I have an engine I bought from Center State Engine, however there was no dipstick installed on it. What's the easiest way to change the oil without a dipstick?
Yep, the dipstick should have been transferred from the old engine or a new one installed. There is probably a hole, mine was on the starboard side, that can be used.
If you cannot get a location for the dipstick this is something I have done.
Sierra # 18-7891. This is the kit with a double inlet 1/4” npt and a 1/2” 20 male that threads in the pan drain. Make sure that the threads are not metric. The flexible hose is used to drain the oil through the bilge drain. On the un used side install a 1/4” male npt X 3/8” inverted flare fitting. NAPA or other auto stores have 3/8” steel tubing with the flare nuts In 36” lengths. After every thing is installed in the pan you will have to start hand bending the tubing and secure it where ever possible. Put 5 quarts of oil in the engine, start it to fill the filter and with a dipstick start gauging, you will have to probably start cutting the tubing until the dipstick shows full.
In addition to the above post universal dipstick tube kits are available a Summit. There is one that has a npt thread that will screw into the brass block that the Sierra kit has.
