ok brainstrust, I haven't asked a dumb question for awhile (at least I hope), so here's the next one.
Dipsticks:
Before I fire up this engine, I'm not feeling 100% confident that the oil level may be correct.
The pinto itself I believe was a Transit version, and has had the sump changed to Escort.
The dipstick though, I'm not sure.
So, question is, does a dipstick measure the waterline (oiline) level needed for the block, relative to the crank etc, or does it measure the amount of oil volume below the line in the sump? ie. what is critical?
I figured that if its the waterline thats important, that will be consistent irrespective of the sump shape fitted below, just the volume of oil needed to fill to that point will be different of course.
If its the specific volume of oil thats more critical, then I could drain it, refill with correct measured volume and make a new corresponding mark on the dipstick.
Maybe overthinking, but everyday is a school day as they say.