TriCabin Chrysler 400 dipstick port

rcnorman · Post by **rcnorman** » Mon Jul 11, 2011 6:06 pm

I own a 1975 TriCabin with twin Chrysler 400s. I noticed this past weekend oil coming out of what looks like a dipstick hole on the side of the block near the bottom, just behind where my starter is mounted. The dipstick for this engine is near the rear, so is this an alternative dipstick port that is missing a plug? How do I plug this? Is there a threaded plug for this?

Also, it seems like the Chrysler 400s are not as common as other engines used in the mid-70s Trojans. I'd like to find anyone who has experience with these engines to ask other questions.

Thanks.

k9th · Post by **k9th** » Mon Jul 11, 2011 6:11 pm

Welcome to the forum.

I don't have experience with Chrysler marine engines, but all marine engines I have seen have at least one alternative place to put the dipstick. I had an OMC years ago that had the dipstick on the port side and a regular pipe plug in the alternate location on the starboard side.

rcnorman · Post by **rcnorman** » Mon Jul 11, 2011 9:50 pm

Thanks, Tim. Was just curious. I spent this past weekend replacing the intake gasket and valley pan on my port engine because rain water had leaked through my cockpit and down through the engine cover and gotten into the manifold. It was a mess and caused my carb to pop at high RPMs. I noticed the oil on my plug wires when I took off the side panel and saw oil coming out of the dipstick port. I had never noticed this before and thought it was strange that there was no plug or stopper. There doesn't appear to be one on my starboard enginer either, but that one is not leaking.

I too am slowly restoring my 75 Tricab and will probably upgrade my panel board and wiring next (after I fix the leaks). Will probably need to replace the entire aft deck, which is teak over plywood, and considering whether to go with glass or teak again. Would love to see pics of your renovations if you have them posted somewhere. I will post a pic of my boat soon.