The guage is basically a metal threaded cylinder with a rubberized top that has a small dial thermometer stuck in the center. The probe is about 1/8" longer than the entire cylinder and barely sticks down further than the bottom of the threads. It is measuring the "splashing" oil. But with the pressure and the large flywheel, it is getting a good amount of splashing done to it. I don't know how practical a longer probe/dipstick would be though. The clearance is pretty tight in there and if by any chance the probe gets snagged ....big trouble is possible I would imagine. I would not risk it. But who knows. I took my brand new big bore out and beat the urine out of it right away to break it in.
