Oil dip stick problems from LT headers

[qjwright]

I had a shop install some ARH LT's and they bent the dipstick tube a little bit in order to weeve it through the headers, as the instructions say too. However, now I cannot pull the the dipstick out. Any tips? Should i use a bunch of force and pull it out and replace the stick with a more flexible one?

 

[NCRaineman]

If you paid a shop to install the headers take it back to them and have them address the dipstick issue they caused.

 

[qjwright]

If you paid a shop to install the headers take it back to them and have them address the dipstick issue they caused.

I would; however, I have moved and that shop is over 1,000 miles away from me.

 

[EdGs]

So, how long have you not been able to check your oil level?

The shop that did it did not bend it a little, sounds like they've kinked it, and then failed to make sure there's no issues.

 

[Adamcr68]

I would; however, I have moved and that shop is over 1,000 miles away from me.

So, how long have you not been able to check your oil level?

The shop that did it did not bend it a little, sounds like they've kinked it, and then failed to make sure there's no issues.

When I got my long tubes installed, by Quick-Shifter @ ak_trucks_pa, he had to tweak the dipstick a couple of times.
My truck loves to fight any repair/upgrade, any work being done turns into a test of patience & commitment to doing the job right.
It had gotten late, had a couple manifold bolts broken off that he had to deal with, & the y-pipe needed some adjusting to line up with my cat-back. The second to last time dipstick was installed it had a little “catch” in it but worked, which I would’ve lived with, but he didn’t hesitate to take it back out & adjust it so that the end result was perfect.
For the op his shop is in Marcus Hook, PA, look him up next time you need a shop, it’s the only shop I trust with my truck.

 

[Adamcr68]

I would; however, I have moved and that shop is over 1,000 miles away from me.

I responded to Eds post but should’ve done yours first, won’t type it all again but check out ak_trucks_pa aka Quick-Shifter
He has a shop in south East PA, I see your in Maryland, I’m in N. Va & would drive twice as far to get to his shop without complaint.
He had incredible work ethnic & you’ll never hear “ close enough or should be okay, it’s either right or it’s not.
A old school shop, but with all the modern tools, it’s the only shop I trust with my truck.

 

[EdGs]

When I got my long tubes installed, by Quick-Shifter @ ak_trucks_pa, he had to tweak the dipstick a couple of times.
My truck loves to fight any repair/upgrade, any work being done turns into a test of patience & commitment to doing the job right.
It had gotten late, had a couple manifold bolts broken off that he had to deal with, & the y-pipe needed some adjusting to line up with my cat-back. The second to last time dipstick was installed it had a little “catch” in it but worked, which I would’ve lived with, but he didn’t hesitate to take it back out & adjust it so that the end result was perfect.
For the op his shop is in Marcus Hook, PA, look him up next time you need a shop, it’s the only shop I trust with my truck.

That sounds like an awesome shop. The way things should be done.

 

[Wild one]

I had a shop install some ARH LT's and they bent the dipstick tube a little bit in order to weeve it through the headers, as the instructions say too. However, now I cannot pull the the dipstick out. Any tips? Should i use a bunch of force and pull it out and replace the stick with a more flexible one?

If you decide to switch to a Lokar dipstick,this is the one you want.

Pardon Our Interruption

 

[ThompNation]

To keep this thread alive for those that may need it..I installed the ARH long tubes on my 5.7 this past August, bent the stock dipstick as gently as possible & mounted securely & yes, it's a royal pain to get in/out to check oil & it reads low for some reason. B/c of this thread, I just ordered the recommended lokar 24" flex dipstick..it's $160ish after tax on summit.

 

[Grams]

I would; however, I have moved and that shop is over 1,000 miles away from me.

Take a pic and send it to them, asking for their advice.

To keep this thread alive for those that may need it..I installed the ARH long tubes on my 5.7 this past August, bent the stock dipstick as gently as possible & mounted securely & yes, it's a royal pain to get in/out to check oil & it reads low for some reason. B/c of this thread, I just ordered the recommended lokar 24" flex dipstick..it's $160ish after tax on summit.

It’s not difficult to “roll your own” using a bit of 1/8” SS cable from the hardware store.

 

[Ken226]

If you decide to switch to a Lokar dipstick,this is the one you want.

Pardon Our Interruption

I put one of those in my boat almost 20 years ago.

It's the only part in the engine bay that still looks new.

 

[Wild one]

I put one of those in my boat almost 20 years ago.

It's the only part in the engine bay that still looks new.

My Lokar dipstick is a custom 31" long version,and reaches up almost to where the original dipstick sat by the alternator.In hindsight i should of had it made 33" or 34" long and it would of been almost the ideal length to get at easy.
Alot of guys bolt the 24" long one to a brake booster bolt.

 

[Daw14]

I used a 3/8 tube bender to put approximately 8* bend ,about 3” from where the tube enters the block.
These were ARH 1 3/4”.

It accepts the dipstick with out any resistance.

I did air conditioning and have bent miles of tubing, so that helped to eyeball the measurements.

 

[ThompNation]

I bought a tube bender today from Harbor Freight..gonna try & correct my factory tube & save the $160ish on the lokar tube. Thank you for the advice!