Suggestions for closing off the dipstick hole?

[Yellow Truck]

Since I have a 4WD, the dipstick passage beside the oil filter needs to be closed off. We should have done it earlier, but this is my first rodeo. I checked the hole size and it seems it is about 11/32s (drill bit test).

I can't find an expansion plug that size (.34375 inches) locally. Curious what you guys have done - pretty sure a few of your higher output engines have moved to a rear reservoir on the oil pan and had to close it off.

[Dryhoze1]

My memory is not what it used to be, but I remember it was popular to use a spent shell casing.

9mm I think.
Somebody here with a better memory than mine will chime in with correct caliber size
Good luck,
Brian

[jayb]

I hate to sound like a hack, but I fill those holes with RTV.  Either the Right Stuff, or Ford TA-31.  Put a slug of it in there, smear the top surface flat, and Voila!

[machoneman]

2X to Jay's fix but....be sure to well clean that opening with lacquer thinner, acetone, paint thinner beforehand. 

[CaptCobrajet]

Easiest thing is the end of a pushrod.  Needs to be an old 3/8  unit.  Just cut it about 1-1/2" long, and drive it in there with a little rtv.  I put a vacuum cap on the end just to keep trash out.  The ball end seals it off, but you can screw a dent puller in the open end if you ever want to pull it back out from the top.

[Ford428CJ]

I hate to sound like a hack, but I fill those holes with RTV.  Either the Right Stuff, or Ford TA-31.  Put a slug of it in there, smear the top surface flat, and Voila!

Thats what I use with very good luck. Cheap and easy. JMHO

[fecarman]

Soft metal plug available at the hardware works fine.

[cammerfe]

Run a tap into the hole during the machining and use a set screw.

 KS

[KMcCullah]

A 3/8x1 dowel pin works for me. It presses in nice and tight.

[Yellow Truck]

I think I'm losing the plot - I was sure I had replied.

Thanks for the suggestions - they are much appreciated. On the humorous side, being a Canadian, 9mm casings are not that easy to come by. By brother has a 7mm rifle, but not a 9mm.

I have the Ford TA-31, and if it is good enough for Jay, it will do for me! It sounds like the easiest, and if it is reliable, easy is good.

BTW - the engine is mostly built, so I didn't like the idea of doing any cutting, drilling, or tapping on it.

[blykins]

You can get little cup plugs that fits the hole. 

[Yellow Truck]

Brent,

One of the problems with living in Canada is lots of this stuff isn't kept in Canada, you have to get it shipped in. Federal Mogul have closed their warehouse up here, and I understand Clevite is doing the same thing. I called a couple of machine shops, parts suppliers, and mechanics I know and none of them had anything. I had found Sealed Power has 3/8s freeze plugs, but they don't hold any stock in Canada. Summit racing could get them for me (for $0.99, so cost wasn't the issue), but they can't get them until April 25th.

I want to finish the assembly next weekend, and the parts I need from Summit to do it were stuck waiting for the plugs. My options were wait until May, or move ahead without them. Shipping them would cost over $20!

One option would be to go to a local shooting range and rent a 9mm and bang off a few rounds, but the only time I did that it set me back $145!

[Drew Pojedinec]

Paul, just cut a piece of 3/8 steel rod and knock it in there with some rtv.

It isn't like there is oil pressure behind it.

[Richard F]

I do like Jay B.

[Qikbbstang]

Yellow Truck ............what's up with the 9mm shells are difficult to find in Canada?...............

The  rent a 9mm and bang off a few rounds for $145?  ...................