47-55.1 Chasing annoying oil leaks

[leegreen]

235/261 are heavy and the pans are relatively thin, they are one engine that will crush the oil pan under their own weight. That threaded plate creates a stress point right at the curve when the pan gets a bit beat up and forms a low point where water sits. My son's 261 had a nearly identical crack and slow leak after the engine spent some time blocked up while a new cross member was welded in.

I oxy/acetylene gas welded it for him. A couple rusted thin spots popped open as soon as the torch came near them. Anyone that has spent time gas or tig welding thin steel should be able to fix it. I don't think you could do it with MIG, or at least I couldn't without probably creating more leaks.

Brazing would also work, but may not be easier as the oil residue that will cook out from under the plate will mess with adhesion, and once you get it hot enough to burn that off you might as well start welding.