The plastic funnel I modified and clamped on the outside of the dipstick tube is surviving the heat just fine. A week of driving back and forth to work, plus a long and spirited romp on some country roads today revealed that the funnel doesn't get soft or feel hot to the touch, even after engine shutdown and allowing time for motionless heat soak.

I bought the yellow funnel at Kragens and it's made by SHOP-CRAFT, 1/2 pint size, part number 31114 (Kragen's receipt shows #PA 6507776).

As you can see in the pictures, I trimmed the funnel down to about a 2 inch diameter. What you cannot see is that I cut about 3/4 inch from the tapered spout. I made small trims on the tapered spout until I got to a diameter where it fit snuggly on the dipstick tube. Next, I cut a split in the spout lengthwise with a hacksaw and then mounted the funnel on the dipstick tube with a very small hose clamp. Due to the tight quarters, you may have to tighten the clamp around the funnel spout first and then push the funnel over the dipstick tube. Adjust clamp for tight fit.

Also, be sure to push the funnel very slightly below the top edge of the dipstick tube so it does not interfere with the dipstick seal.

1.3L

 

Like the idea and looks great for a pesky problem for us owners. Good job

 

Good to see that it hasn't melted yet.

 

I bet next you'll put some hair around it j/k

 

eeeeewwwwww

 

Great idea!
I'm going to make one up this weekend.

 

With or without the hair? :D j/k

 

No hair, I like it smooth and clean. :D

 

I am an old fart, and I can't see the hole anymore (!) either.
Long ago, I painterd the rod white, and put a small ring of white plastic around the rim to make a 'target'.

I would be very worried about sand getting in your funnel, then dropping into the sump when you pull the dipstick.....

When I do any work underhood, I find sand everywhere, under the air cleaner box, around the battery, and all the way back to the grooves in the plastic intake manifold - that funnel WILL collect sand, and there is no way to stop it all sliding down the dip tube.

S

 

No dipstick issues here.

 

why do they put the one dipstick you need to check all the time clear in the back and buried?! I wish I didn't have to take the cover off to add oil.
The wifes Tribute has everything accessible.
Price to play I guess..........
Gary

 

Do you live in the Sahara Desert? You may have a problem with sand getting on your engine but I can assure you I don't have that problem with my 8. In the unlikely chance any sand should ever appear in the funnel, I would simply slide it down the tube a bit before pulling the dipstick

1.3L

 

or water, or bugs or ....whatever. Its a novel idea but in the end, it's a garbage collector. Get a good Maglight and a steady hand.

 

Good attempt, but they're right about the crap building up. Could you cap it with a film canister cap or something maybe? Just poke a hole in one and slide it down from where the yellow end of it starts...

 

Ditto. First car I have ever vacuumed under the hood.

Where do you live? Sand and road grit is everywhere and the 8 loves to collect it.

 

Good to hear that the mod is working out for you and that the heat is not affecting the plastic.

Great job!