An Unwanted Hole

[markedenfield]

Anyone want to take a guess at how this quarter size hole wound up in this strange place on this 172 block? You're looking at the front just below the camshaft and the engine is upside down on a stand. Also, how about the screw? All the bearings are still in the governor, nothing broke inside and nothing found in the oil pan. Since this is an old block, what is the chance of the cam flange busting out of the tapped bolts (on more than one occasion, a screw plugging the first hole and nothing on the second. Then tapped new holes. Crazy thought I know but what could do this?

 

[ss55]

What brand is a 172 block? Is 172 the displacement or the casting number?

 

[used red MN]

I had to go back and look at your other posts to see what the block is you are picturing. Apparently must be out
of an 800 series Ford. I think your theory is correct. The upper hole ..lower in your photo.. MAY go in the water
jacket so it had to be plugged. The lower unplugged hole is just open to the inside of the crank case where
number 1 rod is so there is no need to seal it, oil is splashing on both sides.

 

[wore out]

You are WAY overthinking this, the "screw" is a plug in the end of an oil gallery, the "hole" is to allow oil splash from the crankshaft area to oil the timing gears and the governor.

I'm not sure all blocks had the "hole", yours may have been added or the original rough casting hole enlarged for better governor lube.

(The camshaft gear has large holes in it that allow oil splashed from the back to get to the governor.)

 

[markedenfield]

Thanks everyone. I would have never (well maybe) that someone didn't like the size of the current hole for oil flow and just "opened it up" a little. LOL. I have to keep reminding myself of how old this thing is - and I really don't even know that. Thanks again.

 

[used red MN]

Ya, looking at it closer the circumference of those holes does not match up to those of the cam plate bolt
centers. They always say, mother knows best! Nothing implied, just a wise crack.

 

[shaun wallace]

I have 172 gas marked 310609 that has no hole in that area. The slotted screw plugs oil galley

 

[Tracy Brown]

Ford. Cubic inch displacement

 

[TractorTucker]

I don't know if that hole is supposed to
be there but if you want a different block
I have one I'd sell.