Help!  I just bought a C3 with a Crate engine.  The engine runs fine, but the dipstick tube is just flopping around.  Does anyone know what I can use to clamp this down?  I think on the original Chevy engine the dipstick tube clamps to the manifold.  I'm worried about losing the dipstick if I don't do something.  Pictures of what the clamp looks like and where it goes would be very helpful.

is this the oil or transmission dip stick  the oil tube is just pushed into the block no clamp I beleive you can work the bottom of the tube so it will go into the block tighter. the trans tube should have a clamp that bolts to one of the transmisssion to engine block mount bolts

I have the same problem on my 76.  The oil tube is very loose and I have to be careful when pulling the dip stick not to pull out the tube.  Hope some one comes up with fix they have used to tighten up the tube.  I have pushed the tube in as best I can but it will just loosen back up over time.

[QUOTE=aceinthehole]Well, If you can't tack one side of it with a welder you might try removing it, put a thin piece of tape on the shaft and work the tube back in or clean the area around the base and apply a little JB weld epoxy. Maybe tweak the shape of the tube ever so slightly so it might fit tighter. And lastly, if all else fails, you could buy a new tube and see if that fits better . [/QUOTE]  Swwaaccckkkkkk!!

When I got my '76 I had the same problem, the oil dipstick tube was real loose. These dipstick tubes are pressed in and if not done right they will not stay tight. I had a shop press a new one in for me. There is no brace or clamp to keep this from happening. A small metal bracket can be made and tacked to the tube to be bolted on something. Until you secure the tube you just need to be careful. I have not yet done anything to secure mine and it is in there tight.

back in the day the dip stick tube was a two piece affair, the lower went in first and went down into the crankcase a couple inches, and the one we use now slide into the first making it a tight fit,"aaaaaaaaaaaah they don't need it lets save some money, H. Earl"anips2009-08-06 12:41:41

It is the oil dipstick, not the transmission.  The transmission seems fine.

wow I am really off base here I thought the dipstick clamp my seatbelt, LOL
sorry had too.

[QUOTE=ebo]"Now dats tinkin wid yer dipstick Jimmy".... [/QUOTE]