problem, you can trade me for the repo one I got from Ground Up

704EVER · Mar 22, 2010

Dana, from what I have observed, it's the flat top sticks that seem be correct for 70 BBs. The 29 mile LS6 had one and several other unmolested/barely touched 70 BBs that I have seen and collected photos of, all show the flat top style stick. I'm not sure when the rounded top version of this stick was introduced, but I do know, the flat top has been with most of the original 70 cars I have seen.

driller · Mar 23, 2010

This one is from a totally untouched June 70 L34 Elcamino. I guess it could have been replaced at some time but I don't think so. Its just as rusty as the rest of the car.

70ChevelleRagtop · Mar 23, 2010

Mike - I'm think you're right. I forgot I had a bunch of photos of the 26 mile car that I tucked away several years ago and I just looked at them. I also looked at a bunch of photos I took of Joe P's early production L78 Black Cherry car (from here in Iowa) that I took last fall at the Mid America ACES show in Olathe, KS. :thumbsup:

driller · Mar 23, 2010

You guys got me a little curious. What does a flat top look like? Any pics? I found these two on ebay. They look like mine and are advertised for the same application. The two at the top of the thread look way different.

Anybody know what the difference is between SE oil and MS oil?
thanks

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/69-73-chevelle-nova-corvette-impala-yellow-tip-dipstick_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem3a58f99b42QQitemZ250600856386QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/68-72-396-454-yellow-tip-dipstick-Chevelle-Camaro-Nova_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem4cee5c5c6bQQitemZ330416544875QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

sparky1698 · Mar 23, 2010

driller said:
You guys got me a little curious. What does a flat top look like? Any pics? I found these two on ebay. They look like mine and are advertised for the same application. The two at the top of the thread look way different.

Anybody know what the difference is between SE oil and MS oil?
thanks

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/69-73-chevelle-nova-corvette-impala-yellow-tip-dipstick_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem3a58f99b42QQitemZ250600856386QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/68-72-396-454-yellow-tip-dipstick-Chevelle-Camaro-Nova_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem4cee5c5c6bQQitemZ330416544875QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

Curt, The 2 on ebay look like the one in your other post and looks like the one in the pictures I put on, Am I correct on this?? What do you think?

driller · Mar 23, 2010

Yes, they look just like the one in your pics. I'd like to know what Mike means by "flat top". I also believe the yellow tip refers to 68 and up BBC's except spec hi perf motors. So if these are original yellow tipped dipsticks and they aren't flat tops, then what are they for?

70ChevelleRagtop · Mar 23, 2010

Here is another photo that shows it better. The top portion of the loop has the handle flattened out.

Mr69 · Mar 23, 2010

If you look real close you'll see that the yellow tip is shorter on the flat style.

I am 100% certain that the round style is correct.

I don't know where these flat ones are coming from.
Might be a 454 thing?

driller · Mar 23, 2010

Found some info for you guys. This will help date your dipsticks for you.

In 1970 API instituted a new oil classification system. It was adopted in 1971 by all oil manufacturers.

SE
GM 6136-M
SE: This performance category identified oils suitable for vehicles manufactured in the 1972-1979 period in North America. The MS tests were again upgraded to evaluate high temperature oil thickening.

SD
GM 6041-M
SD: Adopted in 1971, and also known as API MS prior to then. This performance category identified engine oils typical of the period 1968 to 1971 in North America. The engine tests for this classification included testing the cleanliness of the positive crankcase ventilation valves during short trips and stop-and-go driving.

SC
Could only find Ford oil numbers for SC.....M2C101-A
SC: Adopted in 1971, but known as API MS prior to then. This performance category identified engine oils typical of the period 1964 to 1967 North America. These oils had to meet the performance requirements of a new "Multicylinder Sequence (MS) engine test. The MS tests were selected to evaluate protection against low temperature sludge, deposits, rust, corrosion and wear.

This is the lower end of my dipstick with the round yellow tip. To me, this is a very good indication that it is original to my 1970 car. Any thoughts?

Mr69 · Mar 24, 2010

Curt, what does the handle on this dipstick look like?

704EVER · Mar 24, 2010

Mr69 said:
If you look real close you'll see that the yellow tip is shorter on the flat style.

I am 100% certain that the round style is correct.

I don't know where these flat ones are coming from.
Might be a 454 thing?

I know of no ryhme or reason for this, but I've seen the flat tops on a number of original 396 cars as well. Possibly a different supplier at the same time or maybe a plant/supplier issue that would have some installed flat and others with the round style tip???

Dipsticks - are these correct for 70 BB?

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