Sunday I was checking my valve covers bolts and my dipstick tube broke off at the pan, the end of the tube broke off IN the pan where that fitting holds it on, and I think the end went into the pan. The motor is from a 83-84 E350, 460, and has the original pan. Would it be alright to leave the piece of the tube down in the pan for a month till the motor gets pulled for a rebuild, or should I take the pan off and remove it ? I was just thinking about putting a plug where the tube is supposed to go and leaving the peice in the pan. I pretty much know how often I need to add oil, so that shouldnt be a problem. Also, is the 83-84 Van dipstick tube the only one that will work and read right, or can I use any 460's tube ? This is a rear sump pan. Thanks in advance, Trey.

 

Id leave it in, unless you doing the baja 1000 in it, there isnt enough movement to throw the piece into the crank, and even if it does, itll just get tossed back down into the oil. id feel safe about driving it.

 

Well I went to the dealer 2day and they had a new tube in stock for $41. I bought it and i will have it on 2nite. The end of the old tube is stuck in the pan, in that hole, and i gotta pick it out. I will let you know what happens.

 

A dental tool or snap ring pliers should lift it right out once you have the retaining nut out. If it did fall in it will be fine. I wouldn't give it another thought.

 

It was indeed in the hole, and we fished it out just fine with a cheapo pick. The new tube is on and were good to go. Thanks, Trey

 

i'm glad it was not in the pan

 

Can I tell you a trick that would have saved you about $36? Go to Autozone, and get the length you need of 3/8" BRAKE line. The end has the correct diameter and thread pitch to match the threads in the pan of ALL Ford V8 pans. An added plus is, you can place your header/manifold on, and route the tube around it with out fear of wasting $41.

 

thank you.. I need a shorter tube for my custom truck project with 460.. this is exacly the kind of info I needed, without even knowing the question!!..

Thanks

Sam

 

I don't remember if that is a regular flare down there or is it more of a double swell. I'm thinking the tube extends into the pan a ways.