390:two dipstick tubes

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Nov 12, 2004 | 08:21 PM

Steve A

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From: So.Cal

390:two dipstick tubes

Because my 390's valve stem seals disintegrated, I'm replacing the oil pump. When I dropped the oil pan, I noticed it has a small hole, which was patched with some type of glue. I will either weld it or just get a new pan.
The interesting thing is, that there are two dipstick tubes. A short one on the block, near the oil filter and a long one, on the same side of the engine, near the oil sump. The dipstick is in the long tube, in the oil sump and the short tube has a rubber cap over it.
Clearly, it would seem, that the existing oil pan is not the original.
Or, is there another reason for this ?
Can anyone explain why I have two dipstick tubes ?

steve

Nov 12, 2004 | 08:44 PM

Bear 45/70

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From: Union, Washington

Most car engines used the thru the block dip stick. The trucks used both the thru the block and thru the pan tube in some cases. As long as it doesn't leak the rubber cap should be an acceptable plug.

Nov 12, 2004 | 09:00 PM

Steve A

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From: So.Cal

If I order a new oil pan, do I need to specify it's for a truck, or do all FE oil pans come with a dipstick tube ?

Nov 12, 2004 | 09:21 PM

Bear 45/70

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As far as I know the dip stick oil pans were a rarity and if you order a pan it will be a non-dipstick equipped. Just order a dipstick when you order the pan. I always put fresh oil in a new pan and then check to be sure the dip stick reads right. If not, I make my own marks.

Nov 13, 2004 | 12:56 AM

Hypoid

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From: Golden, CO

My rear sump pan (4x4) has the dipstick in the pan.
The motor originally came from a rear wheel drive, had a front sump pan that was "clearanced" by the front diff. Dip stick went through the front of the block. I've seen a few FT pans that looked flat on the bottom for their entire length, no clearance problems I guess.
Ordering the pan for the vehicle should eliminate guesswork.

Good luck, Mike

Nov 13, 2004 | 05:56 PM

Steve A

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Quote:

Just order a dipstick when you order the pan.

Just ordering a pan and a dipstick doesn't mean they go together.
Does anybody know, are after market pans available w/dipsticks ?

Quote:

Ordering the pan for the vehicle should eliminate guesswork.

Okay, like:
...I need a pan for a '73 F250 4x4, FE-390, w/rear sump and dipstick...?

Nov 13, 2004 | 06:41 PM

Bear 45/70

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Steve A; Even though it's be at least 3 decades since I was an auto parts guy, I can't ever remember ordering anything for a customer with out "Make, model year, engine size, and tranny at least". But then again maybe the parts counter guys are now using ESP to determine what the customer wants. Of course, you tell the guy you want an oil pan and dip stick for whatever vehicle you have and I'm sure they guy won't order a pan for one rig and the dip stick for another unless you tell him that's what you want.