1977 Bonnie dipstick won' go in

Hi,

I just recently inherited a '77 Bonneville from my dad. It's body, upolstery and motor are in great shape, only 40,000 original miles!

My main problem is that the dipstick is not going in all of the way. I've tried to take some of the tin off that shrouds it but no luck. It seems to go right into the block! Is this correct? If so, how much work would I have to go through to fix it? Should I just take it to a mech to fix it? I don't want to break anything off into the block, that's for sure! My friend told me that there would be a screw that held the assembly in place, but maybe that's just for new cars?

Well, I've rambled on enough. Thanks for your help.

Rich

P.S.-I have an awesome manual for my Harley that is from the manufacturer. It covers every part of my particular bike in awesome detail. Haynes and Chilton are not as much help to me. Is there a manufacturer's manual like this for autos with vivid detail for a novice wrencher that wants to learn but doesn't have a pop to show him around the motor? Thanks again!

The dipstick tube just fits into a hole in the block. It is not screwed in, its just a press fit. Sometimes if the tube is distorted, bent or misaligned it can prevent the dipstick from going in all the way.

Look at the tube and make sure its acually IN the little hole in the block and not off to one side.

You can remove the tube....unbolt it on the top, if required, then give it a firm pull and it should come out. If its dinged or crushed, replace it.

As for manuals, factory manuals, especially the older ones are very good at thoroughly explaining the service procedures and the operating principles involved in a car.
Personally, I have gone to used book stores, flea markets etc and bought every manual I can find (usually for a few dollars), whether its for my car or not, then I read them and keep them for reference.
Your local library should have some manuals or some high school shop class textbooks, too.

Thank you for the reply. I'll tug it out and have a look then. It does seem to be installed into the block (not loose) so it must be distorted along the path of the tube. I'll have to get under the body to get at it but it isn't attached by any screws or anything.

I never thought about looking for automotive manuals at used book stores before, good idea!

I'll let you know how it goes.

You could also try the library,they have them.