How do I plug the dip stick hole?

coolblue65

Founding Member

Jul 26, 1999

1,224

2

39

Algonquin, IL

Jun 6, 2007

#1

• Jun 6, 2007

• #1

Like the subject says, I am using a late model 5.0 block and need to plug the dipstick hole in the side of the block and I am looking for ideas.

So what has everyone done? - I am sure this has been done many times before.

 

F

ForceFed70

That's why they call it "dope"

Founding Member

Dec 6, 1999

4,818

1

69

BC Canada

Jun 6, 2007

#2

• Jun 6, 2007

• #2

Put a dipstick in?

 

coolblue65

Founding Member

Jul 26, 1999

1,224

2

39

Algonquin, IL

Jun 6, 2007

#3

• Jun 6, 2007

• #3

BottleFed70 said:

Put a dipstick in?

Click to expand...

HAHA, but I don't need two dipsticks.

I am using an early timing chain cover that has the dipstick hole in it- thats where the dipstick goes....

the late model 5.0 block has a hole in the driver side of the block about 2/3's of the way back on the side of the block. (because late models used a rear sump)

 

P

PJx5x

Member

Mar 30, 2005

197

0

16

Chicago

Jun 7, 2007

#4

• Jun 7, 2007

• #4

I tapped the whole and put a threaded plug in there. I want to say it was 1/8" NPT? I have the tap if you need it, as you live pretty close

 

D

D.Hearne

New Member

Sep 29, 2000

11,730

6

0

south louisiana

Jun 7, 2007

#5

• Jun 7, 2007

• #5

I used a snug fitting bolt and coated it with RTV sealer.

 

geostang351

Member

Mar 30, 2005

946

0

17

Danb., CT

Jun 7, 2007

#6

• Jun 7, 2007

• #6

I've heard that using a wooden dowl that is slightly tapered is the way to go. Tap it in with a hammer. The oil will swell the dowl making a nice seal.

 

red65

Member

Apr 12, 2003

411

0

17

Ann Arbor, MI

Jun 7, 2007

#7

• Jun 7, 2007

• #7

PJx5x said:

I tapped the whole and put a threaded plug in there. I want to say it was 1/8" NPT? I have the tap if you need it, as you live pretty close

Click to expand...

1/8" NPT works great. Just tap it and thread in a 1/8" NPT brass plug.

 

BullittStangV8

Founding Member

Oct 5, 2002

1,104

0

36

NJ

Jun 7, 2007

#8

• Jun 7, 2007

• #8

+1 with the same question. I dont want to tap it, because I already have the engine assembled and I dont want metal shavings in my oil pan...

 

coolblue65

Founding Member

Jul 26, 1999

1,224

2

39

Algonquin, IL

Jun 7, 2007

#9

• Jun 7, 2007

• #9

BullittStangV8 said:

+1 with the same question. I dont want to tap it, because I already have the engine assembled and I dont want metal shavings in my oil pan...

Click to expand...

Yeah, that is where I am at- I pretty much completely forgot about the hole, until I dropped the hole thing in.

I think I might try using a tapered wood dowel, and just seal the heck out of it with RTV.

EDIT: I just found out about these: http://www.mfgsupply.com/m/c/07-397.html?mv_pc=Froogle

They are like freeze plugs just really small, I just need to find one locally.

 

SoCalCruising

Founding Member

Jul 25, 2000

2,437

0

47

SoCal

Jun 7, 2007

#10

• Jun 7, 2007

• #10

I measured the hole and had a brass dowel turned to to just under size. Dowel has grooves for two O-rings, properly sized for the hole. Used RTV-like material to complete the deal and provide a little adhesive action. Was all done with engine already in the car.

Edit: the plug has a lip at the outer end (like a bolt) and that lip rests on the block to keep the plug from falling into the crankcase.

 

allcarfan

The Answer Man

Founding Member

Apr 8, 2001

2,458

1

56

North Atlanta

Jun 7, 2007

#11

• Jun 7, 2007

• #11

JB WELD!

Or that super strong putty stuff. I used that on a gas tank one time, worked like a charm!

 

BullittStangV8

Founding Member

Oct 5, 2002

1,104

0

36

NJ

Jun 7, 2007

#12

• Jun 7, 2007

• #12

I've been looking for a plug thats the right size. Anyone know what the proper size is? I cant fit a ruler in there cus of the headers, and my calipers are not in my house.

 

Stanger007

Founding Member

Sep 26, 2001

2,015

2

46

Baton Rouge, LA

Jun 7, 2007

#13

• Jun 7, 2007

• #13

Here's how I did it...

I found a tiny freeze plug and drilled my block exactly that size. I drilled about halfway down the oil hole (not all the way through!) so as to make sort of a ledge that the plug could bottom out on.

Then I wiggled the drill around in the hole to make the hole sort of hourglass shaped.

Next, I flipped the freezeplug around backwards and using a punch, I hammered it in until it bottomed out on the ledge. A few more taps on the plug and it widened out. I tried hitting it from the other side and it wouldn't budge - it was in there good. I put a dab of RTV on either side of it just to be sure.

No leaks! (Not from there at least )

Wes

Before




After​

 

washMO66

Founding Member

Oct 30, 2001

1,000

0

37

Washington, MO

Jun 7, 2007

#14

• Jun 7, 2007

• #14

SoCalCruising said:

I measured the hole and had a brass dowel turned to to just under size. Dowel has grooves for two O-rings, properly sized for the hole. Used RTV-like material to complete the deal and provide a little adhesive action. Was all done with engine already in the car.

Click to expand...

That is what I did as well, worked great.

TB

 

coolblue65

Founding Member

Jul 26, 1999

1,224

2

39

Algonquin, IL

Jun 7, 2007

#15

• Jun 7, 2007

• #15

I just went to a local auto parts store/machine shop and I picked up a little freeze plug for $0.42. I will try to install it later on today.

 

HistoricMustang

Active Member

Apr 11, 2003

2,359

0

46

Confederate States of America

Jun 7, 2007

#16

• Jun 7, 2007

• #16

D.Hearne said:

I used a snug fitting bolt and coated it with RTV sealer.

Click to expand...

Have done this one before with no problems.

HistoricMustang