Hello,

I read thru the tech folder but I did not find anything on dummy plugs. Can you please give me the dummy plugs 101/crash course please? thanks!

 

On 2004.5 - 2007 trucks the oil rails will fit on either side. Since you only need one stand pipe to bring the oil up from the HPOP branch tube, the empty hole that would have been used if it was an opposing side oil rail isnt used, the dummy plug... plugs the hole.

And if you look at a stand pipe, it has a bunch of holes in the middle to allow oil into the rail.

 

Wish I had just a stand alone pic of the plugs and pipes but I don't the bag with the part number has the parts you asked about.

 

long ones=standpipes
short ones = dummy plugs
10mm hex = old style that fail
12mm hex = new updated ones - the whole reason your asking about them
Location - in oil rail directly under the valve covers.
Torque - IIRC -60ft lbs

That's pretty much the 101 course.

 

This is what an old one looks like with a bad o-ring.

 

As I understand, the new standpipes and dummy plugs have teflon seats to protect the rubber o rings to seal the high pressure oil system. The rubber would degrade from heat and leak, causing long starts whereas the teflon seat is more resilient to the affects of heat and protects the o ring. I think that the new replacement standpipes also have check valves to help with faster starts.

This is my understanding. Techs, please feel free to correct me if necessary.

 

The Teflon o-ring is to prevent the rubber o-ring from sliding or rolling. 4000psi can erode rubber pretty fast once it finds an opening to bear against. Even the old stand pipes had few failures.

I think they have had the check valve for a while now.

 

so is a standpipe an upgraded substitute for dummy plugs?

how many are there on a 2006? if I am upgrading, which one do you recommend and who do you recommend buying from store/brand?

thanks.

 

dlynes,

Each oil rail has one standpipe and one dummy plug, so 2 each per 6.0L. Ford came up with the new improved parts and those are the only ones you want to get (ie OEM). Don't worry - you cannot buy the old part - it was superceded by the new part. These were a very common cause for the crank no start dead on the side of the road problem with the 6.0L. These new parts plus the new STC fitting for the HPOP have almost eliminated that trouble. They are sold as a set for a little over $100.

If you get in there and need a 12mm allen wrench, then stop bc someone already did the work for you. Took me about 4 hours in the driveway to do both sides. I have some aftermarket stuff that slowed me down. Make sure you have a 10mm and 12mm allen socket before you start (or an allen wrench you can cut down). Hope this helps

 

NO
Each oil rail needs 1 stand pipe and 1 dummy plug. They come in pairs. The stand pipes go in the back, they connect the branch tube to the HPOP. The dummy plugs go in the front and fill an empty hole.

If you took a right side oil rail and moved it to the left side, the stand pipe and dummy plug change positions. Standpipes always go to the back, dummies to the front, rails are interchangeable.
Here is a picture of an oil rail. The dummy plug is under the 12mm Hex head, the stand pipe is under the rear hex head, partially covered by my FICM plug.


Here is the oil rail removed. The two long parts are where the stand pipe and dummy plugs go. The stand pipe reaches deeper into the block and connects to the branch tube, the dummy plug stops at the bottom of the oil rail.


Flip the rail around for the other side as they can go to either a right or left side and then just swap holes for plugs and pipes. The are the same size holes, same threads.