Anybody have their engine oil dipstick tube rot through to the point of it breaking apart. On my 5.0, it is rotted about 3 inches from its attachment to the block, between the oil pan rail and exhaust manifold. Good news is I found the rattle I've been chasing for about a year now. Any recommended fixes besides replacing the whole tube. I tried to loosen the bracket nuts on the exhaust manifold with no luck, don't want to bust my knuckles yet. Can this be replaced in the vehicle, or is it too difficult to press the tube into the block, let alone getting the old piece out?

 

Usually they are "slip" in tubes, if they are like other Ford tubes.

you could sleeve it with some rubber hose, but it would probably melt unless you protect the rubber with some high temp sleeving like what is used on race cars.

Me, I'd replace it. soak the bolts/nuts with lots of Kroil and clean the threads of rust, then cross your fingers.... heat or just plain "shocking" the nut might help it decide to rotate, but with someting that old, its a gamble......