Classic/Antique Car Repair/Broken dipstick

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Expert: - 5/25/2009


Question
I have a 1978 AMC Concord.  The bottom part of the Transmission dipstick broke off (above where add lines are) when I pulled it out to check it.  You said on a 1969 Mustang a broken dipstick wouldn't get into the transmission and cause problems.  Is that also true of me?  There's something to stop it from getting into the transmission?

Answer
I really don't know if it is OK or not.  An auto trans is quite simple.  Not too much to it.  You might ask a mechanic at a Ford dealer, or find a ford/mustang car club and ask them.  If you are handy and have the energy, drain the oil and drop the trans pan and take a good look.  You may have to replace the pan seal, but I don't think you can cause any problem taking a peek.  
Good luck
jack

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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jack bahm

Expertise

Only repair type questions on the 1928-1931 Ford Model A.

Experience

Owned one when I was 15 yrs old, and now have owned 5. Still own and play with 2 of them.

Organizations
Oakleaf region of MARC. Model A Restorers Club. I have put several Model A videos on the Oakleaf site that may be of help. Things like how to start the A, how to Time it, how to troubleshoot it.. Go to oakleafregion.org and you will find them. jack

Publications
"More than you need to know about cars." Just a small book for Car Nuts. Blurb.com "Model A Ford Tips and Hints" Blurb.com 2010 Many Model A movies that can be found on youtube.com/jackbahm

Education/Credentials
BSME LSU, 1958, Masters of automotive engineering from the Chrysler Institute of engineering, 1960, MBA Mich State, 1976. Worked as an engineer at Chrysler from 1958 to the end of 1991.

Awards and Honors
Two patents while working in auto industry.

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