351m Dip Stick

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Mar 22, 2004 | 10:06 PM

robknow

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351m Dip Stick

Well I recently purchased a remanufactured 351m for my 79 Bronco. I have come to learn that many of the 79 Ford Bronco's had rear sump pans with the dipstick in the pan. Unfortunately I had ordered the engine with the stick in the block.

My question is, does anyone know where to get a dipstick for 351m engine that fits in the engine? Preferrably new.

Also, what performance deficiencies will I see now that I have stuck myself into a situation where I have to use a front sup pan. I have the heavy duty oil pump and a pan with a baffle in it.

Thanks,

Robert

Mar 22, 2004 | 10:27 PM

Ecuri

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From: Houston/Hope BC

I am pretty certain (like 99%) the front sump pan doesn't fit into your application....
Do you have the rear sump pan? Put that in.
Tap and plug the hole.
Put in a stock pump... it is a brand new engine.
Welcome to FTE.

Mar 22, 2004 | 11:21 PM

robknow

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Well, I have both the front sump and rear sump pan. I have the rear mounted currently, but I have a hole in the engine just below the thermostat housing with no threading so I could tap it then plug it.

I know the front sump pan will fit with the front sump pick up screen. I looked at it while I had the engine on the stand. Are you thinking that the truck wont run up hills well?

Concerned,

Robert

Mar 22, 2004 | 11:43 PM

Texan1983

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From: Des Moines, Iowa

i don't think the front sump pans will even fit into the truck. i think the cross member is in the way.

Mar 22, 2004 | 11:47 PM

Ecuri

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From: Houston/Hope BC

No, I am thinking that the front sump pan will interfere with the front axle. (I am just going by looking at a bronco with a 302 in it , sitting in my front yard, and what I know about 351M/400's).

If it is still on the stand, you could get carried away, turn it upside down and tap it with a vacumm cleaner nozzle to clear the chips....... but, how about a piece of vacuum hose that fits in the hole then an expansion screw run in?

Mar 23, 2004 | 09:11 AM

Bill_Beyer

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From: PacNW

You could also go to an auto parts store and find a small plug that uses an interference fit similar to a freeze plug that will fit the hole in the block. Tap it in with a small punch or drift and you should be good to go.

Mar 23, 2004 | 11:27 AM

bubbaf250

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From: (near) Denver USA

The technique Bill described is exactly how Ford plugged the dipstick hole in the block on M-block (351M/400) engines intended for rear-sump applications.

Ford used rear-sump oil pans on all M-block engines in pre-'80 4x4 trucks (including all Broncos) to provide clearance for the front axle.