How do I plug the dip stick hole?

coolblue65

Founding Member
Jul 26, 1999
1,224
2
39
Algonquin, IL
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.
 
+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...

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.
 
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.
 
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 :D )

Wes



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