Oil Dipstick Location

[ReggieFoote]

Is it just me or what????

I pulled out the oil dipstick on my 6 cylinder engine of my 1950 Champion to check the level. Then, when I finished, I must have spent 10 minutes trying to find where it goes. Had to take a flashlight and some gritting of the teeth (let alone a couple expletives) to finally locate where to stick it. Is this normal, or am I the dipstick!!! It finally ended up where the sun doesn't shine. Yes, I'm old and senile, but still????

Reggie

[Commander Eddie]

Reggie,
I have a Big Six in my '50 Commander so I don't know if the location is the same on your Champion Six. My engine does not have a tube for the dipstick. I just goes into a hole in the engine block just above the oil pan on the driver's side. It is between the starter and the distributor.

[Bullet]

I have the Champ 6 in my 50 Champion. This was a bugger for me as well, until I noticed that when I pull the dip stick out the tube that is supposed to stay in the block came out with it. Not very long, maybe 8 inches. But still made it hard to find the little hole in the block for the dipstick. Once I figured the tube thing out, it is now much easier. The tube should be flared just enough to stay in the hole and not pull out with the dip stick.

Mark

[StudeRich]

The spring clip is missing that hooks the starter nose and holds the dipstick tube in on both Reggie and Mark's Cars.

[rockne10]

What Rich said!

[Blue 15G]

On my '54 Champion I also find it hard to see where to put the stick back in unless the light conditions are ideal. The tube is down pretty far on the side of the block and on my engine everything's the color of used crankcase oil, lol. If I check the oil when my garage is semi-dark it's tough to see where to put it back, and I've had the car for years. I try to keep a small light nearby.

[ReggieFoote]

Thanks one and all. I was thinking there might be something "missing". I checked the Studebaker International Parts catalog and came up empty (normal for me). Is there a vendor or company to locate the missing part(s)?? Much appreciate the really fast responses., Reggie

[njonkman]

I had that same problem with my tube pulling out. Then about a month ago someone had the retainer spring on e bay and I bought it. The parts book shows a bit of a retainer but not enough to know what it looked like. The fellow I got it from mentioned on a note that he had several more of these spring clips available. When I go out to my shop tomorrow I will bring his card in and give you his info
Nick

[Corvanti]

for the original post - with the tube being ok - when checking the oil level on my '51 Champion 6, i usually have to use additional lighting when i'm in my fairly well lighted 'cave.

[ReggieFoote]

Hi Guys,

I felt kind of "foolish" writing the original post. I thought the problem was ME. Why would Studebaker stick the stick so far out of the way. Nice to know I'm not alone with the "difficult dipstick" problem.

As a "newbie" using this FORUM, seems that there are so many of you out there ready to help the needy and uninitiated like myself. Good to have such a great FORUM and people out there in cyberspace at the ready. Maybe someday, I'll be of assistance to others, who knows??

Reggie

[rockinhawk]

My 58 Truck has a 49 Champion engine. The dipstick is attatched to the oil filler cap.

[BRUCESTUDE]

My '54 Hudson Wasp's dipstick is almost hidden between the distributor and starter-no tube, just a hole in the bottom block flange. I drip oil all over whenever I check it....

[RadioRoy]

If you paint the upper part of the dipstick tube bright yellow, it will be easier to see.

[Corvanti]

My 58 Truck has a 49 Champion engine. The dipstick is attatched to the oil filler cap.

my '40 Champion had the same - i liked that.

[Commander Eddie]

Reggie,
You have been initiated. Welcome to the wonderful world of Studebakery. I am sure you will find yourself contributing to this forum in many ways. Have fun.