Thread: pluggin the hole

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I am installing my first SBC crate engine. I noticed that there is a second dip-stick hole on passenger side that is plugged with a plastic plug. I'm trying to decide the best way to plug this hole . I appreciate any input.

That plug should be all you need.. or you could install a freeze plug

It's a small plastic temporary plug ...I'm sure it will blow out upon engine start. The hole is probably 5/16" ...dipstick tube size. I'm thinking of tapping it and installiong a threaded pipe plug.

If you tap it you will have metal shavings in the oil. You can probably find a freeze type plug @ the parts store that will fit. Or cobble something up.

If what's in there is a temporary plug then did you check to see if they supplied a permanent plug you could use once you decided which side to place your dipstick?

You could just glue the temp. plug in where its at

If it were mine I'd first try to find a "freeze plug" type, and barring that would probably tap the hole for a NPT plug with axle grease on the tap. Even with good PCV I don't think I'd leave a plastic plug in that spot, even though it would likely be OK.

you can use a plug dorman has a list of plugs . but before get that far check to see if the oil pan gasket may cover block dip stick hole if that is the case RTV can fill hole and it will work fine tapping the block would be the last thing if all together

I guess I thought the engine is out on a stand, so it's easy to flip it over, pull the pan and ensure no chips get where they shouldn't.... Maybe that's not the case.

You also could take a piece of metal tubing and weld the end closed (maybe even an old dip stick tube end). Dress it a bit and paint it the same color as the engine and press it in the hole. Use a bit of silicone on the tube to help hold it in place.

Thanks guys...I hadnt considered that there may have been a plug shipped with the engine....It was already mounted in the '52 chevy panel truck when I bought it. BTW the hole is open into the oil pan. I went on Summitracing site and asked their live help. They have a small plug (Yep---looks just like a freeze plug) specifically for dip stick holes. They want $10.00 for it so I probably will try to fabricate something....I'll let you know what I end up with.

yep and you can turn a alumium plug buy the stock at hardware store or big box store if no close metal ware house out on a lathe or belt sander and drive it in .you could tap it for strait thread if you have no NPT taps and RTV just thread it in or if needs to be fancy ss button head or slug plug

Originally Posted by Hoosierrodder

Thanks guys...I hadnt considered that there may have been a plug shipped with the engine....It was already mounted in the '52 chevy panel truck when I bought it. BTW the hole is open into the oil pan. I went on Summitracing site and asked their live help. They have a small plug (Yep---looks just like a freeze plug) specifically for dip stick holes. They want $10.00 for it so I probably will try to fabricate something....I'll let you know what I end up with.

i plug stuff all the time with cap plugs Dorman has them and any parts store should help you if that not the case mcmaster car.should have them . 10.00 is nuts then handling on top of it ? if not in a big rush if you can not find one .i get you one i may have one at the shop give me your address if you want PM me i send you a plug if in the lower US ? get you out a next week in the mail