I have recently had my engine rebuilt and the other day I went to check the oil. The dipstick is like a braided wire with a metal band at the end. I thought this looked funny and did not remember it this way before the rebuild (only checked the oil once before, the day I bought it). I then checked my dad's 00 5.4L and his is like any other dipstick I have seen (a thin flexible metal strip). I also checked a 02 Crown Vic and it was not like mine, it was like most others.

I asked the engine shop that rebuilt the motor and he said it has the correct dipstick in it. Can someone else help me out with this dilema?? I just hope they did not through a rebuilt into my truck instead of rebuilding my motor.

 

Hey mhussey,

I also have a 97 4.6 and my dipstick is the same as what you are describing . . . not the metal strip type.

 

1997 here, and I have the same dipstick as yous guys.

 

Thanks...looks like I still have the correct dipstick and just never realized how different it is compared to the other dipsticks I have had.

 

My dipstick is the same. I find it a pain to try to read - I can never tell if there's any oil on it or not...

 

i have a 02 f150 5.4L and i got a dip stick out of an older truck. the new one sucked. i couldn't check the oil. without most of the shop rag sticking to the twisted metal. now i have the cable style with the metal tip, so much easier. they were the same side by side.

 

I have the same year and size engine and my dip sticj is hte cable type. It is difficult to read properly. A few months ago I asked if there were a replacement that could be found or purchased and recieved zero replies. If anyone know of one I'd like to have a nice flat steel one like the good old days.