Dip stick

[JonnyT]

Now I may be being slow here.

I'm using all the old bits off my 3.5 RV8 but got a reconditioned 3.9 RV8 block. Everything seems to be fitting reasonably well as it should. However the 3.5 had a hole in the block to allow the dip stick to go into the sump IIRC and the photos that I've taken are accurate. The new block hasn't got such a hole. Is this a known problem / am I missing something very obvious? If the former is there a neat solution, if the latter please be kind!!

Thanks,

Jon

[craggle]

I thought all Rovers had that same hole for the dipstick?
It's normally on the block deck of the left hand bank of cylinders. Right where the engine number is stamped actually.

Craig.

[jrv8]

Jon,

I've worked on quite a few hundred RV8 blocks , and I've yet to find one without a dipstick hole. Have a look at the nearside between cylinders 3 & 5 , you should see the shape of the dipstick tube running downwards at an angle as part of the block casting. The entry hole should be at the top of this . It's not just blocked up and painted over by any chance ? Where did you purchase the reconditioned 3.9 from ?

Regards
Jim

[JonnyT]

I'll have another look tonight. I think what may have thrown me looking at photos on the internet is that some blocks seem to have them on the nearside. My pictures show it on the off-side and the relevant head bolt with the extended head and bolt in it was in the offside pot of nuts and bolts - as I say I'll have a look on t'other side tonight. Thanks for the help.

[tonym]

As stated, should be on the passenger side! I too have worked on numerous Rover engines and never seen a block without a dipstick hole or even a block with the dipstick on the drivers side??

[JonnyT]

Alternatively I am going completely mad!! I'll have to look at the new block and dig out the old block to satisfy myself now.

[craggle]

Yep, Every one I've ever seen has been on the nearside too and the block only has the casting for it on that side as Jim says.

It will be there ready and waiting for you to stick your dipstick in.

Craig.

[JonnyT]

I look forward to finding the orifice into which I can insert my dipstick later...

Thanks for the help guys.

[Paul B]

As a by-the-by on this thread, if you use a newer 10 bolt head, how does the dipstick retaining clip get held on ?

Obviously, the outer row of bolts are no longer present so the special bolt cannot be used.

Just put it in the hole and hope it doesn't come out ?

Paul

[craggle]

You use a p-Clip screwed onto the lower flared lip on the side of the rocker cover.
If you use the later heads and block you may as well use the 4.0 and 4.6 dipstick too so this has the P-clip already in place ready to fit to the cover.

Not my picture but you can see the hole and the p-clip on the dipstick although the clip has slipped down the tube. I usually add a smear of silicone around the top of the tube before pushing it into place in the block but not certain if it's needed.

Craig.