Both dipstick holes plugged on 302

[slpro1207]

I recently acquired a MKIII with a stroked 302. The oil pan is rear sump and I assume stock. The dipstick was removed from the front PS and sealed with silicone. The DS mid block hole has a cap plug so no way to check the oil. Strange I know. So my question is, do I need to use the DS to reach into the sump? Could the dipstick have been removed for crank clearance when stroked? What is the best way to remove a metal cap plug? Anyone experienced this?

Scott

[Big Blocker]

I would say yes, the mid block DS hole is a straight shot to the rear sump of a stock pan.
Can't say I've ever heard of someone plugging both holes, although, the front timing cover hole is from an earlier engine, not the later 5.0 (SBF: 289 & 302).
There shouldn't be any crank interference, the dipstick protrudes between the crank counter weights. It might have been removed to clear a windage tray?
My suggestion is to find a way to replace the tube and dipstick mid-block.

Doc

[AC Bill]

Usually the driver side also has a short section of tubing pressed into the block, to support and guide the dipstick. Sounds like the engine builder left that up to you to deal with, or simply forgot to re-install it.

[Mustang Man]

If it is a rear sump pan (double sump technically) that is a stock late-model Mustang pan and uses the mid-block hole. I'm guessing the engine owner had a nice aftermarket deep sump Canton/Moroso/Milodon pan on it and kept it for his next engine and just bolted on a stock pan to sell you the engine. Keep the timing cover hole plugged (I would use a small metal plug versus just silicone, but if it isn't leaking I guess leave it be). A stock Mustang dipstick for an 87-93 can be had by any late-model Mustang vendor in chrome or you can get a Lokar kit that will work in that location. Note, if you have large tube aftermarket headers the retaining tab on the stock style dipstick tube will need to be ground down/trimmed to clear the large primary tube.

HTH...
Mark