trying to install dipstick into block

[wex65]

Can someone tell me if I am going nuts.

Tried to install the oil dipstick into the rebuilt 292 Y block motor in a '55 TBird but it (the dipstick, NOT the dipstick tube) hits metal.

I poke a small screwdriver into the hole circled below and it goes in like 1 inch before hitting a hard stop.

When the original motor was being rebuilt (312) we discovered a cracked main bearing web so siwtched to a 292 block. I assume they are all the same as far as the dipstick location. Can anyone tell me what I am hitting?! I REALLY don't want to have to drop the oil pan as that will mean dropping all the steering out from underneath again.

 

[darrell]

your hitting a plug which is in the hole to seal it from dirt.the block you are using had a dipstick in front and you should have knocked it out.you have 2 choices its not hard to drive into the base so you can leave it their or drop the pan and fish it out.

 

[wex65]

Crisis averted, many thanks!

Punched it out. Will just get a magnetic probe now and insert it into the drain hole to try to fish it out.

Phew, had visions of a threaded plug which wouldn't have been helpful

 

[dmsfrr]

..... Tried to install the oil dipstick into the rebuilt 292 Y block motor in a '55 TBird .....
I assume they are all the same as far as the dipstick location.

Your rebuilt/replacement block came from or was set up for a 'full sized' car.
Y-block engines in full sized cars use a front sump oil pan with the dipstick in front, next to/under the generator. In pickups and T-Birds the deepest section of the oil pan is at the rear, with the dipstick located farther back as well.

Just in case, make sure the other dipstick tube hole is plugged.
.