[DeTomaso] really dumb question about oil

[Christopher Kimball]

A while ago the subject came up, and I have some problems with the numbers because of my unique situation (by the way, after running the car for a few minutes, I was able to get another quart in it, for a total of 6).  My dipstick was too long, but it broke, and I riveted it back together and after that it is now exactly 38" long from the tip to the bottom edge of the cup.  However, I think what was discovered was that my dipstick tube was too long, so it was shortened to be the correct length.
Perhaps what happened was that the tube wasn't really too long after all, and now it is too short!  That would account for the misreading.
Do you know how long the dipstick tube should be from the top to the point where it enters the block?
Thanks,
Chris


Date: Tue, 10 Apr 2012 10:19:43 -0700
From: garth_rodericks at yahoo.com
Subject: really dumb question about oil
To: chrisvkimball at msn.com; detomaso at realbig.com

Is your dipstick the correct length. They came from the factory too long, which means it read 'full' when the engine was actually down a quart or more of oil. See the TSB about dipstick length - IIRC, it's supposed to be only 38" from the tip to the bottom edge of the cup at the finger handle that slips over and seals the dipstick tube. Others will confirm.