Dipstick on new Ford Racing Blocks

[Tahoe]

See the note below.

Note 2: A provision for an oil dipstick has been added just in front of the rear main bearing. If you do not use a dipstick, you will need to plug this hole. Dry sump lubrication systems will also need our 15/16" Expansion Plug (Part No. 161-61-.9375, sold separately) to plug the crankcase breather port above the fuel pump.

For those that have one of the new blocks does the above mean there are 2 locations for a dipstick or there is only one located at the rear of the block?

[promotor]

There is only one at the back - the other hole refers to where the rubber drain tube between cylinder head and block fits (when using the block as a twincam).

[Tahoe]

So, if you want a dipstick in the front (as original) you need to have it machined and then plug the rear one. Why I wonder did they do this. They call it a Lotus block, but don't machine a dipstick hole for front sump cars?

Only asking because it's in the back of my mind to order one, and I'm just adding up all the additional costs to do finish machining.

[promotor]

Lotus blocks didn't only come fitted to Lotus Elans - they were fitted to mk1 escort twincams aswell and used a rear bowl oil sump so need the dipstick tube to be at the back.

But you don't need to worry - you must be forgetting that the Lotus water pump cover carries the dipstick tube as per all other Elans etc!

No machining needed to blank the hole up at the rear - just a tube the same diameter as the front dipstick tube about 1.5" long with the hole welded up to make it oil tight, and then push (or tap/hammer) into the block. Easy job.

[Tahoe]

Oops, how blind and forgetful can I get?! Talk about your ultimate Senior moment. I knew that, and was so caught up in the rear dipstick which I knew was needed for rear sump cars, that I completely zoned out. Thanks!

[promotor]

Wood and trees and all that....

Still, you'll be getting a nice new block - that's a senior moment I'd like!

[rviani]

I bought and and installed one of these new blocks and so far am quite happy with it. However I did need to have an "adapter" machined for the breather hole where the rubber drain tube to the head fits - for some reason this hole was a slightly larger size than the one on the original block. Unfortunately I don't have the dimensions, and cannot retrieve them in any practical way.

[pharriso]

I bought and and installed one of these new blocks and so far am quite happy with it. However I did need to have an "adapter" machined for the breather hole where the rubber drain tube to the head fits - for some reason this hole was a slightly larger size than the one on the original block. Unfortunately I don't have the dimensions, and cannot retrieve them in any practical way.

We're probably talking about 20mm hole size on early blocks (681) vs. 23.5 mm on later blocks (711M) for the Ford Crank Breather