Ok guys, I got a problem here that'd make a southern Baptist preacher cuss.

I bent my dipstick tube trying to extract my flange to replace the O ring on that. So I finally got the new tube and some spare time today. Pulled the starter and started tugging on the old one. Got that one out in 10 minutes, I was like, "Gee, maybe this wont be so bad." Yeah I was wrong about that. . .

This new one has a mind of its own, and its set on NOT going into the flange. I have been messing with it for 1-2 hours, and I just now got the O ring on the tube to go in just a little bit.

So, heres where Im at. Its in past the O ring holder things on the tube, no more than a 1/16th. Wont budge at all.

Im literally hanging from my truck, left hand on the driveshaft, right hand with a little rubber grippy thing on the tube, and Im pulling my hands together. And the driveshaft broke in half. . . not really ha, but it really does feel like it. Im no hulk hogan, but I can move some weight, and this thing is totally kickin my butt. To say Im "pith off" would be an understatement

 

They are tight and I have messed with them before. Now, I change the o-ring with one a little thinner. It still goes in firm but you can actually get it in. I have tried to chamfer the hole where it goes, lube, and simple brute force. Now I put a smaller ring and a dab of silicone for good measure, no problems yet.

 

I never thought about that. Ive got a box of O rings I bet I could find the right size. Now when you say silicone, are you talking about lube or sealant? I will try this and see where I get thanks.

 

After I get the tube in place with the smaller o-ring, I put some silicone (rtv sealant) around the port to make sure nothing gets in and leaks into the engine around the smaller o-ring.

 

Remove the fender liner it will save you grief. Also have someone help you install it illegally difficult trying to do it yourself.

 

once I got the smaller o ring on there I figured out what you meant

I dont get what you mean by illegally

Yeah, I shouldve removed the wheel and the liner. But I got it done just by moving the starter. Neck hurts, arms are sore, head is pounding. BUT. I DID IT!!! Thanks a lot Ryan! reps headed your way. Ill let the silicon cure overnight and see if I left any holes. Gonna torque the starter down and call it a night. Hopefully I can get the oil changed over the weekend. Stuff is piling up as far as truck projects. Glad to have this one out of the way tho!

 

This dam new phone is really sensitive when trying to type and one misspelled word throws a whole different word lol... but yes you need someone to help you pry it into place, also it goes around the exhaust manifold not between the manifold and head

 

Yep I got it the same way the old one came out.

 

Sorry I'm late to the show. The o-ring is uniquely beveled to fit in the tube flange.

It doesn't take much for it to swell and not fit back in the flange. I went to Ford and spent a few bucks on a replacement. A little oil on it, slipped it around the dipstick tube, and it pushed easily back into the flange. You can feel it slide into place (it's like a 'click' without clicking).

It is much easier to do this with the fender liner removed (and the starter out).

 

I bet it was his phone autocorrecting "it's really" to "illegally."

Stewart