GTOpowered240sx

iTrader: (1)

So I was getting my GTO LS1 ready for install and I found this.




Can it be welded?

If not, can it be "patched"? I have access to industrial strength bonding supplies. Ceramic and Carbon.

I'd like to keep from having to buy another pan, but all advice is appreciated!

chromeplated500

iTrader: (10)

I would weld it...the bonding idea would also prolly work but welding would be better... good luck

Cajun99SS

I would put a patch and tig weld all around for a permanent leak free fix.

mrdragster1970

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We weld all our pans when converting to dry sumps or repairs, fix it and don't give it a second thought. + 3

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MrDude_1

iTrader: (4)

weld it... but im curious... how did you do that?? lol

machinistone

Cut out a circle or square, make up a patch piece of aluminum to fit into the hole and tig weld it up.

CTSmechanic

iTrader: (2)

Thats going to weld like $hit crappy aluminum and been soaked in oil.... buy a new pan

Oneslowz28

iTrader: (6)

+2 on the new pan i havent had any luck in the past.

mr2guru

iTrader: (16)

I had a machinist at my work weld up a large hole someone tapped for a turbo oil drain in one of my pans. I honestly could barely tell where it was after he was done. But then again he's a master at teh tig.

MrDude_1

iTrader: (4)

after you clean it, you can tig it and have it coming out looking like a brand new pan.

if you dont clean it well, you can never expect a good weld... yes, oil is soaked into the pores of the metal.... but it is possible to get it perfectly clean before you weld.

zapp168

iTrader: (7)

I have never had a problem after repairing / modifying a part. Just have it welded.

Whistler

iTrader: (46)

Just make sure it is clean. Use scotchbrites and BrakeKleen, and leak test it with laquer thinner.. it's thinner than water and will find the pin holes.

95 Z28

iTrader: (21)

That can be fixed. About a month ago I put my jack through my oil pan, and had a welder at a local place fab this up for me .
Haven't had any problems with it. I know he drilled small holes where cracks might have extended out beyond the plate.

bczee

iTrader: (12)

the trick is to clean it really good, put it in a dish washer (as one of the other guys here on the forum recommends)..

Pre Heat the whole pan and clamp it to the table to keep it from getting out of shape from the heat..(should be to bad with that small of a patch).

Ehatcher

iTrader: (1)

my oil pan got punctured by a rock.. I had the pan welded and covered with a patch. But i still went ahead and bought a new oil pan. Id rather pay the $260 on the oil pan v. alot more with fubar'd engine.

UTE 500

As has been said, it will be easy to weld this if it is PROPERLY cleaned first. Putting it in a hot tank or dishwasher is the best way to do this, to drive the oil out of the pores in the alloy. Get someone who welds a lot of ally to do it.

xfactor_pitbulls

iTrader: (16)

I have had the best luck welding cast aluminum by using a flap wheel or emory wheel and grinding off the top 1/16" or so of material. Usually that is enough to get past the seepage. If it is a small patch, just preheat with a benzomatic and dont use MAPP gas, or oxy/acet, they are both hotter than you need. You do not need to clamp it down, the heat "should" not be widespread enough to effect overall shape if concentrated right and you get in, get done, and get out.

BigJls1

I agree with pitbull,

but hey any local shop should only charge 50 or 60 bucks
about an hours worth. I you dont have a tig. save the 300
it will cost for a new pan. I would have the shop put a piece of .375 6061 as a patch an then drill and tap 3/8 npt into the patch. put yourself a pipe plug in the hole. guess what if you ever go turbo you have an retun to the pan hole without having to drop your pan. do it will you have the chance it will not hurt ir cost any thing since you have the pan off. as far as cleaning the pan, if you do it it will save the shop time wich saves you money.

machinistone

If your weld guy has any experience at all he will know how to prep the area and it should turn out just fine - we don't buy new pans when installing oil temp or S/C fittings. Wash it like was said above, you can put the torch to that area to draw the oil out of the material, and any good welder knows how to deal with crappy material or even good metal that has been weathered and is porous. I consider myself to be just a mediocre welder and that would be an easy job.

LOL @ the Diamond Plate patch

CTSmechanic

iTrader: (2)

I always compare the cost of fixing it VS being 100% certian and buying a new one always taking into thought youll always have a problem with something at the worst time...