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MG TD TF 1500 - Angle of TF Dipstick

Hi guys. I need some advice.

The collar of the dipstick on TF681 hits the crank case breather, "road draft tube", when it is pulled out to check the oil. It didn't do this before I removed the tappet cover to paint the engine - probably because the lower clamp wasn't attached to the bellhousing. Or it may have touched, and I didn't care because the tappet cover had a rough paint job. The dipstick tube is approximately 12-degrees from vertical. (see photo with 1/4" rod in the dipstick tube.)

The dipstick on TF7211 does not hit the breather. It clears by a comfortable margin. The dipstick tube on TF7211 is approximately 17-degrees from vertical. (see photo with 1/4" rod in the dipstick tube.)

Both engines have two cork gaskets between the block and the tappet cover. TF681 gasket is still dry; not yet attached with Hylomar.

Both tubes are the same distance above the block and the dipsticks are identical. The dipstick tubes don't appear to be bent. I fear that it will crease if I try to change the angle of TF681.

It doesn't look like I can gain much extra clearance by changing the position of the breather by bending the lower bracket.

What to do, what to do.

Thanks,

Lonnie
TF681
TF7211





LM Cook

Here are photos of the collar of the dipsticks pulled out to be near the elbow of the breather:

Lonnie
TF681
TF7211




LM Cook

If you are careful you will not crease the tube.
I have bent a few over the years through mishandling
I just put a piece of loose fit steel rod until it hits the bend and ease it over with a bit of tube till the rod drops then repeat.
Do not forget to bend over the top of the rod,you don't want that in the sump
Ray TF 2884
Ray Lee

Thanks Ray, but the tube doesn’t appear to be bent or loose.

Lonnie
TF681
TF7211
LM Cook

HEY RAY!!

I’ll never doubt you again. I tried your method to straighten / move the dipstick tube on TF681. It worked. I couldn’t tell that it was bent by looking at it, but it was. The dipstick now clears the breather by about a quarter inch … as good as a mile. I can move it more if needed.

This is two times in three days that you pulled me out of the fire. Radiator drain and dipstick tube. THANKS!

Lonnie
TF681
TF7211
LM Cook

The dipstick kids you by flexing because it is split.
Glad it worked.
My mishandling is usually an engine rolling around the trailer or boot/trunk of my car.
Ray
Ray Lee

This thread was discussed between 10/04/2023 and 11/04/2023

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