broken dipstick...

[jmattwells]

So, i just bought this:

http://picasaweb.google.com/jmattwells/90Ranger

when the 302 was put in, they broke the dipstick off the oil pan, so when the motor is running, it drips oil out of the hole, and onto the header and burns. i was given a used oil pan and dipstick, and figured it would be as easy as removing the oil pan, and putting the new one on. Now that the whole pan has been unbolted, i realized that i dont have enough room above the crossmember to remove it. any ideas? i am about ready to bolt it back up, put some jb weld on the hole, put 5 quarts of oil, and change the oil anytime i bring her out just to be safe that the oil level is good.

advise me of your opinions, thanks in advance!

 

[michowski]

cant you stick a magnet through the hole and fish it out? I mean once you take the tube out. It will definatly fit a small magnet through there.

 

[jmattwells]

i looks like the tube that broke off. i cannot really tell...but ill try it i guess.

another question, it looks like the dipstick actually enters into the block above the oil pan in the existing setup, but there is a hole in the new oil pan for the dipstick as well. does that make any sense?

 

[88mudder]

I think you should replace your oil pan with the other style where theres no dipstick entry. Buy engine block entry dipstick such as a Lokar. They are easier to access and dont leak. Ive had bad experiences with the pan entry ones leaking.

If you dont wanna swap pans then just plug the hole in the pan so it doesnt leak. Maybe weld a thin plate over it. Then get engine block entry stick.

 

[Captain Ledd]

I say clean it up the hole as best you can and gob silicone into/on it.

 

[v-8power]

If you lift the engine some you should be able to remove the oil pan.

 

[88mudder]

If you lift the engine some you should be able to remove the oil pan.

true true.

Be careful with trans bellhousing clearance when lifting it up!

 

[wade]

it looks like the dipstick actually enters into the block above the oil pan in the existing setup, but there is a hole in the new oil pan for the dipstick as well. does that make any sense?

Yes, Ford used both locations to install the dipstick. No harm in having both. Just increases your options. Plug one, use the other. If you go to your local junkyard you might find a tube for each setup and use which ever clears your installation best. Some of the earlier ('80s) "Rear Sump" pans from F-series and Econolines had the stick in the pan. Do whatever makes you happy.

I modified my dual sump to accept the "in-pan" dipstick and the low oil level sensor. You can see the "hump" at the flange where the dipstick would install through the edge of the block. Regardless of whatever headers I ever use, it gives me the option of using what best fits.

 

[jmattwells]

thanks for all the info!!!!

i am not a "motor guy", so this crap is kinda new to me. I have figured out how to unbolt the rubber motor mounts, and lift it up, i have been too busy to get to it. i am worried if i dont pull the existing pan out, and pull out whatever tube is stuck in the block, i am going to have issues. So im not sure which pan i will put back on, but the one is at least coming off temporarily.

 

[jmattwells]

$50 for a lokar dip stick on summit racing, is what it is!

 

[wade]

Edited post #8 to include pic.

 

[jmattwells]

Thanks for the picture Wade!!!

i worked on it a little bit today, i so badly want to take her out and start playing, the nice weather lit a fire under my a$$.

i figured out how to remove the motor mount bolts (the 4 going from the top of the mount into the block. then i cut a 8x8 deck post down to size and used it under the bell housing, and lifted up the motor and tranny.

i was still not able to get the pan off (couldnt get a enough clearence), but i could get a good view of the existing dip stick. there is about 3" of tube from the enterance of the block going down toward the pan, the rest of the tube, and the stick itself came right off, but i cannot figure out how to remove that 3" of tube. any ideas?

 

[wade]

might want to see this one, too.

 

[jmattwells]

so you put your own entry in, and an oil level gauge?

 

[jmattwells]

another question:

i have a C6 tranny, can i jack up the motor using the bell housing of the c6? if so, can i leave it jacked up?

does anyone know where i can get a "dust shield" for the c6? i look into the bell housing and i see the flywheel.