P38 oil leak found

After replacing just about every gasket and seal have found the source of the oil leak on my 97 4.6 HSE. There is a minute hole in the bottom of the sump. Can tis be repaired or welded or are we talking a new one if so any idea on price . Cheers guys.

Well first off (trying to save you a little £££ first) empty the oil out, when that's done you need to know just how big or small this hole is, if its rust (doubtful) or a stone or rock may have hit is and made the hole, stick a screwdriver in it and poke it around looking for any weakness in and around the hole, if you do find more damage then at least you know how much to take off make neat and then weld around, if its just the small bit then, why not weld around it, best to take the pan out and clean all the oil out first, you don't want to start a fire do you, i see no harm in doing that, as long as you do the job well and its waterproof, then in my opinion carry on m8

I' d go along with Dopey. the sump is only deep drawing quality Mild Steel. You could fill the hole with MIG weld or cut a mild steel patch out of some sheet metal and weld that over the hole.
:behindsofa:

billybuilder said:

After replacing just about every gasket and seal have found the source of the oil leak on my 97 4.6 HSE. There is a minute hole in the bottom of the sump. Can tis be repaired or welded or are we talking a new one if so any idea on price . Cheers guys.

Click to expand...

I totally aggree with weldin a "Patch" on it .................BUT...... (Thinkin in the future here) ..If (or When) you come to sell it & the Buyers looks under it & sees this "Patch" ..... (Well, it'd scare the bejesus outta me!!!)..
I would strongly suggest you "Disguise" it as (say a Drain plug) or something

make the hole bigger, then IF it was caused by Rust, (doubtful) it least you'll be welding to some "Decent" metal, Weld a 1/4 or 3/8 Socket in the hole & screw in the plug.


Just thinkiin "laterally here" .... If I saw a Patch the very first thing I'd think is ..... "Bloody Hell this guy has bin off roadin this BIG STYLE I wonder what else he's damaged under here" & would put me off buying it!!!

Personally i would make the patch oil proof. Then when your head gasket blows the water can leak out leaving the oil in.

Thanks guys very helpfull

Hi billy ,if its only small hole you can screw in a screw, and you can buy a two part putty that goes as hard steel,,i forget the name of it,you would get it in any good auto shop,it would save you from welding