406 dipstick Q
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Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2001
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From: Jackson MS
406 dipstick Q
When I swapped over to the 406 I just shoved the dipstick that came with the engine down into the hole. This is fine for riding around, but every time I go to check the oil the whole thing comes out instead of just the dipstick! How are you supposed to make the tube stay in there or is there a bracket I can use to attach it to the headers? I need to get a new dipstick anyway b/c this one is looking pretty ratty. any suggestions?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,715
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From: Kempner Texas
I fabricated a bracket that wraps around the tube and then bolts to a header stud I installed. I just used a stud arrangement like the ones for the alternator and A/C braces.
Did the trick for me; it holds the tube rigidly in place.
Jake
Did the trick for me; it holds the tube rigidly in place.
Jake
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,715
Likes: 27
From: Kempner Texas
Originally Posted by irocz
Sounds trick. Can you post or email me a pic? thanks
It's nothing more than a tab that you can have brazed or welded to the dip stick tube. Do a trial fit to find the position that will allow the end of the tab to be bolted to one of the exhaust manifold/header bolts. Mark that position, then remove the tube and take it to a muffler shop for welding (if you don't have a welder).
There are aftermarket dipstick tubes available in some of the catalogs, like SUMMIT, JEGS, PAW, etc., that do the same thing - they use the same principle. You just drop it in and bolt it to the exhaust.
You can even use one of those metal 'U' shaped hose positioners, you know, the kind used to hold hoses in place so they don't flop all over the place. A bolt/nut/washers to hold it to the tube and a hole on the end to allow it to be bolted to the exhaust.
I used several of those when I installed my Derale oil cooler. I wanted to hold the oil hoses in one place. They ran from the cooler to the adapter on the block. So every 12" or so I installed one of those "U" shaped positioners to keep the oil hoses from moving and so they wouldn't interfere with the operation of the driver's side headlight.
Hope this helps.
Jake
