OIL DIPSTICK AND TUBE

wish i had this info about a month ago. ordered my dipstick and tube from precision proformance and figured it would be a shot in the dark as to the accuracy and sure enough with the correct amount of oil it didn't even come close. at least it came up way short so i just stuck it in and watched where it fell, each time i would trim a small amount off of the entrance of the tube with a small tube cutter until it fell exactly where it should be reading. this took about 4 cuts and took off approx. 1 1/4" from the length of the tube all the time being very careful not to cut too much off at one time. it's probably not dead nuts on but i now know when i need a quart or two. i guess this method is only good if your stick is not going down far enough.....damn man, (stick, tube, length of tube, sticking it in, shot in the dark, almost sounds like a porn film dosen't it),
rodman

quote:

precision proformance

Hmmm, every Cleveland made has the same proper oil level spec.

You would think a vendor selling a Pantera/Cleveland oil dipstick and tube would have done the necessary research to sell a unit that was properly made?

There I go again, expecting things to be done right by others.

I'm also now posting the Ford diagram related to the TSB.

Larry

Larry,

Thanks for all the great information as usual. I actually need a dipstick and tube for my project so your post came at just the right time.

Am I correct in that a stock 351C dipstick and tube, like one purchased through Summit Racing, is shorter than the figures you just gave? I would think this since the position of the motor in the car makes it difficult to reach a stock 351C dipstick.

With that said do you know where we can purchase a “Universal” dipstick and tube that can be cut and marked to the correct specs?

Thanks again for all the help.

quote:

a stock 351C dipstick and tube, like one purchased through Summit Racing, is shorter than the figures you just gave?

Without a doubt.

quote:

where we can purchase a “Universal” dipstick and tube that can be cut and marked to the correct specs?

Strange you should ask.

I've gathered all this data because I want to purchase a flexible Lokar tube for 2511. Other owners have done this, I've even helped install one 5-6 years back.

When I called Lokar last week, they said they had no standard unit for Panteras. Their story was each owner might want his to be routed in a different manner, and have a different mounting point.

Their units are a flexible SS covered (rubber??) hose with a thin metal dipstick. The dipstick is held in place at the handle with an allen head set screw. It is designed to be field cut to proper length.

The SS sheath is designed to be supplied in the required length, but if my memory is correct, I think the piece could be taken apart and you could also adjust the SS sheath length on your own, too.

There is only one bracket, and it is incorporated in the handle assembly. It comes in two lengths, 1 7/8" and 2 7/8". It is bendable.

They will only make one with YOUR dimensions, and it takes 4-6 weeks for shipping. You must FAX or somehow provide your dimensions to them, in writing.

They need:

• the engine block hole diameter
• length of tube in the block
• length of tube from block to mounting point

I didn't ask cost, but previous prices I've heard are reasonable enough, in the $60-$100 range, IIRC.

I will be mocking up one of my spare blocks and heads to figure out where I want my mounting point - probably a valve cover bolt, or perhaps I'll drill and tap an unused boss area on the intake manifold.

Kind of hard to do this with the engine in the car what with all the other crap in the way.

I talked with tech Eric just last week:

Lokar tech support team, toll-free at 1-877-469-7440 (press 3 for tech) or tech@lokar.com.

Here is a shot of a typical Lokar piece.

Larry

Might be good for a relatively straight dipstick, I would question whether the SS braided rubber hose is good for the radius required on the Pantera and how much the dipstick will cut into the rubber over continued use.

Julian

quote:

I would question whether the SS braided rubber hose is good for the radius required on the Pantera and how much the dipstick will cut into the rubber over continued use.

Good point.

So I called Lokar and asked. The tech had to check, but he called me back about an hour later.

I was told the flexible sheath is teflon with a braided SS cover. When pressed further, the tech said it was all teflon, not a teflon lined rubber hose. Which seems a bit odd to me??

Nonetheless, he went on to say their pieces are guaranteed for life.

So even if some wear does occur over time, you are covered by their guarantee.

Larry