Dipstick tube - how "deep" into the block? (VP AQ171C or AQ151)

[wellcraft19]

Engine: VP AQ171C (I-4, DOHC) / 868114, Serial: 2200205833 3888
Outdrive: VP AQ SP-A, Serial: 3102081316

Just curious, how deep into the block is the dipstick tube supposed to "penetrate"?

I know it is a tapered fitting, it does not leak, the tube does not come out, nor does it move further down (have not tried "force"), but in just looking at the photo below, that distance (about 3/4"), would probably also mean that engine is getting more than a quart (or a liter) more oil than "stipulated" - assuming that the dipstick is at the correct "depth" once the flange on the dipstick tube hits the block.

What have others seen? For example owners of the AQ151 (same exact block)?

 

[Don S]

Re: Dipstick tube - how "deep" into the block? (VP AQ171C or AQ151)

Should be able to gently tap it down with a screwdriver (correct tool for the job) and hammer until the flange is against the block.
it's a tight fit to keep it from coming loose and/or leaking.

 

[wellcraft19]

Re: Dipstick tube - how "deep" into the block? (VP AQ171C or AQ151)

Thanks Don,

Sounds very logical in my ears. Will try and gently "force" it down tomorrow when "at it" again.

With the stick like this from "new"(?), engine has likely ran for years with too much oil, but no "foaming" as far as I can tell.

 

[mohead1]

Re: Dipstick tube - how "deep" into the block? (VP AQ171C or AQ151)

Yep, too high, use caution or you will bugger it up, but the flange is supposed to be flush with the block if its the right tube.

 

[wellcraft19]

Re: Dipstick tube - how "deep" into the block? (VP AQ171C or AQ151)

UPDATE:

OK, tried today, with a long screw driver and a rubber mallot to drive down the dipstick tube further into the block. NO movement. Zilch.
So, I guess since the engine is likely over 20 years old, likely has never been formally overhauled, and it has not broken down (yet), I will just leave the tube at its present location. Likely also resulting in having too much oil.

And if all the boating gods think I deserve it, boat will start up (first time for the season!) tomorrow morning in the drive way and hit the ramp shortly thereafter.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Dipstick tube - how "deep" into the block? (VP AQ171C or AQ151)

there is a tool that looks like a tube with a slot in it that we used to use at work to put in the dipsticks. you could make one, or take an old wrench that fits over the tube or a vise grips and beat on that to drive it down. that usually works.

 

[wellcraft19]

Re: Dipstick tube - how "deep" into the block? (VP AQ171C or AQ151)

Thanks Scott, but I used as much force as I dare at the moment. Might tackle that one the day I pull the engine one winter to have something to do during the dark season...

 

[mohead1]

Re: Dipstick tube - how "deep" into the block? (VP AQ171C or AQ151)

Hey, one thing you probably should do, if you dont want to make a tool/driver to insert it.....and that would be put some RTV arount the ridge where it meets the blocks or you will have seepage. I find the red to work better than the blue in most cases, or the black.

Cheers

 

[wellcraft19]

Re: Dipstick tube - how "deep" into the block? (VP AQ171C or AQ151)

No seepage, bone dry. As it has been for many years.

But what I read Volvo had two different dipstick tubes: one that was tapered (like mine), and one that was "straight". The straight one had some issues stying in place.
Tapered better, but like I said above, how the h-ck is one going to be able to monitor an accurate oil level if tube not all the way down (unless of course they made dipsticks of different length, which I would say is highly unlikely).

 

[WattsBarMike]

Re: Dipstick tube - how "deep" into the block? (VP AQ171C or AQ151)

Why not just drain the oil, refill with the correct amount per the engine specifications, and put a new "full" mark on the dipstick?

 

[mohead1]

Re: Dipstick tube

Re: Dipstick tube

Took the words right out of my mouth, lol. If you know your at the recommended level, scribe a new mark on the stick. And the only reason I was discussing the sealant, was because I had done this on an old truck once, and after bouncing down the highway it started seeping from the splash, I am assuming, up from the oil pan. If your not getting that then your golden!