What dipstick for Mercruiser 454 Big Block?

[tmh]

I have twin Mercruiser 454's and the previous owner made a mess installing them. My latest issue is the two have different length dipsticks - one is too short to reach the bottom so it registers low or no oil. If I take the longer one and switch it to the "empty" side it shows full. So...I need a new PRPOER dipstick.

I don't see many different ones for the merc 454. On ebasicpower web site they have one for a "Gen. V" Merc 454 but I am not sure what gen. my engines are. Maybe 1993 or so - not original so not sure.

Anyhow, is there just one size for the 454 engines or do I need more info? Also, do I need to get a Mercruiser part or is any chevy big block dipstick fine? I see them for $8 or so, but the Mercruiser one is $36.

Where is my S/N for a Merc 454? I will check itnext time I'm at the boat.

 

[diehard]

Re: What dipstick for Mercruiser 454 Big Block?

what i would do is get a long dip stick stick it in the whole make sure it goes all the way in then change your oil and put in all but 1 quart of oil mark the dip stick with line as your low level [use a small chisel] then add the other quart and mark your dip stick at your full level

 

[jaxnjil]

Re: What dipstick for Mercruiser 454 Big Block?

if you do use above method be sure to start and run motor before you mark. you want to fill filter ect. then when you mark -1 qt low-, and -full-, you will get proper reading when you check later. if you don't your reading will always be a bit off.
can you do above and figure out which stick is the proper one to start with? if the long one is wrong you can cut it off and remark it.

the dip stick on our 454 is 28" from the tip to the bottom, of the hood with the hood being 1/2"
tip to add mark is 3/4"
tip to full mark is 1-3/8"
# 14607 M is stamped on bottom
this is in a 1988 boat.

here is a pic of where the serial# on our boat is. you cant read the # in the pic as it was meant to be of starter. the tag is there and number is just cut off. your seeing bottom of tag. Right hand rear corner of block above starter. might have to get a mirror and stand on your head to read. if using a mirror remember # will be backwards

 

[tmh]

Re: What dipstick for Mercruiser 454 Big Block?

OK. I assume the longer dipstick I have is correct as it seems to reach the bottom of the pan - but i guess I need to pump out all oil then add exact amount required to check. The shorter stick doesn't register any so I KNOW it's too short.

I can always measure as you said after changing oil then make sure I get one long enough then make marks if needed.

IF anyone knows what specific one I need that would help also. Other wise I can get it done as above.

 

[Dr. Boat Master]

Re: What dipstick for Mercruiser 454 Big Block?

I have looked at some of your threads and you seem to be involved in quite an involved project. You have said in the past, you are on Lake Ontario.

I am also on Lake Ontario, but on the Canadian side. I often ask others to look at their finished boat when I am involved in a project like you are. Here is a quote from another Cruisers owner about his 454's:

Now, for what's new on this beautiful vessel: The list is very long so I'll hit the highlights. Two Newly rebuilt Mercruiser 454, 7.4L Chevy Big Block engines. TOTALLY rebuilt internally then NEW accessories and hoses complete! New Edelbrock carbs - the best, New starters, New water pumps, distributor, plugs, wires caps, ALL NEW. You can't beat new! BETTER than original 1988 new, this is recent new. The Velvet drives are also very recently rebuilt for assured performance out on the Great Lakes. New control cables for engine and drives.

I'm sure someone with a boat this cherry wouldn't mind helping you with all the issues you have with your boat. Give him a call, he is in Rochester, NY. I'm sure he could help you with this problem and all of the other issues you have with this boat.

If you turn out to be a fellow Canadian, I operate a repair facility in the Trenton area and would be happy to look at some of your issues free of charge. Good Luck! Let me know.

http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/marine_classifieds/adv-search.cgi?id=549494