FE original dipstick length
 

Anyone out there with an original FE dipstick. I have a side oiler with Armando's pan and need to get a dipstick long enough to reach. I know that 19 inches isn't long enough.
Thanks.
John

The dipstick tube for any FE is dependent on the application, not the engine displacement. While a dipstick/tube from a 1965 Galaxie 352 might physically fit a 1972 F100 390, they are different. All '67-newer dipstick tubes are the same length except for 4X4's. The 428 dipsticks may be marked differently for the larger volume but they should all be interchangeable (more info below). As long as you have a matched tube and stick it will work all the way back to '58. The only dipsticks that had a different level were the later CJ's and of course the rear-sump pans. They may have varied where the tube mounted or what kind of handle but the level indicator always ends up in the same spot.

As an odd matter of interest, the '65 and '66 T-birds each used a specific dipstick and tube that was not used on anything else. The '65 T-bird dipstick is 23.22" long from the shield to the tip and the '66 is 23.70. From the full mark to the shield is 20.06" on a '65 and 21.56" on a '66. While both are oddballs, the '66 (part number C6SZ-6750-B) is more sought-after.

Early FE dipstick tubes bolted to the front of the head (using the outermost coil bracket mount hole) so they will work for any year, but later tubes bolted to the forward #5 cylinder exhaust manifold bolt. If you are running an 8-bolt head you need a dipstick tube from an 8-bolt head. If you are running a 14- or 16-bolt head, you need a tube from either of those. The reason for this is the bolt hole indexes the tube as to how far it enters the block, and the mounting brackets are in different spots for each. If you use the wrong one it could install too high or low and give you bad readings. Not all dipstick tubes are the same, so you need to be sure you have the correct dipstick for the tube you have. For example, what reads correct on a '69 won't be accurate on a '70, due to different tube lengths. If you have to, you can just pour in the right amount of oil and make your own mark. Park your vehicle on a level surface, drain the oil, replace the filter, add 7 quarts, run the engine till hot, shut off and let cool, mark your stick accordingly.

There was also a Service Letter from Ford in April 1969, stating that early April production 1969 Ford's with 390's built at the Wayne assembly plant used the wrong dipstick. The service letter states that a 302 dipstick was used by mistake, and it includes the length of the correct 390 dipstick.

Dipsticks are available from Mansfield Mustang.

http://mansfieldmustang.com/02-76.JPG

Source: http://www.fordification.com/bumpwik..._%26_Tube_Data

I used the big block chevy dipstick from jegs with my FE Armando pan.

John,
Maybe Armondo can point you in the right direction? I hope all is well with you....:)

Are you thinking with your dipstick John?:LOL:
Larry

I agree with patrickt, fill, run, let it sit, see where the oil level is, take a fine tooth saw or a utility knife and mark it's location. I actually use 8 qts. with my FE and canton pan with the windage tray. I bought a Lokar braided stainless flexible tube/stick and this method works great.

D.U., I think almost all of us with after-market pans like Armondo, Aviad, Canton, etc. mount them on the outside -- usually on the right hand side if you've run the temp sensor over on the back of the left side. Here's a decent shot of mine:

http://www.clubcobra.com/photopost/d...ipstick001.JPG

Patrick, PM sent.

And answered! BTW, if there's a way to drill a fitting in to the oil pan, with the oil pan on the engine, and not leave friendly shards of metal on the inside of the pan I don't know what it is.:3DSMILE: