Slight crack in the belly pan...

[Yellowb1rd]

Chaps,

A couple of weeks ago, when removing and resealing the oil pan on the S4 motor, I noticed while LIGHTLY tightening a couple of the bolts (~7lbs torque) a popping sound. I looked, and noticed that the bloody cover had developed a slight crack. I understand that these tiny bolts don't require much force in tightening, but its not as if I was (over)torquing them to twenty or thirty lbs!

I've simply applied some jb weld specifically made for petrol tanks and the like, and it seems to have done the job; however, I've not run the motor yet, nor have I added oil. I have a spare pan, but I'd prefer not to go through the trouble of removing/replacing the pan again. Has anyone tried such repairs as a long-term solution?

[Danglerb]

Seems odd that low of torque would cause a crack, maybe some other issue?

[Yellowb1rd]

I cant imagine what, other than perhaps the crack was already there, and I had not noticed it. This is a replacement 32V motor which has not yet been placed in the car.

[Danglerb]

Pict might help, is this belly pan or oil pan?

I've seen oil pans beat pretty bad and not cracked. Actually I don't recall anybody cracking one.

[Yellowb1rd]

Hi Dang,

I meant the oil pan. Here's the before and after pics. There's a bit of oil around one of the repairs, but that's because of a bit of run off from the rear main seal. There is absolutely no oil in the pan (was completely cleaned out), so the bit of oil around the edges is NOT from oil seepage out of the repaired area itself. Actually, there are two cracks that have been repaired, so I've included pictures of both before and after patch work

before repair:






After repair:

[toofast928]

I never seen the oil pan crack before but they can warp. If it was me, I would replace the pan. Cheaper than gambling with the engine.

[Fixer]

Yellowbird,

You've got a lot of patience but don't lose it now.

That repair will eventually fail. If i were to try, it would be by welding only.

That would likely leak also..

Just email 928 International and save yourself the headache.

Good luck with your motor!
Matt

[Danglerb]

I can't tell a thing from the picts, not before or after, but looking on a little laptop for another day or so.