Guest billybird Posted September 15, 2011 Share Posted September 15, 2011 Just got a repro oil dipstick for my 56. Looks like it's about 2 inches too long to me. Got any thoughts? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1957Birdman Posted September 15, 2011 Share Posted September 15, 2011 Billybird - Who did you buy the dipstick from? Do you have a known good dipstick to compare it to? It is possible that your previous dipstick was the wrong length. Anyway, when I get home tonight I will measure mine and let you know the length. I know that mine is the correct one for my car, which is a 1957. They used the same dipstick for all three years, so the length I give you will be the right one for your car also. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keiser31 Posted September 15, 2011 Share Posted September 15, 2011 Wouldn't you just know it? I just went around the corner to measure a guy's '57 T-Bird dipstick for you. The engine was replaced with a 302. The original engine is lying there....no dipstick to be found. He had it, but of course, when it is needed, it's gone!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest billybird Posted September 16, 2011 Share Posted September 16, 2011 keiser31: Is the dipstick boss still on that engine? If it's not too much trouble maybe you could measure it. Then I could rule out that.1957Birdman: The dipstick came from CASCO. I do not have a known correct dipstick to compare it to. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1957Birdman Posted September 16, 2011 Share Posted September 16, 2011 Billybird - My dipstick is 28.5 inches long overall. From the sheath to the end is 26 inches. I doubt that CASCO gave you the wrong dipstick. They only stock parts for the early Birds and all three years used the same dipstick. I hope these dimensions match yours.Regards, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest billybird Posted September 17, 2011 Share Posted September 17, 2011 1957Birdman: Thanks for the measurement. The dip stick is correct. I am now looking at the dipstick boss. Any chance to get a measurement of that? From oil pan to top end. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1957Birdman Posted September 17, 2011 Share Posted September 17, 2011 Billybird - My dipstick tube is approximately 16.5 inches long. Now, the kicker is that my tube goes into the engine block, not the oil pan. That could be your problem. How is yours setup? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest billybird Posted September 18, 2011 Share Posted September 18, 2011 1957 Birdman: Your tube measurement allowed me to find the problem. With close examination and a good light, it appears the tube top has been broke off { or cut off }, about 2" worth according to your measurement. Mine goes into the block also. CASCO sells new tubes; but how much trouble is it to take the old one out and replace it with a new one with the engine in the car? Do you know if the tube screws in or is just pushed in? Looks like it would be kind of hard to screw in as crooked as it is. Also, thank you very much for your help so far. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1957Birdman Posted September 19, 2011 Share Posted September 19, 2011 Billybird - I don't believe that the dipstick tube screws into the engine block. I also can't see in the 1949-1959 Ford Car Parts and Accessories Manual where there is any sort of gasket on the tube where it attaches to the block. It must be a tight enough fit that oil does not seep out the side. It may be a tapered press fit into the block. I would confirm this with CASCO. They have a help line where you can ask questions.I wonder why someone would have shortened the dipstick tube? Who knows, there have been a lot of cruel and unusual things done to these cars over the years. I just confirmed that my car has a 312 V8, which it should. The only problem is that according to the casting number it is a block that was used for a '58 Mercury. At least I can honestly say it has a 312 V8. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest billybird Posted September 19, 2011 Share Posted September 19, 2011 1957Birdman: I'm going to order the new tube. When it comes I will be able to tell more about how it fits into the block. I will call CASCO if I have any problems. I don't know why someone would cut the tube 2" off the top. I've been trying to figure that one out myself. I don't see how the top could get broke off either. To get an accurate oil reading, someone just cut 2" off the bottom of the dipstick to compensate for the 2" off the tube. Still a mystery but at least now I know how to fix it correctly. Again, thanks a million for your help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1957Birdman Posted September 19, 2011 Share Posted September 19, 2011 I'm glad to help out when I can. That is what this forum is all about. Please let us know the results when you get it all put back together. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest billybird Posted September 19, 2011 Share Posted September 19, 2011 Will do; Thanks again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest B1rdman Posted September 28, 2011 Share Posted September 28, 2011 what ever you do it is a good idea to drain the oil, then put in the properamount of oil then put stick in and you can look at the stick and tell where the oilshould be when full. if stick is a little long or short will notmatter if you mark the stick where the oil is after proper amountof oil is in the pan.gene Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest billybird Posted September 29, 2011 Share Posted September 29, 2011 Birdman: Good idea. I still haven't got around to the job yet but when I do, I'll keep that in mind. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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