New Dipstick tube

[vrinner]

OK...so I pulled my 84 inline intake motor out and dropped in the 86 square intake. There isn't a place on the square to bolt the dipstick tube to.

Any place I can get a dipstick tube or am I missing something?

[Meotchh]

There is a place on the 86 intake. I'll post a pic before I leave for work.

[Under Pressure]

I went to Pull a Part and got one off a Ranger p/u I think it was a early 90's.

[svono50]

The 86 dip stick tube attaches to a bracket that is held to the (2) rear screws on their stud ends. The square intake has (1) hex head screw and the other (3) have a small stud on top of the hex head. The third screw/stud is where the alternator bracket support tube goes in the front left-hand corner of the intake. Also, that bracket also holds the fuel dampener and one harness connector. If Mitch can't get you a pic, I know I have something useful on my home PC that I can toss up tonight.

[svono50]

Well, call me a liar or something of the sort. The dipstick tube bracket is separate from the intake bracket that holds the dampener and harness connector. The intake bracket is held in place by the back (2) screw/studs and then the dipstick tube bracket is screwed onto the intake bracket. The only pic I could dig up from my library shows only the dipstick tube bracket. If my memory serves me right, the tube is welded/soldered onto the bracket, which I think I may have broken/separated at some point and reattached with a worm gear hose clamp that can be seen in the pic below. I did dig up an illustration from the shop manual showing the intake bracket (aka - pulse dampener mounting bracket), that is below as well. If you still need a pic of the intake bracket, I can get one of those for you.

Intake - Install_Lower_01b.jpg

Shop Manual - Fig 11_Pulse Dampener and Oil Dipstick Installation.jpg

[vrinner]

Wow...I have none of that...LOL. My dipstick doesn't have the angle on the bracket and I don't have the stock fuel rail and FPR. So I'll have to go look and find what I need to make something up. The picture really helps though...thanks!

[Raven855]

I have extra brackets for the square style intake. I have been looking for the bracket for the inline.

[vrinner]

If I had the inline I'd let you have it but I don't even have that anymore...the previous setup on the racecar we welded AN fittings on the stock rail. The dipstick bolted directly to the lower intake.

[Raven855]

Figure out what you need and let me know.

[svono50]

Wow...I have none of that...LOL. My dipstick doesn't have the angle on the bracket and I don't have the stock fuel rail and FPR. So I'll have to go look and find what I need to make something up. The picture really helps though...thanks!

Glad I could find a pic and good illustration. I would think you could fab something up with a little creativity

[Desert Patina]

I've used the dipstick from the 87-89 NA 2.3 Mustangs.

[vrinner]

Should there be an o-ring at the engine?

[vrinner]

So here is what I came up with.



FuelPumpHolder1.jpgFuelPumpHolder2.jpgFuelPumpHolder3.jpgFuelRail1.jpg

[svono50]

That certainly looks like a workable solution!

[Meotchh]

Should there be an o-ring at the engine?

No there should not be an o-ring at the engine for the dipstick tube.

[vrinner]

So is the dipstick tube supposed to be loose? Mine just kind of plops in there. Use any sort of sealant?

[MikeFleming]

No there should not be an o-ring at the engine for the dipstick tube.

So is the dipstick tube supposed to be loose? Mine just kind of plops in there. Use any sort of sealant?

Initially, from the factory, the tube is a semi-press-fit into the hole in the block. Then after we twist it back and fro a few times to get it out to disassemble a block for machining, cleaning, etc., the press-fit goes to merely snug then to Loose & floppy.

So it does turn into a place for oil to seep out after a while. I have tried installing a small diameter o-ring on the bottom end and then making sure the assorted retaining bracketry keeps that ring compressed. Eventually the ring compresses and hardens (years and hundreds of heat cycles) and requires replacement.

The factory uses a painted-on hardening sealant similar to Loctite 242. It flakes off on the first removal and gets small, sharp chunks into the oil sump area. So I don't like it for an in-vehicle repair compared to the o-ring temp solution. It's a good way to go though when the sump is off to collect all the droppings and to clean the hole for the next sealed installation (with intake already installed to hold it in place until the glue hardens).

If you do glue it, be careful to bend it out of the way, and not twist it, when removing manifold/head/etc.

[Bob Holmes]

I tend to try to flare out the end of the tube which tends to make a bit of a press fit.

Stick a phillips screwdriver end into the end of the tube and gently flare the end.

[SVOC]

I'll just add a few more pics for you all:

[vrinner]

I'll just add a few more pics for you all:

OK...now someone is just showing off! Nice!