2.3L oil dipstick length?

[OscarB]

Hey everyone, I just purchased a 1990 Ranger and the last owner broke the original dipstick and replaced it with one that is way too short and is not reading anything. I have been having a hard time finding specs or replacements for these online. Could anyone measure theirs and let me know of the length? I have found a few parts pullers who have them but they are not sure what engines they came out of. Thanks so much

 

[Mazda]

On my 94 2.3L it's 26"

 

[OscarB]

Thank you. That poses the question though; did the engines change at all when the body style changed?

 

[Mikel89us]

Just go to the scrap yard and find one. Any 2.3 dipstick will read right in any bottom end, they may not bolt to the intake right, but all the pans are the same depth. Hope this helps.

Ps a couple zip ties will hold a dipstick tube in place.

 

[tinman_72]

...Any 2.3 dipstick will read right in any bottom end, they may not bolt to the intake right, but all the pans are the same depth. ...

The dipstick tube and dipstick length changed with the '95 model. Not any 2.3 dipstick will work in any 2.3 without modification.

 

[Mikel89us]

I meant to say get a dipstick with the tube. It doesn't matter what 2.3 dipstick you use, as long as you have the matching tube for it. My bad, I worded it wrong.

 

[tinman_72]

No, the amount that the dipstick extends out of the bottom of the tube is different. Make sure you get the tube and stick to match your year of Lima motor.

 

[Mark_88]

It's not the length, it's how you use it...

Sorry, wrong thread for that thought...

An easy way to test it is to change your oil...it should take 4.3 liters or however many quarts or pints that is...if the dipstick is reading full, then you have the right length of stick...if it shows too much or not add a quart then the stick is incorrect,...

I've been using a stick that was the wrong type for my 87 block and I simply adjusted the amount according to what my oil change indicated...worked fine for me...

 

[OscarB]

Thanks guys, That is helpful. I think I will just continue my search at yards in my area for a dipstick of a similar year(at least prior to '95) to be safe. I appreciate the the help.

 

[Mikel89us]

I have used the same dipstick in a few different motors, with different oil pans, mine always reads right.