Correct dipstick?

[makrie]

New owner of a 65 Thunderbird convertible. I recently changed the oil and filter with 6 quarts per the supplied owners manual. I noted the oil appears to be maybe a quart above the full mark and I was wondering if the dipstick might be wrong?

The picture shows the length 22.5 inches from the base of the cap (not including the height of the cone). Could this be the wrong one for the 390 or is the manual wrong and I overfilled it? Thanks in advance...

[Terry64HT]

I donno, original 64 390, still has a lot of the gold paint on the block measures 26 7/8" from the bottom of the cap. I have seen discussions on this topic on other forums over the years. There doesn't seem to be a good answer.
I recall seeing something in some publication. I'll hunt around tonight.
Terry
64HT

[makrie]

Thanks...I'll look forward to it.

As long as we all agree 6 quarts with the filter I can adjust accordingly.

[makrie]

I found an article that included the following:

"As an odd matter of interest, the '65 and '66 T-birds each used a specific dipstick and tube that was not used on anything else. The '65 T-bird dipstick is 23.22" long from the shield to the tip and the '66 is 23.70. From the full mark to the shield is 20.06" on a '65 and 21.56" on a '66. While both are oddballs, the '66 (part number C6SZ-6750-B) is more sought-after."

It seems the current one is not correct... I'll just make sure I check it against a measured volume in the future unless someone knows where I can get a stock one at a reasonable price?

[Terry64HT]

John Draxler at Thunderbird Ranch is a great resource for all things Thunderbird. On Thunderbird Ranch he has a chart of the dipstick lengths for most years. He measures from the top of the cap rather than the bottom, and the length he gives for a 65 makes yours sound correct.
Looks like the dipsticks were different for all 3 flairbird years.
Terry
64HT

[makrie]

I found that article also... despite the similar overall length specified 23" vs. 23.22" from another source the full marks are not matching with the viewed capacity of 6 quartz. The level is approximately 1" above the full mark on a level surface.

I'm pretty sure I have the full history on the car so I don't suspect anything other than stock components. I did note a scribe mark on the back side of the dipstick which matches the higher level so I'm not the first to take notice.

I appreciate any thoughts on this matter... Thanks again Terry64HT

[65BLUBIRD]

The assumption on your measurement is that you ran the engine to get oil through the filter than measured? I just had my 65 (390) taken in to get some work done and had the oil and filter replaced by mechanic who is very good with old cars and knows Tbirds well. Receipt at home says 5 quarts.

[makrie]

@65BLUBIRD...thanks for getting back to me. When you talk to your mechanic please let him know the amounts I'm refering to came straight from the owner's manual pictured below. Note: The difference between US vs Imperial!

[Terry64HT]

Everything I have found for 390's is 6 US quarts, if the filter is replaced, 5 otherwise.
A US quart is 32 fluid oz. while an Imperial is 40, so the 6 to 5 ratio is not quite exact. But close enough when I allow for the stuff on my garage floor.
Terry
64HT

[makrie]

@Terry64HT... My research has been the same for stock Thunderbirds w/390's... A couple exceptions depending on oil pans for different FORD model configurations and high performance or aftermarket options.

[65BLUBIRD]

I will check if he replaced the filter. He may not have as I recently replaced the old as there was a leak. I will send the measurements on my stick and tube.

[Terry64HT]

I would check right away. If he didn't change the filter and added 6 quarts, you are seriously overfilled. Too much oil can do severe damage to your engine.
Terry
64HT

[65BLUBIRD]

my stick is 23.22 long also. oil is very clean but it appears to be full. He changed the filter. receipt shows 5 quarts but maybe he didn't record correctly.