musicman8287

Hey everyone!

First off, thanks for all the help in these forums. Searching and reading helped me to remove a broken dipstick tube (flush sheared at block) with the "thread bolt, and hammer out with flat head screwdriver up against bolt head bottom" trick. BTW, if you are ever in this situation and using a standard floor jack, a roofing hammer won't cut it... gotta get out the big boy, like a 4 lb double face hammer. At least that's what worked for me. Extra weight for the confined space strike.

Now, I rec'd a Ford Racing dipstick tube, as the tube end with double flange seemed to work, based on what remains I pulled out from block last weekend. I tried the $10 Spectre from Auto Zone. Way too wide diameter, and further research revealed it's application being inserted through the timing cover. Older 302 cars I guess?

So what's the best way to do it? I have the driver side header removed, shorty header. Should I put tube in first? Header on first? Also, any need to add sealant to end of tube before installing? Looks like a press fit design, so I don't want to have to attempt this more than once. haha

Thanks!

Goosepoop302

usually on my 95 I can put it in after the headers are on.. that being said.. I replaced my headers and had fitment issues so I got a braided steel flexible dipstick. it looks great and was much easier to work with over the solid tube stock.

it is a press fit design, shouldn't need anything on it.

musicman8287

Thanks man! I got it in, after sanding and filing the end down a little. Some research taught me that the chrome plating on tube could be the difference in whether it goes in or not. I tried and tried, would not slide into engine block hole until after I removed the chrome plating from the area right bellow the "block stop" on tube. I had to loosen headers, as the stop would not clear when headers were bolted in. Def a very tight fit, but it's done and I can move on