Can u check oil level with no dipstick??

[jstang209]

my dipstick is broken on my engine.. it wont go down all the way for osme reason.. and ive been noticing a lil oil on the driveway every now and then so i add a lil oil every other week or so.. neways i was just wondering is there any methods you can do to check the oil other than dipstick.. or draining it all to see how much comes out.. Another is wat signs will and engine make to tell you its low on oil? thanks

 

[timewarped1972]

ummmmmmm, well, lets see here, uh, perhaps buying a new dipstick would be in order?? sometimes you have to twist them a little to get them to go all the way in but...
if your engine runs out of oil, you'll definatly see signs, although i'm not an expert in this area i am positive others will have comments. it woul'd be cheaper to buy a new dipstick than draining the oil to see how much comes out, like i said i'm no expert but.......just a guess...

 

[jstang209]

the dipstick is new.. it just wont shove all the way down into the pan..

 

[8950HO]

Is it a brand new genuine Ford OEM dipstick or an aftermarket dipstick?

sorry tw1972 made me do it.

 

[jstang209]

yea from ford

 

[TheUser]

ok guys, really the OEM dipstick is not any better than any other out there....the damn thing is marked incorrectly; full is actually like two inches above the full line.

jstang: make sure the tube that the dipstick slides into isn't severely bent. That could be your problem. The tube should bolt down under one of your header bolts I believe. You can remove the tube, just make sure you look to see where it goes so you get it back in the right spot. A digital camera is priceless when working on cars; take as many pics from as many angles as you need for reference later on.

 

[HISSIN50]

If needed due to headers, etc, Lokar makes some nice flexible dipsticks.

Good luck.

 

[iapexl8r]

lokar I had one on my 408 wouldnt go back in when the engine was hot, returned it they sent me a new on the new one did the exact same thing, talked to a few other people who had the same problem.I custom fabricated one, it works perfect. if you are using the factory style dipstick, i would suggest the junkyard chris

 

[rhesis]

jstang: make sure the tube that the dipstick slides into isn't severely bent. That could be your problem. The tube should bolt down under one of your header bolts I believe. You can remove the tube, just make sure you look to see where it goes so you get it back in the right spot.

jstang, i agree. whether or not you get a new dipstick, make sure the problem isn't something else to begin with. seems strange that it wouldn't clear the full length. if it's not the tube - or some other obstruction, get a new flexible - durable.