Dipstick tube extension, who use em?

[mathd]

Today i found out that most people dont know there should be a lower dipstick tube extension in the block and many people (like me) dont have one in there engine
Is it really necessary?(i use a deep oil pan), when pulling it out there is no sign of contact with the rotating assembly to the dipstick.

 

[grumpyvette]

ok, the reason theres a dip stick extension will usually become all too obvious if you fail to install it , its the fact that its very common for a dip stick which is flexible metal to have a slight bend in it, or become bent over time, and if that very flexible dip stick is left unsupported in an engine without a windage screen, to separate its lower end extending into the oil pan from the block, its all to common for the dip stick tip to not stay aligned with the main cap, and have it contact the rotating assembly and either have an annoying ticking sound develop if its a drivers side dipstick, that results in rapid wear or the dip stick tip, or on the other side , it can get jammed into the rotating assembly and snapped off.
and yes , I learned that the hard way back in the 1970s

notice the dip stick is in line with a main bearing cap to prevent the rotating assembly contacting its free end, if theres no lower tube its not at all uncommon for the tip to bend and be damaged by the spinning rotating assembly

 

[mathd]

What precaution should i take since i dont have the lower extension?(well i cannot remember but i will assume there is none)
Just make sure the tip is not bend and checking for unusual wear?
Am putting mine always in the same way so it can bend up and down but not side to side.
i dont feel like taking the dipstick tube out.. will probably break it since it got pushed it with massive force.
I dont have a windage tray..

 

[grumpyvette]

if your reluctant to pull the oil pan and not having any problem,just make sure the dip stick doesn,t get bent and you should be ok, but next time you pull the oil pan Id suggest installing the extension and verify the dip stick is in line with a main cap

it also helps if you verify the tip of the dip sticks strait, not bent into a curve

and your dip stick handle is designed so you know its inserted in the exact same rotational location each time

BTW summit sells the lower dip stick extension tubes and its very common for you to need to bend or trim it, or both, to your individual applications length after careful measuring, both the oil pan and dip stick you've selected

you might also strongly consider adding a windage tray and high capacity baffled oil pan, as the combo tends to increase engine durability and life expectancy
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