Modifying transmission dip stick

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R1jamn

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Installed the RPG trans cooler today.
It's a nice unit. Just like stock only larger.
I decided to change out some of the trans fluid while I was at it (4 qts).
I new going into this that checking trans fluid level afterwards would be a challenge, as others have found out first hand.
So after adding fresh Mercon LV ATF I brought the trans fluid up to temp and then parked it and jumped out to check the fluid level.

Let me tell you......It's was really special how FoMoCo placed the dipstick right next to the catalytic converter.

I love the smell of BURNING FLESH in the afternoon!! Thank you Ford!!!

So I improvised on what FoMoCo would not. An easier way to check trans fluid level.

I drilled and tapped the head of the dipstick (6-40 UNF).
Attached a piece of aluminum flat stock (1/16" x 1/2" x 13" long) as a handle to avoid getting burned again.

Worked Great!!
 

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ogdobber

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Picture of your creation installed in the transmission on the vehicle?



I think he leaves it out and just runs the cap?

I just use a pair of leather gloves


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
 

ogdobber

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@ogdobber, you've done a transmission service on your truck and understand the problems associated with this. Yes?



Yes all too well. I like the idea of the op's dip stick and likely by the length im assuming he has a lift.
Leather gloves. Done


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Ruger

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Yes all too well. I like the idea of the op's dip stick and likely by the length im assuming he has a lift.
Leather gloves. Done.

I did it bare-handed the first time. That was three years ago, and the scars on my knuckles are still apparent.

There is an aftermarket dipstick available, but they stupidly designed it to be mounted to the firewall instead of the engine. Continual flexing makes it prone to leak.

The only solution appears to be the simple one: leather gloves. Fingerless leather gloves to aid in the manipulation of the "dipstick" in such close confines.

I imagine that there are hundreds of unhappy Ford maintenance techs all across the country...
 

Jimster58

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Ruger - I was going to install the PA dipstick on my 2013, never got to it - glad I didn't because I like the B&M design much more. I am going to proceed with this project, as-is, but want to investigate fabrication of a mounting bracket so it is integral with the engine to prevent the potential issue which you note. If I come up with a good solution, I'll post it.
 
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R1jamn

R1jamn

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Yes, I leave the dipstick out and then re-install the filler cap when done. I leave the dipstick with the handle attached in my tool box now.
Yes, I wear a pair of mechanics gloves to remove and re-install the filler cap.

You need to take several readings with the dipstick and this mod allowed me to perform this easily and quickly.

Try and take this dipstick in and out several times with just your fingers, even with gloves on, and you will soon be giving a verbal whipping to the FoMoCo engineers.

This mod keeps the dipstick positioned perfectly so it does not fall over or tilt, which could give you a false reading on the hash mark.

---------- Post added at 11:27 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:09 AM ----------

Yes all too well. I like the idea of the op's dip stick and likely by the length im assuming he has a lift.
Leather gloves. Done


I did not use a lift. I just threw a piece of carpet on the ground and crawled underneath to take readings.
Just insert dipstick, remove, take reading, wipe clean and repeat until you have a consistant reading.
I'm 5'7" and maneuver quite will under the raptor for this.
A lift is preferable but the trans fluid temp was dropping below 193F quickly.
So I had to act quickly and throw the carpet down and crawl underneath, remove filler cap and perform the reading.

---------- Post added at 11:32 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:27 AM ----------

The only solution appears to be the simple one: leather gloves. Fingerless leather gloves to aid in the manipulation of the "dipstick" in such close confines.

???

Ruger.....Drill and tap the dipstick and attach a handle. Done.
Simple and effective.
 
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