1996 Dynasty - Hole in dipstick tube?

[shesmovedon]

Should I have a hole in my dipstick tube?

On the latest road trip, minimal oil loss out the dipstick tube for at least 3,000 miles, seemed like a couple drops a day. Then a couple quarts came out over a few hundred miles, enough to finally register on the dipstick and the toad. I thought it was the plug so I replaced it with a new identical one, transferred the dipstick no problem. Big thank you to a patient employee at NAPA that found it in his catalogues.

While cleaning up the oil, I spotted the hole. The plug doesn't go in far enough to cover it.

The oil loss is back to minimal over the last 500+ miles. I haven't added any since an oil change BEFORE the 3,000 miles with no issues.

Is it a vent? I checked the tube off the top of the crankcase and it seemed fine and operational. I can plug it but I don't want to mask a problem if I have one.

[Timaz]

I have no idea why they put the hole in it. I replaced my plug also then cleaned the outside of the tube well and put metal tape on it to plug it. Has been good for over 2000 miles.

Tim