Spiral Dipstick?
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 48
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Spiral Dipstick?
I performed a search and didn't find any info on this...
I took delivery of my truck (2017 F250XL 6.2L) about three weeks ago and after driving it about 100 miles realized that I hadn't checked the oil level. Just went outside and pulled the dipstick and it was like it didn't want to come out. It wanted to spin as I pulled on it, so I let it do so and finally got it out.
The top 12" or so are straight, and then it's like that section is riveted onto a bottom section that is twisted into a spiral for the entire length that extends down into the oil in the pan. It doesn't look like it was wadded up by the factory or anything, as the spiral has a very even twist down the length of it. It wasn't easy to get it to go all the way back down the tube when I replaced it. The newest Ford I have to compare it with is a 2011 Fusion 6cyl and it has a "normal" dipstick.
Is this what Ford is using now? Spiral?? If so, why?
Thank you in advance for any replies. For what it's worth the oil level was fine.
I took delivery of my truck (2017 F250XL 6.2L) about three weeks ago and after driving it about 100 miles realized that I hadn't checked the oil level. Just went outside and pulled the dipstick and it was like it didn't want to come out. It wanted to spin as I pulled on it, so I let it do so and finally got it out.
The top 12" or so are straight, and then it's like that section is riveted onto a bottom section that is twisted into a spiral for the entire length that extends down into the oil in the pan. It doesn't look like it was wadded up by the factory or anything, as the spiral has a very even twist down the length of it. It wasn't easy to get it to go all the way back down the tube when I replaced it. The newest Ford I have to compare it with is a 2011 Fusion 6cyl and it has a "normal" dipstick.
Is this what Ford is using now? Spiral?? If so, why?
Thank you in advance for any replies. For what it's worth the oil level was fine.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,483
Likes: 273
From: Tulare U.S.A.
It's normal, Ford fills the truck with proper amount of oil than twists the dip stick to shorten it until it reads full. Fords not the only manufacturer to do this and it's been done for year's on certain style dipstick. To make it easier to put in and take out you have find the sweet spot just keep turning it until you find it.
Mark
Mark
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 48
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Thanks for the replies!
Twisting the dipstick to get it to the right length seems crazy to me. How hard can it be to engineer one the right length to begin with and be done with it? Seems like a task you'd give the rookie engineer on the design team LOL
I figured the spiral would be to add some friction to help keep the stick in place, or to give the oil mist more surface area to latch onto and drip back into the pan.
Twisting the dipstick to get it to the right length seems crazy to me. How hard can it be to engineer one the right length to begin with and be done with it? Seems like a task you'd give the rookie engineer on the design team LOL
I figured the spiral would be to add some friction to help keep the stick in place, or to give the oil mist more surface area to latch onto and drip back into the pan.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,824
Likes: 39
From: Boise
Seriously? I have never heard that explanation before.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,483
Likes: 273
From: Tulare U.S.A.
Just cause you never heard of something doesn't mean it's not true. If you think about it adjustability is not a bad thing, this engine is going into a lot of different vehicles. In each vehicle the engine sets at a different angle. The back of an F250 sets lower than the back of a f350 ect...
A lot of large diesel truck have the same type of dipstick because they go into different types of vehicles.
Mark
A lot of large diesel truck have the same type of dipstick because they go into different types of vehicles.
Mark
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2015
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From: Boise
I don't think it's not true. Just saying I've never heard of that or any other reasoning.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2005
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From: The Great State of Texas
Never heard of that one either. With precision block casting and die stamped oil pans there's really no variables that would require a calibrated dip stick.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,483
Likes: 273
From: Tulare U.S.A.
If you think about it if an engine is going into one car with one spring option than the dipstick length can be static, but if it's going to be at different angles it helps to have it adjustable.
Mark
Mark
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2015
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From: Boise
Mine must need a half of twist taken out because everytime I change the oil and fill 'er back up with 7 qts, it shows about 1/2 full. I don't remember my old '97 F150 4.6 stick having twisted dip sticks though, and I know that motor went into cars, trucks and vans. Come to think of it I don't think the 7.3 PS did either. Maybe the twist method is the now preferred over several different length sticks for the same motor. 
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 10,101
Likes: 40
From: Pa
Not a fan of the dispticks for the engine oil or the trans. But at least they put them on and didn't eliminate them. They probably will axe both in the future. Also not fond of the fill on the valve cover, stupid angle that you should have the special funnel for. Too much for Ford to put an extension on like they did on the modulars for decades.
