So, anyone following me or my Engine swap out, here is my next dilema. Complete Engine swap on my 94 Ranger 4.0L OHV 4X4 Auto complete. This past weekend finished complete install. Installed junkyard motor and added New: Plugs, Oil Filter, Water Pump, Thermostat, Heater Core, Radiator, Condenser, temps sensor, low oil sensor, oil pressure switch, and exhuast head pipe. Basic stuff, I did not tear down or replace anything else already on. I wanted this to be a drop in install, lol. Anyway, so after all I been through I completed installing everything. Last step - Put in motor oil, Coolant, P.S. fluid, & Coolant and start.
HERE IS MY NEW ISSUE:
Before 1st start after adding fluids, saw a small puddle on the floor. Ends up its motor oil? OK, so I check filter housing. Filter. Drain plug? I keep wiping oil off pan and discover a hiarline crack in the Oil pan. Really. I dont think it was or is possible to see it before hand, but GD. Hell, if I knew it had a cracked Oil pan from the junkyard I would have put the original on? The yard drains the engines and them pressure washes them before you buy. No way to detect a hairline crack. Once new oil was put in, it started to seep out of the crack.
Now What? According to the book, to Replace the engine Oil pan on this truck - Remove Engine?
HELL TO THE NO.
Seriously?
I called my local Ford dealer and they said it is possible to replace without a complete uninstall but the options are slim.
1 - Hoist engine off engine mounts and trans mount enough to maybe clear pan and out?
2 - Remove front differential? (got to love 4wd) ....a cluster
I am so, pissed.
In reality, all in all the motor runs GREAT. It purrs like a kitten. I drove it around the block and it will tear the tires off when you hit the gas. Runs solid, no check engine lights, NO way of knowing the Oil pan had a crack. Now what? I DONT think I have it in me to pull motor and dissassemble it all again. Frig
Please send me suggestions.
I have heard JB weld, or some sort of Epoxy - which sounds real good.
I work in a Dealership/Bodyshop and it was suggested to weld it. (DOES anyone know what the oil pan for this truck is made of?)
I dont think its steel. Either Aluminum or Magnesium and if so prob no welding
I still have a perfectly good oil pan Core, but I cant see a complete disassembly to change out the Oilpan. I am so Distraught
Save me Now!!!!

 

The only way to get the pan clean enough to do either of those repairs is to remove it, you'll need to get every trace of oil out of and off the pan, including what oil is in the crack.

I don't know any welder that would even attempt welding it still on the car, risk of fire.

 

Your very first statement says, "The only way to get the pan clean enough to do either of those repairs is to remove it" - .....If I remove it - I have a perfectly FINE Oil Pan that I could replace it with from the core. Heres the Problem. One, you dont know what Ive been through to replace this engine or where it sits today. I AM not taking everything apart again just because it needs an Oil pan (if I can help it)
Second, I know many mechanics that are welders and they will attempt to weld it if they think it can be done. Here's the problem. Whats the Metal?
I will JB weld this **** in a second before I take the entire Engine apart Again, just to replace the Oil Pan. Sucks Ford made it that you have to remove Engine and everything to just replace the Oil Pan. Jeez

 

Drain the oil, fill it with solvent to rinse the crack as best you can, drain solvent and braze it?