Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) 96 oil pan leak from corrosion

[MHalloran]

Anybody have any recommendations for repairing small, let's say a little larger than pinhole leaks in my oil pan? Road salt/corrosion took its toll after 11 years. A couple came through the steel on the downside section behind the crossmember and now she's developed a drip :{ . What do you think? Drain the oil, scrape then sand the sufrace, then use : fiberglass ? carbona ? Any ideas you guys may have would be appreciated. Replacing the pan is definitely a job I do not want to tackle, which I'm sure you all would understand. Thanks in advance. Mike

 

[billp102740]

Use J-B Weld

I have used J-B for a bunch of years . And it can be done on the outside with the surface prep of brushing sanding etc plus a wipe with laquer thinner or similar volatile solvent . A patch of wide masking tape will hold the epoxy in place while its curing . Drain the oil pan as dry as you can first , or the oil will prevent a bond . After 24 hours curing time (use a light bulb/trouble light ) its good to go .

 

[Skydiver]

Is the rust all over or limited to just this one spot?
I used JB on other high temp apps. Such as an air compressor head. Works great.
I would be afraid the oil on the back side of the JB would cause the patch to fall off.
Having a patched oil pan would worry me to no end.
I would like to recommend that you find another pan. Much cheaper than another engine.
If not I would drain the pan and have it braised.
Welcome to the TDR billp102740

 

[Matt42]

If the hole is truly a pinhole, screw a short sheet metal screw into it. I've done that on punctured steel fuel tanks.

A risk to that is that you might find a pinhole surrounded by rusted metal that'll come apart when you screw in the screw. Hobson's choice.

 

[JoeBioDiesel]

Ford has a special coating that works well to seal the pans on thier trucks. Drain the pan, grind it with an electric grinder with 36 grit paper, blow off with compressed air, wash with soap and water, let dry, brush on the coating. Let dry OVERNIGHT before putting oil back in. Be careful to not get grit into the pan thru the holes... just don't go crazy with the grinder.

The Ford part # is: PM-13-A

Any Dealer in the salt belt should have it.

Ford TSB 03-21-46 covers it.

Have fun,

Joe