Embarrassed to ask this question. BP 347" dipstick Install

[rponfick]

I know this should not be rocket science, this is my 4th build, so I should know what I am doing, even at my advanced age, but I am stumped.
Does anyone have a photo of their dipstick install on the BP small block?
I have searched and found various old threads with this issue, which seems to indicate a problem BP might want to address.
I have followed all of the suggestions; sanding down shaft, lube applied, small wrench and hammer to get down to first seating ring on tube (very hard to get to). Nothing has worked.
I know BP uses their own block casting, so not sure if it is any different than stock Ford dipstick hole.
Also, does the tube ending orient to the front or rear? Rear is too close to side panel. Front, mounting bracket lines up to nothing.
Can those that have been there suggest help?
Thanks, Ralph

[cv2065]

I had some similar issues with my DART block. I ended up using a flex tube from Lokar and then fabbed by own hold down bracket. To your question, I never had an issue with tube fitment into the block (BP or Roush), just with how the tube oriented through the headers.

[TrackDay17]

I know this should not be rocket science, this is my 4th build, so I should know what I am doing, even at my advanced age, but I am stumped.
Does anyone have a photo of their dipstick install on the BP small block?
I have searched and found various old threads with this issue, which seems to indicate a problem BP might want to address.
I have followed all of the suggestions; sanding down shaft, lube applied, small wrench and hammer to get down to first seating ring on tube (very hard to get to). Nothing has worked.
I know BP uses their own block casting, so not sure if it is any different than stock Ford dipstick hole.
Also, does the tube ending orient to the front or rear? Rear is too close to side panel. Front, mounting bracket lines up to nothing.
Can those that have been there suggest help?
Thanks, Ralph

Ralph, I have a BPE 347 on the crate in the garage ready to drop in my car when I'm ready.
I'll take some detailed pictures and post them tomorrow of how mine came from BP if that will help you out.

[Jim Doak]

Here's a few pics of how I installed mine. It's a 302, not a 347; however, I suspect they use the same blocks, so your install should be similar.

If I remember correctly, I tapped/pounded on a small open-end wrench placed on the top side of the upper collar of the dipstick tube to hammer it into the block.

[65 Cobra Dude]

Ralph,

I know this sounds silly but make sure there is no plug in the hole in the block.

Henry

[Jeff33Ford]

Ralph,

I know this sounds silly but make sure there is no plug in the hole in the block.

Henry

This is a good point. Make sure it was not setup for a front sump. The dip stick would go through the timing chain cover. If that hole is not plugged the block one is.

[rponfick]

Thanks for the comments. I would certainly recommend installing the dipstick before engine install.
The motor is rear sump, so no confusion on mounting spot. The block has cast in provision, not in oil pan like some models. There was no plug in the hole that I could discern as the smaller portion of the dipstick housing went in smoothly. Just became a problem when the size of the housing increased and could not get inserted up to the first ridged ring.
Also, photos of mounting bracket attachment are unclear.
Any of you that have used the Lokar unit care to share the part number? There seem to be numerous options.

Thanks, Ralph

[Jim Doak]

The first picture I attached includes the best view of the mounting bracket. I installed a stud in the rear hole of the No. 6 cylinder header flange. I then bent the BluePrint dipstick tube bracket such that the slotted end wound fit over the stud then used a 3/8" nut to snug everything up.

[Waterman]

I am responding since I just did a BP347 install and have a good pic of the dipstick with the std Front sump. BP recommended this oil pan for the FFR Mk4 unless you purchase the more $$ fully dressed FFR version with Canton Front sump. I am not answering the original question but may help others. My engine was the Base Dressed BP347 so I could add the front accessories of my choosing, for a more vintage look.
223343

[Jim Doak]

Here's a couple of more pics I just took showing how the dipstick tube bracket is attached to the engine. FYI, I have a rear sump oil pan and for clarification, it's a BluePrint 302 engine; the 361 HP version.

[cv2065]

Thanks for the comments. I would certainly recommend installing the dipstick before engine install.
The motor is rear sump, so no confusion on mounting spot. The block has cast in provision, not in oil pan like some models. There was no plug in the hole that I could discern as the smaller portion of the dipstick housing went in smoothly. Just became a problem when the size of the housing increased and could not get inserted up to the first ridged ring.
Also, photos of mounting bracket attachment are unclear.
Any of you that have used the Lokar unit care to share the part number? There seem to be numerous options.

Thanks, Ralph

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?51080-Lokar-Flex-Dipstick-Calibration

[rponfick]

Thanks for the comments and photos.

Jim, your photos are great. Is your dipstick pretty horizontal. Can you get it out for a good reading?

Thanks, Ralph

[Jeff Kleiner]

Do you have the headers installed? That will greatly dictate its orientation .

Jeff

[rponfick]

Do you have the headers installed? That will greatly dictate its orientation.

Jeff

Jeff, yes headers are installed. I have thought about taking the headers off and getting more access room to tap the dipstick in place. But, in looking at what appears to be the only orientation (forward), there will not be clearance enough to get the headers back in place over the dipstick tube.
Even if I get the dipstick in place, and bolted to the header bolt, it will be almost horizontal to the front, which doesn't look right.
I have emailed BP to see what they have to say. Wondering what Lokar application will fit the BP package.
Thanks, Ralph

Update. BP is sending me another dipstick in case the tolerances were incorrect on the one they originally provided. Will see how it fits.

[Jim Doak]

Thanks for the comments and photos.

Jim, your photos are great. Is your dipstick pretty horizontal. Can you get it out for a good reading?

Thanks, Ralph

Yes, reading it is easy. And it is relatively horizontal, but seems to work well.