Need Input on 2 Case Flaws

[2jmotorsports]

I am currently cleaning out my 3.0L case and I noticed 2 flaws that I would like your input on. They are both on the right side of the case.



First one, if you follow the hole where the oil thermostat goes at the top of the case, there is a black (steel?) tube that goes down through the case and comes out of the bottom. Inside the case there was a thin piece of aluminum case wall that broke off exposing the wall of the tube.







The inserted tube doesnt seem to be disturbed.

Second item is if you follow that same tube to the bottom of the case where the oil pressure relief piston and spring are, there is an external web that has a chunk the size of a quarter taken out.





I suspect neither of these are major problems but I wanted to be sure.

Thanks in advance.

[Mark Henry]

The hole inside the case, oil pressure relief piston is normal.
The other won't hurt anything.

[Walt Fricke]

+1

That chunk sort of looks like someone did it on purpose for clearance from something. Not sure what, though. SSIs can be a tight fit on the left side, but not this side. Not structural in any event.

[Flat6pac]

You want to pay attention to the external part of the tube along the oil cooler area. Under the cylinder and inside the flange for the oil cooler.
This is a known leak area and the fix is wire brush the area and JB weld

[2jmotorsports]

Flat6pac, right! I remember that area plus I will review any areas around press-in plugs that need to be covered in JB weld.

Thanks everyone for the feedback!

[txhokie4life]

My guess is clearance for an oil line or AN fitting

[E Sully]

The internal pipe is not an issue. Leave it as is. On the outside, a little JB weld over the thin casting is needed.