Header Install Question

**MISSMYZ** · 02-06-2007, 08:15 AM

OK. I'm installing a set of headers on my 1999 Camaro Z28. I'm stuck at not being able to pull the oil dip stick out. I've removed the 15mm bolt that holds the dip stick tube to the side of the engine. The instructions I downloaded from Install University only state that I should be able to pull up and the tube should pull out of the oil pan.

Boys, I've just about crapped myself trying to get this stupid stick out. I've put a shop rag under the mounting tab for the stick so that I've got something solid to pull against, but it won't budge.

Any suggestions? Any way to do the headers with the dip stick still in place? Anyone have some shorts I can borrow?

Thanks!

**SSwt00SS** · 02-06-2007, 08:19 AM

you gotta shake the living shit out of it to wiggle it loose and then pull it out. it's a PITA, when i tried to install shorties on my old 95 z28. i used about every cuss word i knew at the time and after dickin' with it for a while it finally popped out...

**MISSMYZ** · 02-06-2007, 08:22 AM

OK. I'm almost afraid to ask, but how hard it is to re-install? Any special trick there?

I'll eat my wheaties before trying again...

**Jon7I2** · 02-06-2007, 10:30 AM

not the easiest thing in the world to reinstall but u caan get it.

**Z28LS1** · 02-06-2007, 05:45 PM

he's right, just keep pulling and wiggling it.. it'll come.. and putting it in just takes time with prodding around the engine down there.. you'll get it

**0rion** · 02-06-2007, 11:44 PM

Yep, you'll get it. I fought mine until I was sick of it. It helps to have a buddy underneath helping you guide it in and that also adds another cusser into the mix. You'll get it. I helped a guy with his headers and when it came time to put the dipstick back in I was telling him how big of a pain in the ass it was. His just slid in without the least bit of trouble. Maybe you'll have his luck.............but I doubt it.

**89LX** · 02-07-2007, 02:36 AM

On the LS1 you have to wiggle, pull forward and up. Straight up will not work very well as it is at an angle. Reach down the tube as far as you can.

**blue02Z** · 02-07-2007, 04:06 AM

when i put my headers on the dipstick just slid right out. sorry to hear ya'lls troubles. squirt some penetrating oil down there to help loosen it.

**89LX** · 02-07-2007, 02:54 PM

LS1 Oil Stick Tube. Note that pulling it straight up could be a problem. Grap low as possoble to reduce angle and pull slightly forward.

**BlackLT1Z28** · 02-08-2007, 07:18 PM

Try getting under the car and pulling it out. Its easier to get a better read on the angle. Mine came right out though, no problem. And make sure when you go to put it back in, to not bend it at all, or else it won't slide back in right.

**firesilver** · 02-11-2007, 12:49 PM

yeah mine slid right out with no problem and i reinstalled it without a problem too. i would just get under the car and spray some penetrating oil where it goes into the pan, then pull it out while your down their. and have a friend pulling from the top too.

**MISSMYZ** · 02-12-2007, 05:53 AM

OK Boys! The blasted tube is out!

I put a shop rag under the mounting tab for the tube so that I could have something solid to pull with. I wiggled and pulled mostly forward. It came out after less than 1 minute of tugging. I did also put a small space heater under the front of the car to soften up any o-rings or rubber seals for about 2 hours before starting again.

Call it a success story! Thanks to all your help!