Oil leaks?

Looks like my mechanic just found a small crack in the bottom of my
oil pan

I had noticed a small amount of oil on the belly, around the front
gear well, and a small bit coming out the top of the cowling at the
oil access door that normally wasn't there.

Had him pull the cowling off and after a dye check, he found a small
crack.

Anyone have any experience with something like this?

Is there any kind of seal that can apply?
Welding options?
Cost of replacement?
Do nothing?

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Daren

John Doe wrote:
Looks like my mechanic just found a small crack in the bottom of my
oil pan

I had noticed a small amount of oil on the belly, around the front
gear well, and a small bit coming out the top of the cowling at the
oil access door that normally wasn't there.

Had him pull the cowling off and after a dye check, he found a small
crack.

Anyone have any experience with something like this?

Is there any kind of seal that can apply?
Welding options?
Cost of replacement?
Do nothing?


Do nothing is probably not an option. Will your IA return it to service with the
crack?

Weld or replace. Your nearby overhaul shop will be familiar with the best places
for welding. IIRC DivCo is the 800-lb gorilla in the crankcase welding business.

You're going to do enough disassembly that (depending on where your engine is in
its life cycle) you should consider overhauling / replacing other components as
you go.

What engine are you talking about?
Welding should be left to a shop like DivCo that has the approvals and
equipment to repair. Replacement is an option--you may find a salvage
one. As an IA, I would definitely NOT return it to service.

Bob

In article et,
"John Doe" wrote:

Looks like my mechanic just found a small crack in the bottom of my
oil pan

I had noticed a small amount of oil on the belly, around the front
gear well, and a small bit coming out the top of the cowling at the
oil access door that normally wasn't there.

Had him pull the cowling off and after a dye check, he found a small
crack.

Anyone have any experience with something like this?

Is there any kind of seal that can apply?
Welding options?
Cost of replacement?
Do nothing?

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Daren

What kind of engine? Most Continentals have a formed sheet metal pan
(easy to weld/braze), while Lycomings have one made from cast aluminum,
which is harder to repair, as they form a structural member of the
engine.

--
Remve "_" from email to reply to me personally.

Depending on the nature and location of the crack, it may be possible
to stop drill the crack and seal with Belzona 1111 (Super Metal).
This is an approved method when done properly.
I once fixed an aircooled diesel engine oil pan for a M-60 tank. They
were afraid if the crack was welded that spider cracks would be
created. Also warpage from welding was a major concern.
The US military has Belzona in their BDR kits.

There is a major aircraft junk yard in Delaware owned by Joe Jenkins.
I have bought parts from him for my Cherokee. Airport is in the book
"jenkins" He has hundreds of wrecked aircraft there. You can fly in
also. Grass strip. Airport is west of Dover AFB about ten miles.