The motor I bought was from a car that was involved in a collision. I got a really good deal because the upper oil pan where the oil sending unit is, is cracked. Does this look like it can somehow be repaired without replacing the entire upper oil pan? I would prefer not doing that, if at all possible. However, I do not want to cut corners on this if I really need to replace it, as the motor is already out of the car. If I do need to go ahead and replace it, how difficult is it with the motor out of the car? From the little research Ive done, it seems like everybody says this is a difficult task. Is this due to the fact that you have to drop the front subframe? Is the install fairly straight forward with the motor already out of the car? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

 

A competent welder could easily fix that. Here's one I did several weeks ago. No leaks so far.

outside


inside


The car was a late-'90s Volkswagen that ran over a curb.

 

Your probably going to need to take it off the engine in order to bring it somewhere to be welded so you might as well just replace it if the upper oil pan is available for a reasonable price. Replacement would probably help you sleep better plus you could probably do it yourself where welding on an engine is probably best left to a professional. Just my 02 good luck

 

Replace! !!!!!

 

If you have to pay to have it welded, you're probably looking at several dollars an inch plus the clean and prep charges. Welding castings can be very difficult or even impossible if the casting is porous and soaked with oil and/or impregnated with sealers. A clean high quality casting is pretty easy, though.

Looking at Courtesy Parts, it looks like the new part costs about $300. Used would certainly be less if you can find one. If you know a good welder, it's worth asking his opinion. Otherwise just replace it.

 

hmm, just a thought for creativity

but heat the crack from the inside with a blow torch and touch solder to the outside. The solder will flow into the heat and fill the crack. Might work, might just be ridiculous. I don't know it's been a long day

 

Replace.