pulling sample from dipstick tube

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Jul 9, 2018
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SK, Canada
My son just recently had to do a lifter replacement on a 2018 Chevy Silverado with the 6.2L L 86 engine, with about 91,000 miles/ 146,000 km.


We didn't change the oil, & I thought we should be able to pull a sample from the dipstick tube using a 38 U series Vampire vacuum pump and the 1/4 inch hose.
I measured the length of the dipstick next to the hose, & marked where the bottom of the dipstick would be to be sure I was getting it into the sump.

I found it impossible to get the tube near the mark, and into the oil sump.
Maybe there is a way to adapt to the next size smaller hose.

We were able to get enough oil to fill the collection container, but I don't know how reliable this sample would be as it is just residual oil.
It has been about 4500 kilometers since the engine work, & thinking it might be a good time to give it an early oil change & purge any contaminants that might have been introduced during the rebuild process.

I will send it on Monday, & see what it shows, & post the analysis in the forums.

Maybe this is why I haven't seen any analysis on this engine
 
It looks like 3/16" polyethylene tubing is readily available on Amazon. If you decide to get some, and see if it makes the difference, it would be interesting to hear the results.

I can't use my oil extractor on my wife's Outback, because the dipstick tube is too small, even for the smallest tube that came with the extractor. But it seems surprising, to me at least, that a large engine like a 6.2 liter, would have a small dipstick tube.
 
Get this from HF for 5 bucks and change with coupon. It includes the narrow tube that connects with an adapter. I've used it to correct an oil overfill via the dipstick tube and it worked wonderfully.

 
It looks like 3/16" polyethylene tubing is readily available on Amazon. If you decide to get some, and see if it makes the difference, it would be interesting to hear the results.

I can't use my oil extractor on my wife's Outback, because the dipstick tube is too small, even for the smallest tube that came with the extractor. But it seems surprising, to me at least, that a large engine like a 6.2 liter, would have a small dipstick tube.
I am not even sure if the smaller diameter would make a difference. Even pushing the dipstick in, it seems like it binds and have to twist it a bit to get it to slide in. I have never pulled a sample from my Ford using the extractor, just took a sample while draining.

With the Chevy 6.2L engine, & an 8 quart oil capacity, it would be nice to draw a sample from the dipstick tube.
 
The dipstick tube goes only a small distance into the block and is at an angle. The dipstick enters into the pan at a steep angle and sticks into the oil at at that angle. A floppy plastic tube would sag down and potentially hit the shallow part of the pan rather than make it into the sump. That is potentially why a person cannot get the plastic tube the same distance into the dipstick tube. IMHO.
 
Sir please clarify, "We didn't change the oil".

Was the oil changed before the initial start after the head came off and leaked coolant into the sump?
 
Sir please clarify, "We didn't change the oil".

Was the oil changed before the initial start after the head came off and leaked coolant into the sump?
The lifter job was performed at Chevy dealership 4500 kilometers ago.
They changed fluids after the repairs.

He typically runs 8000 km OCI.

Pulled a sample midway through to determine if there might be any residual contaminants from prior work.

Unlike my vehicle, this is the first sample collected so not any data.

I have done multiple analysis and results shared on this site for my vehicle.
 
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