I bought a Ranger at a auction and I noticed after that the oil dipstick was sticking out a couple inches and it won’t go back in . It feels like it’s hitting metal and I used a brand new dipstick and it still doesn’t work . I’m not sure if the engine is seized I haven’t tried to start it please give me any advice you think will be helpful THANKS

 

Dipstick tube goes into a hole in the block just above oil pan by the motor mount

Picture here: https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/ajwAA...b~J/s-l500.jpg

The lower narrower end goes into the block and stops where the sleeve is seen
It can rust out and break where the sleeve is or just below it
So tube is no longer lined up with hole on block, so dipstick can't go in all the way

Loosen/remove the nut/bolt holding the end of tube to exhaust manifold and pull out the tube, may need to wiggle it and rotate it a bit to get it out
The ends can be a pain to extract if its broken off

And they are a pain to put back in because you often can't see the hole in the block, lol


As for starting the engine
Unplug the 4 wire connector on Coil Pack
Crank engine over, it won't start
If it cranks its not seized

Drain the oil and change the filter
Check the oil for metal flakes
Refill oil to specifications, put on new filter
Reconnect coil pack and start engine