[DeTomaso] Oil dipsticks that can actually be checked!

[MikeLDrew at aol.com]

In a message dated 3/4/13 16 42 10, coxmichaelt at gmail.com writes:


> If we trust the original dipstick, can't we just fill up to the
> full line then install new dipstick/tube and see where the
> mark wants to be? I'm pretty sure some simple math
> and a tape measure could get the overall length relatively
> accurate if we suspect trimming is necessary.
> 

>>>That is certainly a viable technique IF you trust your original 
dipstick.   Remember though, Ford figured out that the front-mounted dipstick's 
markings were actually in the wrong place for the Pantera application, because 
the engine tilts up in front-engined applications.   So when you then set 
that engine level, as in a Pantera, the required amount of oil sits higher on 
the dipstick.   Or put another way, if you then rely on the 'full' mark on 
that dipstick, you actually have less oil in the engine than you're supposed 
to.

It took Ford awhile to figure that out, which is why so many of the early 
Panteras (thousands) had the new dipstick made the wrong length--too long, 
probably corresponding to the length of the standard dipstick.   TSB #5 gives 
instructions on shortening the dipstick to 38 inches, which raises the 
'full' mark in the pan, and thus requires more oil to achieve a given reading on 
the dipstick.

Given that the people likely to buy a new dipstick setup probably don't 
have a good, original one, it's probable that checking via removing the oil pan 
is the only truly accurate way to achieve the desired result.

Cheers!

Mike