Broken Dipstick Tube?

[80FoxCoupe]

I see zero indication that there's the remainder of a tube in there. Short of pulling the pan, which I'm disinclined to do...

I suppose I can ask if anyone I know has a scope...

JR

Don't have to pull it, just drop it down.

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[jacknifetoaswan]

Don't have to pull it, just drop it down.

And don't replace the oil pan gasket?

JR

 

[80FoxCoupe]

And don't replace the oil pan gasket?

JR

It's polymer with a molded rubber seal. I've reused them several times without issue. Feel free to replace tho. About $60.

 

[jacknifetoaswan]

It's polymer with a molded rubber seal. I've reused them several times without issue. Feel free to replace tho. About $60.

Interesting. Thanks for the information. Sorry for all the questions, but I feel like a dummy that has found a good resource. How far can you get the pan down without removing the K-member or anything else? Would it be enough to look in and see if the tube is hanging down?

JR

 

[jacknifetoaswan]

Well, I ordered the Klein Tools USB-C borescope, and it arrived today. I stuck it as far down into the oil drain back passage, and saw zero evidence of the dipstick tube having fallen down there. Given how stiff it is, I'm almost certain it would have gotten stuck where the turn is at the bottom of the passage and been sitting there.

​

Anyway, she's going back together. I got the driver's side valve cover back on, and all the coil packs reinstalled. It's almost impossible to torque the bottom bolt at the back of the engine, but I was able to use a hex attachment for a socket and approximate torque based on the other valve cover bolts.​

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I thought I would need to use the GT350 dipstick tube, but I used the stock GT tube, and it worked fine. The other cover will go back on tomorrow. Motorcraft TA-31 RTV used for the sealing points at the front of the cylinder head, if anyone was wondering.​

​

JR​

 

[19gtaz]

Well, I ordered the Klein Tools USB-C borescope, and it arrived today. I stuck it as far down into the oil drain back passage, and saw zero evidence of the dipstick tube having fallen down there. Given how stiff it is, I'm almost certain it would have gotten stuck where the turn is at the bottom of the passage and been sitting there.

​

Anyway, she's going back together. I got the driver's side valve cover back on, and all the coil packs reinstalled. It's almost impossible to torque the bottom bolt at the back of the engine, but I was able to use a hex attachment for a socket and approximate torque based on the other valve cover bolts.​

​

​

I thought I would need to use the GT350 dipstick tube, but I used the stock GT tube, and it worked fine. The other cover will go back on tomorrow. Motorcraft TA-31 RTV used for the sealing points at the front of the cylinder head, if anyone was wondering.​

​

JR​

TA-31 is good stuff

 

[Strokerswild]

Yeah, the back bolts on the driver side are a complete bastard, but socket u-joints and a little finesse with get them.

 

[Cobra Jet]

TA-31 is good stuff

Is the Ford RTV TA-31 equivalent to Permatex "The Right Stuff" black gasket sealer?
https://www.permatex.com/products/g...ght-stuff-black-1-minute-gasket-maker-7-5-oz/
That's the only product I use for any engine repairs since it was introduced to the parts store market a few years ago.

 

[19gtaz]

Is the Ford RTV TA-31 equivalent to Permatex "The Right Stuff" black gasket sealer?
https://www.permatex.com/products/g...ght-stuff-black-1-minute-gasket-maker-7-5-oz/
That's the only product I use for any engine repairs since it was introduced to the parts store market a few years ago.

Right Stuff seals good but I and many I know had too hard of a time removing parts after using it. We all quit using it and went to TA-31, seals good (it's used on diesels) but can be removed.

 

[Cobra Jet]

Right Stuff seals good but I and many I know had too hard of a time removing parts after using it. We all quit using it and went to TA-31, seals good (it's used on diesels) but can be removed.

Oh good to know! Thanks for that info!

 

[jacknifetoaswan]

Right Stuff seals good but I and many I know had too hard of a time removing parts after using it. We all quit using it and went to TA-31, seals good (it's used on diesels) but can be removed.

The valve covers were definitely sealed with TA-31 or equivalent the last time the dealer was in there, which would have been in 2018 or so. I didn't encounter a ton of resistance when popping the valve covers off, but I definitely needed to use a pry bar to break the seal.

Unfortunately, I don't think I'll ever need this stuff again (at least, I hope I don't), so the vast majority of a $26 tube of sealant is going to waste, unless someone else needs it.

JR

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