What dipstick are you using with headers?

Posted By: DaytonaTurbo

What dipstick are you using with headers? - 03/15/10 05:21 PM

I tried using my stock dipstick with a set of headers, but it looks kinda dumb because it's got that mounting tab with nothing to mount it to, and my dipstick needs something to bolt to to keep it from flopping around. What are you guys using with headers? I was thinking about making my own clamp out of sheet metal that would wrap around a header tube. Any other ideas?

Posted By: cjskotni

Re: What dipstick are you using with headers? - 03/15/10 05:30 PM

I have a '73 Charger with a BB stroker and headers so I went through the same thing. I used a Milodan flexible dipstick (made out of stainless steel braided line material). IIRC, I bent the 90 degree bracket it had on it flat and attached another one I made out of aluminum (to extend it)and took it to a valve cover bolt.

I am sure there is probably a better way to do this but this worked for me.

Posted By: Lefty

Re: What dipstick are you using with headers? - 03/15/10 08:05 PM

I use the Milodon also.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/MIL-22070/

Posted By: topside

Re: What dipstick are you using with headers? - 03/15/10 08:35 PM

How about a bracket that secures the tube to the motor mount area or a header bolt?
On my racecar I use a sight tube on the pan itself, which we calibrated one quart at a time. It's basically a tygon tube between two 90-degree fittings, tall enough to have a range of several quarts.

Posted By: QuickBpBp

Re: What dipstick are you using with headers? - 03/15/10 11:56 PM

Any pics of one installed with headers? That tab looks like it bolts right to the header and will be hot to handle...I need one and have to order ASAP and the chrome ones don't work well with headers and that are to big after the chroming process to fit in the hole...

Posted By: 70Duster440

Re: What dipstick are you using with headers? - 03/16/10 12:36 AM

Milodon mounted to header stud (BB A-body).

Attached picture 5867563-DipStick.jpg

Posted By: bobbyb

Re: What dipstick are you using with headers? - 03/16/10 12:44 AM

Is it possible to cut the tab off and tack it on with a mig welder in another location? Just a thought, if you have a welder.

Posted By: Bill MeLater

Re: What dipstick are you using with headers? - 03/16/10 01:51 AM

Just get a piece of 3/8 steel fuel line and make your own. The OD is slightly large but easy enough to get it to fit w/emery cloth. Weld a tab to fit whatever works best for you ( I used a valve cover bolt), check the oil level and re-mark stick if necessary. Cost about $2 and maybe 1/2 hour of your time.

Posted By: ahy

Re: What dipstick are you using with headers? - 03/16/10 03:12 AM

I tried 3 setups. First was a Mancini "outside the headers" design. It worked great on the engine stand but wants to take up the same space as the power steering in the car. Next was the flexible dipstick. It seemed to wipe the oil off when pulled around turns and I couldn't read it.

Finally I ordered a stock chrome re-pop stick. it fits between the header flange and tube. The stabilizing tab bolts to the engine mounting bracket bolt. It works fine. Its just a PITA to pull it if the headers need pulled. The engine mount bolt is not easy to get at. And I did need to sand down the end to get it to fit the block.

Posted By: QuickBpBp

Re: What dipstick are you using with headers? - 03/16/10 03:24 AM

Quote:

I tried 3 setups. First was a Mancini "outside the headers" design. It worked great on the engine stand but wants to take up the same space as the power steering in the car. Next was the flexible dipstick. It seemed to wipe the oil off when pulled around turns and I couldn't read it.

Finally I ordered a stock chrome re-pop stick. it fits between the header flange and tube. The stabilizing tab bolts to the engine mounting bracket bolt. It works fine. Its just a PITA to pull it if the headers need pulled. The engine mount bolt is not easy to get at. And I did need to sand down the end to get it to fit the block.

I don't want o go through with that chrome one again it fought me and when I was done the stick was hard to get in and out. I swear it was triple plated!!!

Did you have to do anything to the Mancini race dipstick to get it to fit in the block?

Also Thanks for the pics 70 Duster...Mine is a B-body and has spool type mounts with manual steering & Hooker headers. I think I can get that to work like you did...

Posted By: 383man

Re: What dipstick are you using with headers? - 03/16/10 05:16 AM

I actually got the chrome one to work good for me. I had worked the dipstick hole when I did my block so the chrome tube went in without much trouble. Then a very small tack weld as I ran it on the outside of the headers. It has worked fine for over 3 years. Ron

Posted By: GTX MATT

Re: What dipstick are you using with headers? - 03/16/10 12:52 PM

Mine looks similar to Rons. It is a trans dapt. It has the mounting tab just like the stock dipstick that mounts to the engine mount bolt. I had to grind the end that slid into the block a little since it was too big but I'd rather have it too tight than too loose.

Posted By: BloFish

Re: What dipstick are you using with headers? - 03/16/10 04:48 PM

Quote:

I use the Milodon also.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/MIL-22070/

Same here

Posted By: codfish

Re: What dipstick are you using with headers? - 03/16/10 05:47 PM

Quote:

Quote:

I use the Milodon also.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/MIL-22070/

Same here

Me three.

BB 68 Dart. Used one of the header bolts to attach it.

Here's a pic

codfish

Posted By: 71Plym

Re: What dipstick are you using with headers? - 03/16/10 06:00 PM

I use a dipstick from Mancini. If I recall correctly, it attaches to the motor mount bolt.

Posted By: ahy

Re: What dipstick are you using with headers? - 03/16/10 10:44 PM

Quote:

Quote:

I tried 3 setups. First was a Mancini "outside the headers" design. It worked great on the engine stand but wants to take up the same space as the power steering in the car. Next was the flexible dipstick. It seemed to wipe the oil off when pulled around turns and I couldn't read it.

Finally I ordered a stock chrome re-pop stick. it fits between the header flange and tube. The stabilizing tab bolts to the engine mounting bracket bolt. It works fine. Its just a PITA to pull it if the headers need pulled. The engine mount bolt is not easy to get at. And I did need to sand down the end to get it to fit the block.

I don't want o go through with that chrome one again it fought me and when I was done the stick was hard to get in and out. I swear it was triple plated!!!
Did you have to do anything to the Mancini race dipstick to get it to fit in the block?

Also Thanks for the pics 70 Duster...Mine is a B-body and has spool type mounts with manual steering & Hooker headers. I think I can get that to work like you did...

As I remember the Mancini racing dipstick fit the block with no adjustment required. It just didn't fit my engine compartment with PS.

Posted By: '72CudaRacer

Re: What dipstick are you using with headers? - 03/17/10 12:24 AM

I used a stock dipstick tube, cut the tab off and attached the tube to the header tube with a stainless steel hose clamp. Mines a race only car, you my not want do this to a street car.

Posted By: Dougsmopars

Re: What dipstick are you using with headers? - 03/17/10 01:36 AM

The chrome one is what i'm useing. Fit perfect with headers. I painted it engine color to be stock looking.

Posted By: lokalik

Re: What dipstick are you using with headers? - 03/17/10 03:34 AM

lokar.

Posted By: QuickBpBp

Re: What dipstick are you using with headers? - 03/28/10 04:17 PM

Quote:

Quote:

I use the Milodon also.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/MIL-22070/

Same here

Well I used this one and had to unbolt the motor mount and jack the motor up to install it. Big block with manual steering,spool mounts and Hooker Super comps. I then went to put the dipstick in and it is extremely difficult to get in and out and stops right where the braided tube goes into the collar. I have to spin it to go past that point. Also that collar is why I had to pull the mount to get it in.....