What is the hole in front of starter going to the pan on a 1999 4.3 carb mercruiser

[toolman4]

I put the new motor on muffs tonite and I have a hole spitting oil right in front of the starter that goes down to the oil pan. Its on a new long block and I didnt have this hole on my old block. What is it for and what do I do with it?

 

[Don S]

Re: What is the hole in front of starter going to the pan on a 1999 4.3 carb mercruis

It's for a dip stick tube. I usually clean it with acetone so there is no oil in it. Get a 1" bolt that just fits in the hole (don't remember if it's 5/16 or 3/8") put some ultra black oil resistant sealer (like used on the intake manifold gaskets front and back) on the thread and drop it in and let it cure. Then forget about it.

 

[toolman4]

Re: What is the hole in front of starter going to the pan on a 1999 4.3 carb mercruis

Thanks Don, thats what I was thinkn. Great advice and help.