After giving in to the whole "computer needs to be re-flashed to get your power back discusion" i recleaned my filter and reflashed my comp. having time to spare i started working on my engine bay when i noticed my dipstick was half way out!!!! was this what was causing my loss of power? the car felt stock before. can no dipstick cause the car to run like that. no,i did not throw any codes. Anyway after i get the filter back in and give it a test drive we will find out the truth.

 

No!...

 

Double No...
Scott

 

No x 3

 

Make that 4. I'm sure it will happen 1 day to make dealers and Ford some extra cash, but not now.

 

but the cAr runs good now.

 

I have heard of tune going bad, or needing to be reset and a dirty filter would make all the difference in the world.

 

when i had my 325 the comp. would adjust to my driving style. Is that what's happening here? the filter had about 5k on it.

I guess i just need to go ahead and drop a s/c in it. i wonder how many corners im going to have to work to save up enough money for it. My *** is going to be preety sore by the time i get it installed

 

Only 1 corner for about a day if you get the right clientel!

 

This dipstick thing might have a little bit of merit actually. Try this...when the engine is running, try unscrewing the oil filler cap, then put it back on. The engine runs rougher without the cap on, probably because of a lack of vacuum pressure in the crankcase without the cap on to seal up the engine. So the dipstick missing/not sealed could have the same effect.

 

I too have read all this stuff about re-flashing to get performance back. I loaded my Brenspeed 93 octane tune just after Christmas. I re-loaded my stock tune this weekend then re-loaded my 93 octane tune again. Absolutely no difference. Car ran great before-runs great now. I think this is one for Myth Busters.

 

When you remove the oil filler cap while the engine is running, you are messing with the air transfer function (believe it or not). The crankcase system is designed to be sealed to allow the flow of metered air/gases. The PCV and crankcase breather tubes actually serve a purpose, so if you remove the cap, unmetered air is now entering the engine.

 

I had an old BMW that would stall if the dipstick, oil cap or even the gas cap were removed. Very vacuum sensitive.

 

I sorta feel like an @$$ now. metroplex has a very valid point about the crankcase ventilation system. Having the dipstick part way out would have much the same effect as having a loose or missing oil cap which when you consider how the crankcase ventilation system is designed yes it could have an effect.
My male ego is battered and bruised. I admit my error and I will sulk away in shame.

 

You'll actually light a CEL eventually with the dipstick not properly seated.

Google . . . Ford DTC P0171, P0172, P0174 And P0175 Description And Possible Causes

and you'll find

- Improperly seated engine oil dipstick

as one of the possible problems.