Hey you guys with the engine up front, what are you using for an engine dipstick? Mine mounts at the back of the oil pan, so will need to be about 3 feet long. Any ideas for a junkyard donor? Vans seem to be a logical choice, but I can't seem to find one intact locally to check for length. The tube I think I could make if I had to.... Ideas?
I've got a 99 P30 with a 5.7 in it. I haven't measured the dipstick but has to be one and a half to two MILES long. Well, at least it seems that long when I check the oil. I'll try to get you an actual measurement this evening if no one else comes up with a better idea.
My engine came from a 1973 Ford Econoline. It had the long dipstick from the factory. These econolines are basically cabovers and are set up very well. I know these came with a six or V8. Maybe you could look for an Econoline dipstick. The dipstick came out the front just over the radiator.
I guess my initial estimate was measured like a true male. I just put a tape measure on it and it is 47.5" long inside the tube. If it matters it is a GM 1 ton P30 with a Union City body.
When I had the vortec 350 in my truck I used a dipstick from a 1999 chevy van. I also used the valve cover and oil fill tube. It brought it to the very front of the engine. The vortec 454 I have in there now had everything towards the front so i did not have to change anything.
Buggy makes a very good point that I should have thought about. The fill tube is right up front also. I would strongly suggest grabbing both.
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