Hey Im a new boater my first season was last year and have done some knucle brained things since starting this great new hobby. I have asked a few questions before and need help on a theory how i hurt my engine last season. thge boat is a 96 mercruiser 3.0lx anyhow. Last run of the season found oil in the bilge that spewed from the gaskets of the oil pan on the port and starboard side. I was running without the dipstick tube in (yes im a knuclehead but what is done is done) Anyhow i was running not wide open but close when this oil blowout occurred. Is it possible that a suction occurred of air at the oil dipstick hole -and all that pressure built up in the crankcase causing the gasket to collapse and spurt the oil out the sides. I have ripped this engine apart and have no signs of mechanical failure anywhere.