I bought a lo5 from paceparts.com and just above the drain plug there is a threaded hole...for a sensor im assuming. why??? also anyone know what size it is so i can get a plug to plug it off.

 

no idea what it is, but i'd guess it's 1/8 or 1/4 pipe thread

 

it looks more like a 3/8'' or bigger...its not a small hole like the plug.

 

1/8" NPT is about a 3/8" hole
1/4" NPT is about a 1/2" hole

 

That hole was/is used for either an oil level sensor or a TDS (Total Dissolved Solids / conductivity) sensor on some vehicles. My Impalas have the TDS sensor as an oil change monitor/alert idiot light. Some older cars, like Cadillacs and Buicks, had a level sensor in that hole.

Plug the baby. Unfortunately, I'm not sure what the thread size might be, since I've never had the sensors out.

 

I used a 3/4" bolt with fine thread and the shortest length I could find at the hardware store and I bought a nut that fit, then cut it down to about an inch or so long using the nut as a guide. Use some thread sealer, and tighten it down really well when you put it in the hole.

I'm not sure about the dimensions on the thread, but the hardware store had coarse thread 3/4" bolts and fine thread 3/4" bolts.

 

I had the same problem with the 350 crate motor. Chevy dealer told me that this threaded hole is for a oil level indicator which is an option on BuickRoadmasters, which use the same motor.
The threads on mine are metric and not standard pipe thread.
I believe the size is 20 mm. thread pitch, i don't remember.
Local auto parts store had an assortment of drain plugs.

Hope this helps.
Jimjohn

 

GM sells a plug for this hole. its not much money either. It has a weird thread I think. The hole on mine is for an oil level sensor. bad part is, I have the GM plug in it and it leaks.

 

damn.....thats what i kinda figured the hole was. What model cars had these sensors again?? what year/make/model i wanna check so i can pull the sensor at work so i can check the size.

 

'93 Caprices (VIN 7) should have them, Borg Warner P/N S8112, NAPA's part number is ECH FLS108.

Oil level sensor details

 

alright thanks alot. I may just buy it and cut the end off and use that as the plug. since some people say it was leaking.

 

'94-96 Impalas have the TDS sensor in that hole, so Roadmaster, Caprice, Olds Cruiser wagons, and DeVilles should too.

 

man at work tonight i looked and we cant even get that sensor...ill check on the TDS (which mean??) for the impala and see if i can get one of those.

 

you spend all that money for the motor and they dont give you a darn plug what kind of is that. There are just some things these guys should supply and its stuff like that.

 

I know everyother hole for everyother sensor comes with a freakin plug....just not that one.

 

I wouldn't waste the money on a Total Dissolved Solids or oil level sensor just to plug the hole. Get a thread pitch gauge and find the correct thread, then just install a short bolt and sealing washer.

radiateu is right - they probably should have provided a plug.

 

I heard that Sallee Chevrolet provides a plug with that engine.

 

I orderd my engine from Pace Parts and it did not come with a plug so I called them asked what it was for. They told me that I had to order the plug if i didnt use the sensor. There explainanition for not providing me with the plug was that the engine didnt belong in a camaro and therefore I would have to buy the plug. At least they could have told me that when i ordered the engine.

 

any idea what the dimensions of the plugs are?? if i have to ill get one that sort of fits and just RTV the hell out of it.

 

found out the plug is m20x1.5

 

TBI,

Thanks much for the feedback. Its in my archives now...

 

cant figure out WHERE to get a m20x1.5 plug or bolt but ok...I guess im going to have to order one from paceparts....errrr i need the plug now... its the only thing keeping me from running my motor!!!!!

 

I got mine at a local Carquest parts store.
They had an assortment of plugs, with gaskets. The gasket was of a hard fibre material and I had to put sealant on it to get it to seal.
LOL
Jimjohn

 

carquest had that size??? there is one near me i should give them a call and check it out.

 

Any good hardware store, industrial supplier, or even a well-stocked parts store should have an M20-1.5 bolt about 20mm long. The parts stores might even have a drain plug in that size.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Later,
Vader
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
All my life I've been searching for something. Something never comes - never leads to nothing...