Shorter oil tube and level checker

[BruceMe]

Does anyone have the part numbers or information on making converting a shorter dip-stick and oil filler tube on an O-320?

Thanks,

[Kyle Boatright]

I shortened mine long ago.

I simply figured out how much I needed to shorten it, cut that much out of the tube, and used a plumbing aisle PVC coupling (maybe CPVC?) to splice it back together. I used proseal to seal the thing and 3 internally wrenching set screws on each end as a secondary holding mechanism. (The proseal and screws came after the first time I assembled it and the PVC glue joints failed).

Then I painted it Lycoming grey.

For the dipstick, you can drive out the roll pin, pull the rod from the cap, and then drill a new hole for the roll pin at the appropriate distance from the first hole and reassemble with a new roll pin after shortening the upper end of the rod.

On mine, I didn't shorten it, I just used a pipe cutter to cut new marks for oil levels. I calibrated those marks one quart at a time as I filled the crankcase.

Hope this helps.

[BruceMe]

Beautiful, thank you

[Raymo]

I have a short tube (~6") available for $20+shipping, if it's not too short. These are typically installed on 540s.