Just picked up a '99 with an engine that supposedly has 85k (PO put it in 15k ago and it had 70k when installed). Doesn't know the history on when/if anything was replaced, so before I even drive it I have parked it and will be promptly removing the engine to replace whatever I find that needs replacing. Upon draining the oil I notice the passenger side rear of the oil sump appeared to be covered in silicone- or so I thought when I inspected the car. Closer inspection reveals it to likely be JB weld. What occurred in this area I can not imagine, but here is the underlying metal that remains after everything was cleaned off:
Number one: should I remove the remainder of the JB weld from around the circular plug?
Number two: best procedure for refinishing? I can easily have it TIG welded, and milled flat, and I will definitely have some material added to the outside of the sump where the gouges are worst , but would like to hear other opinions.
BTW sump cover is fine, no damage on it.