Dipstick not measuring - Canton pan and tray

[Joe-JDC]

If you have a known 7 quarts in the pan, you can cut the tube off at the top, and re-check for a reading, mark the amount on the dipstick, and remove more off the tube.  That is how we did the first few Canton pans with the dipstick tube in the pan.  They were/are removeable, and you can shorten the tube at the top by using a cut-off wheel, bansaw, or grinder with smooth stone to even up the top of the tube.  Paint to keep from rusting, and you should be able to correctly read the oil level. Make sure you blow out the tube before re-installing it each time.   Joe-JDC

[fairlaniac]

So I plugged my OEM dipstick hole with a 3/8" cup plug and sealer. Also received my Canton dipstick yesterday. I notice the dipstick end is about even with the tube end. Is this the way to install it? OEM usually has the stick, sticking out into the oil. The fitting is positioned on the tube as shown. I'll assume I just stick it in and tighten?

Thanks,

[Joe-JDC]

Make sure you don't just slide the tube down in the fitting and retighten, and let the bottom get close to the oil level.  Any build-up of pressure in the crankcase will then push oil up the tube and all over your engine compartment.  The tube needs to be far enough above the oil level that it is not ever covered with oil.  Joe-JDC

[fairlaniac]

Make sure you don't just slide the tube down in the fitting and retighten, and let the bottom get close to the oil level.  Any build-up of pressure in the crankcase will then push oil up the tube and all over your engine compartment.  The tube needs to be far enough above the oil level that it is not ever covered with oil.  Joe-JDC

So at this point oil is in the pan and the engine is between the shock towers. For the stick to stick past the tube it needs cut but is that what I am to do? The stick has Canton "pre-calibrated" markings. As of now the bung on the pan is obviously below the oil level. If the bung is in the oil there is no way the tube can be above it or the tube would be out of the fitting I'm a bit confused? I would think if Canton designed the pan for 7 qt. and designed a dip stick with calibrations marks you could just purchase and install. I should know better knowing the modifications I had to do to get the pick up tube from touching the windage screen. If only they sent instructions?

Thank you!

[fairlaniac]

Here are the instructions taped to the tube.


You can see the bung will be well below the top of the oil level. So as the instructions are stated the end of the tube will be in the oil.

[6667fan]

Doug,
I have trimmed the part of the tube past the ring stop. You will find that with the contortions the tube experiences to clear various interfering components it may become difficult to even get the dipstick through the tube. Also that extra amount of tube extending into the pan could make the difference as far as easy installation. Every bend that gets added to the tube itself can become an obstacle. If you have any reservations about cutting the tube just take off .750 of an inch at a time and dress cut afterwards. If the uncut tube and dipstick go in without interference on tray or anything else that is great but you might have to trim it.
JB

[fairlaniac]

Doug,
I have trimmed the part of the tube past the ring stop. You will find that with the contortions the tube experiences to clear various interfering components it may become difficult to even get the dipstick through the tube. Also that extra amount of tube extending into the pan could make the difference as far as easy installation. Every bend that gets added to the tube itself can become an obstacle. If you have any reservations about cutting the tube just take off .750 of an inch at a time and dress cut afterwards. If the uncut tube and dipstick go in without interference on tray or anything else that is great but you might have to trim it.
JB

Thanks! I'm still concerned about something Joe brought up. It doesn't matter how much tube I cut, it sure looks like it will be in the oil. Here is Joe's comment.

"Make sure you don't just slide the tube down in the fitting and retighten, and let the bottom get close to the oil level.  Any build-up of pressure in the crankcase will then push oil up the tube and all over your engine compartment.  The tube needs to be far enough above the oil level that it is not ever covered with oil.  Joe-JDC"

Thanks,

[Pentroof]

Really? 2 pages on oil level and how to install a dipstick tube?

[fairlaniac]

Really? 2 pages on oil level and how to install a dipstick tube?

Yes, really. You buy parts from a manufacturer and they don't offer much installation confidence. I never went through the pan with a dipstick. Want to get it right.

I could have asked how to install the oil ;-)

[6667fan]

The tube/stick assembly may be a universal part for a number of their pans.
With six qts. in the 15-850 pan the oil will be over the tube bottom, no way around it. All you have to worry about is getting the tube and stick to play nice with each other.

JB