Oil dipstick tube leak

[fredsfiat]

My Fiat ('79 Spider) is leaking oil where the dipstick tube (housing) attaches to the engine block. It is a 2L engine with a 1.8L cylinder head, so we had to fabricate an attachment point for the tube to the cylinder head. The oil comes out in spurts at high revs. Any sugsuggestions how to close the gap? Can it be soldered or welded on? We replaced the dipstick tube rubber seal also. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[So Cal Mark]

I'd make sure the crankcase breather is working and that the oil level is correct before I did anything drastic

[fiatfactory]

.

[fredsfiat]

Thanks for the advice. I'll check the crankcase breather and yes, it's a push in block!

[fredsfiat]

I checked the crankcase breather hose, and it seemed to be ok. There was a point along the line where it was slightly bent, but not to the point where it was cut off completely. I would describe it as minor at best. Still having the same issue. Whenever I rev the engine, I can visibly see oil coming out in bubbles where the tube connects to the engine. There do not appear to be any seal leaks (at least nothing obvious). Any other suggestions I should look for or try? I did not mention this previously, but the carburetor is aftermarket (32/36 DFEV).

Thanks,

[vandor]

You need to make a bracket that holds the dipstick firmly against the block. If the rubber gasket where dipstick meets the block is damaged, replace it. They are available form us:

http://www.autoricambi.us/product/LU4-4 ... l-1979-85/

[fiatfactory]

.

[carl]

I was having the same issue with my 2L motor and finally traced the problem to the dip stick tube seal. Both my motor and Fred's have the tube firmly pushed in via the upper mount. I think there is a bad batch of dipstick seals out there, much like other rubber products we had problems with years ago. Fred's seal is new and mine is about a year old (and already getting petrified).

Fred brought his spider over to me today and I'll check the vent hose and cyclonic trap.

I'm planning on converting to an early style, tubeless, dipstick (with new markings). As I recall the hole in the block is the same diameter.

carl

[fredsfiat]

So it turns out that the seal was the culprit. I'll be ordering a couple from autoricambi shortly. Thanks to Carl and everyone for the great advice.

[vandor]

If that's all you need then call or email so I can send it for less via the postal service.