Hey guys, I have a 04 4.7L and the dipstick has me stumped.

I've replaced the timing chain and everything is still removed. While I'm in here I want to fix the dipstick problem I had. I bought it used and it came without a full length dipstick, previous owner cut the dipstick down to 3 inches long and stuck it in the tube. I bought a new dipstick and it goes in and stops with maybe a foot hanging out. So I removed the tube, replaced with new, same issue.

I removed the tube, got my inspection scope and guided a wire into the opening on the engine block. The wire goes in maybe an inch and stops. The wire is thicker than the dipstick itself, it's actually a coat hanger. I dont know if there is some type of guide in there that is the shape of the dipstick.

My next plan is removing the intake manifold to get a better look at the opening. Does anyone just happen to know what goes on inside that hole? My fear is something is broke inside of it.

Thanks

 

It took an extra weekend to get to it, but I took the intake manifold off and found that the dipstick tube opening is just an opening. Mine was clogged with debris? Sludge? I don't know but I used a punch and mallet and cleared it out.

Once the manifold came off I noticed the engine block had standing water on top. Maybe this needs a different thread but does anyone here know if there are drain holes hidden in here? If there are, those might be clogged as well.



The punch tool I used to clear the dipstick hole is visible at the back. The top of the block is rusted due to the standing water. I dried it with a towel. I plan to clean it and coat it with rust converter before putting it back together. I'm hoping there is a drain system that is clogged... But my guess is there is not a drain at all. How do you guys handle the water that collects here?

(the foil is keeping things out of the valves)

 

I don't image there would be a drain there. If the engine is being regularly run, evaporation would take care of all that.