[DeTomaso] Dipstick length

[MikeLDrew at aol.com]

In a message dated 10/21/07 9:15:30 PM, msm at portata.com writes:


> You'd think after all these years of messages on the forum that I would 
> have
> measured my stick, but ...
> 
> Anyway, I just did and found that it measures 39" from tip to the opening of
> the cup, so...
> 
>>>Yup, yours is a 1971 car, which should have been modified (but evidently 
wasn't).
> 
> 1) How do I tell if I have an original tube?
> 
>>>That I can't tell you, except to say that if you didn't change it, it's 
probably original.
> 
> 2) Where do I cut the stick, and how do I re-attach? 
> 
>>>The procedure is outlined in TSB #5, article 34, complete with a nice 
drawing.   The dipstick consists of the handle, the stop, a straight-ish flat bit, 
then a long coiled spring, and finally another straight flat bit with the 
marks on it.  The TSB says that you cut the dipstick where the first straight-ish 
flat bit joins the coiled spring (near the handle, in other words), then 
shorten the coiled spring as necessary, and braze the handle back to the coiled 
spring to achieve the requisite 38 inches from tip to stop.
> 
> 3) Do I need a Rabbi?  (Just throwing Larry a bone.  He's had a hard day.)
> 
>>>HAHAHAHA!!!

Jim--it sounds like you've been driving around with your crankshaft bathed in 
oil.   Changing oil pans did NOT raise your crankshaft up, and thus you 
shouldn't have re-marked your dipstick.   Drain a bit of oil out until the level 
reads FULL on your dipstick (again, provided that you have the proper 38-inch 
length) and you're good.

Oh, and if it isn't already obvious, another alternative to shortening a 
too-long dipstick to 38 inches in length, is to compare the total length of your 
existing dipstick (39 inches in Mark's example) with the ideal, then re-mark 
the full mark on the dipstick as Jim has done (perhaps incorrectly).

So, Mark, you can either shorten your dipstick, or make a new "FULL" mark one 
inch higher than the existing one, if there is adequate room.   (On my 
38-inch dipstick, which was confusingly repainted black, there is plenty of room 
left to remark it).

Mike




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