[DeTomaso] Oil dipsticks that can actually be checked!

[Garth Rodericks]

Stock Dimensions:
Length of tube below the ridge that bottoms out on the engine block: 9-15/16"
Length of tube, above ridge: 25"
Total length of tube: 35"
Tube diameter: 3/8"
Full mark of dipstick: 11-9/16" below the ridge
Add mark on dipstick: 12-3/8" below the ridge
End of dipstick: 13-1/4" below the ridge
Ford TSB calls for dipstick to be 38" - Measured from tip to the bottom of the handle 'cup'



And here is the correct procedure to establish your dipstick length and full/add markings if you're using an Aviad or Armando "10-quart" Road Race oil pan, regardless of the dipstick or tube length:
Aviad & Armando Oil Pan Capacity
Source: http://www.poca.com/pipermail/detomaso/2007-November/091125.html
 
To settle it for all of you that have bought an Armando pan,
when AVIAID designed that pan the static oil capacity of the pan was set at
9qt.   That fills the pan to the
underside of the hard tray that is bolted in on top of the pickup box assembly
in the pan.   Our instructions for actual
capacity determination are to fill an empty pan, installed on the engine in a
car sitting on flat ground, with 8qts. of oil. Mark your dipstick. Add one
additional quart, and mark the stick again.   This is full. The first mark is the low mark. This should be only about
3/8" given the sump area of the pan.
 
Start the engine, letting oil circulate and fill the engine,
filter and any cooler or lines that may be part of the system. Shut the engine
off, and add back to the top mark. This will be system capacity.
 
Depending on engine and operating conditions the ideal level
can vary. Ideal oil level is a point between fluctuating oil pressure and
excess carry over of oil out of the engine venting system.   If the engine tends to trap oil up in the
engine, it will like an extra 1/2 quart.   If the engine returns oil well, it might like 1/2 quart low.   Experience will tell.
 
John Schwarz
AVIAID Oil Systems
10041 Canoga Avenue
ChatsworthCA91311-3004
00 1 818 998 8991 phone
00 1 818 998 8993 fax
aviaid at aol.com emailaviaid.com
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