Dipstick Pops Out During Track Sessions (Solved)

[key01]

Here you go. Yes FP and reversed.

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[AlphaBravo]

Here you go. Yes FP and reversed.

Thanks. I will have to do some testing with it reversed.

 

[Hack]

Since this is a 2019, I'm surprised you haven't gone to the dealer. Really it's a warranty issue. I'm guessing your engine has a problem either with excessive blow-by or as said above the crankcase ventilation system. Assuming the FP oil air separators are installed correctly, you could have a ring seal issue.

 

[AlphaBravo]

I (the OP) am back with an update on the popping dipstick.

The vehicle went to the track last fall, and the dipstick lifted (popped) during each track session, just as it had previously on track. Midway through the sessions, the Ford Performance oil separators (driver and passenger side) were removed, and the original hoses put back on. The dipstick still lifted.

Last month, the vehicle was taken to a Ford dealer for the popping dipstick problem. The dealer determined that the PCV valve was “restricted,” so it was replaced.

A couple weeks later, the vehicle visited the track again (with the Ford Performance oil separators back in place), and there were mixed results. The vehicle was run in a total of 10 track sessions, with each track session being about 17 minutes of actual time on the track. Peak RPM shifts were usually in the neighborhood of 6600 to 7500 RPM.

Session 1 and 2 - OEM dipstick lifted (popped) out and was resting in the oil level indicator tube.

Session 3 and 4 - CravenSpeed dipstick handle (with two O-rings) was used, and it lifted out and was resting in the oil level indicator tube

Session 5 - OEM dipstick did not lift at all (remained fully seated in the oil level indicator tube)

Session 6 and 7 - OEM dipstick partially lifted, but not enough to expose the O-ring

Session 8 - OEM dipstick partially lifted, but less than session 6 and 7. This session was cut short, so the vehicle was only on the track for 8-10 minutes.

Session 9 - OEM dipstick did not lift all all (same as session 5)

Session 10 - OEM dipstick lifted out and was resting in the oil indicator tube. This session had one intentional shift at 7900-8000 RPM on the straight.

Again, the dipstick does not lift out at all under street driving. A couple of days ago, I made five separate runs and shifted at the following RPMs: 7813, 7896, 7964, 7748, and 7911. I checked the OEM dipstick after each run, and the dipstick did not lift at all.

Anybody have any theories?

Ford wants the dealer to next perform a dry and wet compression test, or a cylinder leakage test.

 

[honeybadger]

Are you burning oil?

This definitely sounds like an engine crank case pressure issue. Or maybe excessive vibration paired with pressure.

 

[WildHorse]

Anybody have any theories?

Yeah. The crankcase is getting pressurized and the dipstick popped out. Do a compression & leak down test. Or get the dealer to do it and show you the results.

 

[DougS550]

I have a 2019 GT 350 with approximately 1900 miles on it. The vehicle has been to the track twice (beginner/novice sessions), and after each track session, I have noticed that the dipstick (otherwise known as the "Indicator Assy - Oil Level") has popped out and is resting in the oil level indicator tube. The only engine mods are the Ford Performance Oil-Air Separators on both the driver's and passenger's side. Any thoughts on why the dipstick keeps popping out?

Crank Case Pressure, the O Ring seal on the Dip stick Tee head is worn/ loose and might need changing. I would do the latter. Or you can just safety wire the Dip Stick Tee Head to something. Good luck.

 

[AlphaBravo]

Are you burning oil?

This definitely sounds like an engine crank case pressure issue. Or maybe excessive vibration paired with pressure.

No noticeable oil consumption. The oil level on the dipstick never really changes.

 

[honeybadger]

No noticeable oil consumption. The oil level on the dipstick never really changes.

if you pull the dipstick out while the engine is running, is there a decent amount of pressure coming out the hole?

agree with the others. The next step is definitely a compression/leak down test.

 

[Hack]

Are you burning oil?

This definitely sounds like an engine crank case pressure issue. Or maybe excessive vibration paired with pressure.

Yes I agree. Especially if the working parts of the PCV system have been replaced and you put it back to stock. I think there's an issue with ring seal and I would also expect oil usage (or at a minimum that any catch can would fill rapidly due to blow by).

 

[AlphaBravo]

The dealer tested the engine and found no issues with any of the cylinders. Ford wants them to replace the valve covers.

 

[mtoo22]

That's how you know she's ready when her dipstick pops out.

 

[AlphaBravo]

Guys- Thanks for all of the input on my situation with the dipstick popping out during track sessions. I wanted to provide an update on this issue.

After the Ford dealer tested the engine and found no issues with any of the cylinders, Ford wanted them to replace the valve covers. It was explained that there are PCV system channels in each of the valve covers, so Ford must have suspected that there was some type of problem with the channels.

During the valve covers replacement process, "the dipstick tube cracked when coming out," so they had to replace that also. In order to replace the passenger side valve cover, the dealer also had to replace the battery hold down tray "due to bolts breaking while removing them due to the Loctite on the bolts."

Since the valve covers (and the dipstick tube) were replaced, the vehicle has been to the track twice, and the dipstick has not lifted or popped out during any of the track sessions.

 

[Cobra Jet]

Guys- Thanks for all of the input on my situation with the dipstick popping out during track sessions. I wanted to provide an update on this issue.

After the Ford dealer tested the engine and found no issues with any of the cylinders, Ford wanted them to replace the valve covers. It was explained that there are PCV system channels in each of the valve covers, so Ford must have suspected that there was some type of problem with the channels.

During the valve covers replacement process, "the dipstick tube cracked when coming out," so they had to replace that also. In order to replace the passenger side valve cover, the dealer also had to replace the battery hold down tray "due to bolts breaking while removing them due to the Loctite on the bolts."

Since the valve covers (and the dipstick tube) were replaced, the vehicle has been to the track twice, and the dipstick has not lifted or popped out during any of the track sessions.

Glad to hear the popping oil dipstick has been resolved. By chance, are there any images of the underside of the valve covers?

 

[AlphaBravo]

I didn't take any photos, but I wish that I had.

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