Dipstick broken, how to retrieve?
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Dipstick broken, how to retrieve?
I just picked up an '85 F-150 4x4, 351w (my first Ford) on eBay and am working on getting it up to drivable condition. Pretty much everything's OK except the carb (really needs a rebuild) and the oil dipstick, which is broken off. Presumably, although I'm not 100% sure, the rest of it is still in the engine.
Anyone have any tips on getting it out? Is it likely to still be in the tube or is it in the pan by now?
Also, can anyone describe to me where the mounting bracket for the dipstick tube is supposed to be bolted onto the engine? Mine's not attached to anything and is kind of leaning on one of the spark plug boots. There aren't any mounting holes apparent nearby.
Anyone have any tips on getting it out? Is it likely to still be in the tube or is it in the pan by now?
Also, can anyone describe to me where the mounting bracket for the dipstick tube is supposed to be bolted onto the engine? Mine's not attached to anything and is kind of leaning on one of the spark plug boots. There aren't any mounting holes apparent nearby.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: GANS
Dipstick broken, how to retrieve?
the dipstick on my 85 351w bolts to an exhaust stud in the middle of the manifold.
you could try one of those retractable magnet rod, take off the dipstick tube and stick it down in the pan and go fishing.
you could try one of those retractable magnet rod, take off the dipstick tube and stick it down in the pan and go fishing.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2002
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From: Memphis, TN
Dipstick broken, how to retrieve?
How much of the dipstick is missing? It should be almost long enough to reach the bottom of the pan, so gauge along the side of the engine. If it's less than ~3", it's probably lying safely on the bottom of the pan, and will eventually work its way to the drain hole, where you might be able to fish it out during an oil change. If it's longer, it's probably still in the tube, and not worth worrying about unless it keeps you from putting the replacement dipstick all the way in. If that happens, I'd jam the new dipstick against it so it can't fall, and then remove the tube with both still inside.
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Dipstick broken, how to retrieve?
Thanks guys!
It seems to me that the missing part of the stick "should" be longer than 3" judging by the length of what's left. I pulled the tube just now and didn't find any evidence of the broken off part. I guess that either it was short enough to fall into the pan or somebody else already removed it.
After getting the tube out, I can tell why the stick broke. There's a big kink about 3 inches from the end of the tube, probably because the tube's not bolted to anything up top as I mentioned above.
So I guess it's off to the dealer to get a new tube. Thanks again for the help.
It seems to me that the missing part of the stick "should" be longer than 3" judging by the length of what's left. I pulled the tube just now and didn't find any evidence of the broken off part. I guess that either it was short enough to fall into the pan or somebody else already removed it.
After getting the tube out, I can tell why the stick broke. There's a big kink about 3 inches from the end of the tube, probably because the tube's not bolted to anything up top as I mentioned above.
So I guess it's off to the dealer to get a new tube. Thanks again for the help.
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Dipstick broken, how to retrieve?
OK, this is ridiculous.
I called around to a couple of dealers since no auto parts store seems to have this part and no junkyard will part with the tube unless I buy the engine along with it. At the dealer, I was expecting a $20 part max, but they want over $40 just for the tube plus another $20 for the stick. And they don't have either in stock. I feel like I'm buying parts for my Saab again!
I guess the reason it's so hard to find particular tube is because it screws into the pan. Everybody and their mom has the regular style in stock, but no screw-ins. I do know about the Lokar flexible kit, which seemed pricey until I talked to the dealer.
Does anyone know of an aftermarket part that will work? Or even a way to make my own tube. This is for a $700 truck, so I can't see spending very much on something so trivial. But I would like to know how much oil's in the engine.
I called around to a couple of dealers since no auto parts store seems to have this part and no junkyard will part with the tube unless I buy the engine along with it. At the dealer, I was expecting a $20 part max, but they want over $40 just for the tube plus another $20 for the stick. And they don't have either in stock. I feel like I'm buying parts for my Saab again!
I guess the reason it's so hard to find particular tube is because it screws into the pan. Everybody and their mom has the regular style in stock, but no screw-ins. I do know about the Lokar flexible kit, which seemed pricey until I talked to the dealer.
Does anyone know of an aftermarket part that will work? Or even a way to make my own tube. This is for a $700 truck, so I can't see spending very much on something so trivial. But I would like to know how much oil's in the engine.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: GANS
Dipstick broken, how to retrieve?
I just got a tube for my 351w f250, the parts guy quote me $25, and and they tried to charge me $40, and i said nooo, i got it for $25..
summit has:
LOK-ED-5005 Ford: 351W, screw-in pan style, braided stainless steel housing, E-Z read stick, engine oil dipstick $41.95
I'd go with a cherry SS braided before i'd pay $40 for a tube.
you can make one with steel tubing, but you still have to figure out how to mount it to keep from kinking it again.
summit has:
LOK-ED-5005 Ford: 351W, screw-in pan style, braided stainless steel housing, E-Z read stick, engine oil dipstick $41.95
I'd go with a cherry SS braided before i'd pay $40 for a tube.
you can make one with steel tubing, but you still have to figure out how to mount it to keep from kinking it again.
