Hey guys,

Got myself in a bit of a bad spot and hoping there might be some helpful advice from a collective well of knowledge.

Basically, my dipstick tube broke off at the bracket, so I've been forced to replace it. I have the brand new part, but for the life of me I cannot get this thing to budge.

I have tried vice-grip (spinning plus hammering upward--no dice), soaked it in penetrating oil (WD40 & PB Blaster) and nothing. Right now I have ran a cable down through the tube and out the drain plug where I put a knot in it and pulled up, but I'm worried to go further.

Is there anything I could get hooked on inside the oil pan by the cable? What about heat is it safe to put a torch on the block where the tube sits?

Kinda stuck. I figure it's probably a $$$$ job for a shop; not a good time.

 

It would help to know what engine you have.

 

My bad! Thought I included that.

5.4 3V Triton

 

Removal and Installation

1. Remove the LH exhaust manifold. For additional information, refer to Exhaust Manifold — LH in this section.

1. Remove the oil level indicator and tube bolt.
   • To install, tighten to 10 Nm (89 lb-in).

1. Remove the oil level indicator and tube from the cylinder block.
   • Discard the O-ring seal.

1. NOTE: Lubricate the new oil level indicator tube O-ring seal with clean engine oil prior to installation.
   To install, reverse the removal procedure.
   • Install a new O-ring seal.

 

Material Item Specification Motorcraft® Metal Surface Prep
ZC-31-B —
Exhaust Manifold — LH
Item Part Number Description 1 W705443 Exhaust Y-pipe flange nuts (2 required) 2 W701706 LH exhaust manifold nut (8 required) 3 9430 LH exhaust manifold 4 9448 LH exhaust manifold gasket 5 707747 Exhaust manifold-to-cylinder head stud (8 required)Removal

All vehicles

1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to Section 100-02.

1. Remove the Air Cleaner (ACL) outlet pipe. For additional information, refer to Section 303-12.

1. Remove the coolant expansion bottle. For additional information, refer to Section 303-03.

1. NOTICE: Do not allow the steering column shaft to rotate while the intermediate shaft is disconnected or damage to the clockspring can result. If there is evidence that the shaft has rotated, the clockspring must be removed and recentered. For additional information, refer to Section 501-20B.
   Remove the bolt and disconnect the steering shaft and position aside.

1. Remove the 4 (2 LH and 2 RH) exhaust manifold-to-catalytic converter nuts.

Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) vehicles

1. Remove the front driveshaft. For additional information, refer to Section 205-01.

All vehicles

1. Remove the 8 exhaust manifold nuts, the 8 studs, the exhaust manifold and the 2 exhaust manifold gaskets.
   • Discard the exhaust manifold nuts, studs and gaskets.

1. NOTICE: Do not use metal scrapers, wire brushes, power abrasive discs or other abrasive means to clean the sealing surfaces. These may cause scratches and gouges resulting in leak paths. Use a plastic scraper to clean the sealing surfaces.
   
   NOTE: Clean the sealing surfaces with metal surface prep. Follow the directions on the packaging.
   Remove and discard the 2 exhaust manifold gaskets. Clean the sealing surfaces with metal surface prep.

1. Inspect the exhaust manifold. For additional information, refer to Section 303-00.

Installation

All vehicles

1. Using 2 new exhaust manifold gaskets and 8 new studs, position the 2 gaskets and exhaust manifold and install the 8 studs.
   • Tighten to 12 Nm (106 lb-in).

1. Using new exhaust manifold nuts, install the 8 nuts.
   • Tighten to 25 Nm (18 lb-ft) in the sequence shown.

4WD vehicles

1. Install the front driveshaft. For additional information, refer to Section 205-01.

All vehicles

1. NOTICE: Do not allow the steering column shaft to rotate while the intermediate shaft is disconnected or damage to the clockspring can result. If there is evidence that the shaft has rotated, the clockspring must be removed and recentered. For additional information, refer to Section 501-20B.
   Connect the steering shaft and install the bolt.
   • To install, tighten to 30 Nm (22 lb-ft).

1. Install the 4 exhaust manifold-to-catalytic converter nuts.

1. Install the coolant expansion tank. For additional information, refer to Section 303-03.

1. Install the ACL outlet tube. For additional information, refer to Section 303-12.

 

If memory serves this engine is known for exhaust studs breaking.