Cheap Aluminum Oil Pan

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jaywestfall

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fortunately this is going on an engine that i am building on an engine stand. I have access to all sides. I will upload a picture when I get home from work. This is the pan. I am unsure of the brand at the moment.
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Here's the one that fits the Chevy 5.7 for 1986-1999 models.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/fel-os34500r/applications

I have this one for a cast aluminum Spectre oil pan #4989 I bought on Amazon for my 1998 C1500 ext cab when I was going to replace the oil pump and associated parts. I thought the leak was in the pan gasket, but it turned out to be the rear main seal.
 

cngodfather

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I just bought some aluminum tig welding sticks. I am going to try filling it in. Worst case is I buy a new pan. I am a glutton for punishment sometimes. This is the first time welding aluminum. I am not good at welding. Not terrible-- but not good. A better welder that can pulse weld would be nice but this is going to be an interesting day when it happens. It makes me wonder sometimes why it just doesn't fit right. The rest of the pan looks really good. Even if it is chinese crap, why don't they have the correct dimensions? From the start, make one that fits, then copy it with their cheap labor. Even for a s h i t ty company, that is good for repeat business.
 

biggbiker

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I just bought some aluminum tig welding sticks. I am going to try filling it in. Worst case is I buy a new pan. I am a glutton for punishment sometimes. This is the first time welding aluminum. I am not good at welding. Not terrible-- but not good.
That aluminum loves lots of amperage, like 3x that for steel. Hope this helps.
 

Schurkey

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This is the first time welding aluminum. I am not good at welding.

You have a guaranteed failure unless you're an experienced (aluminum) welder. THAT is not the application to practice a new skill.

Did you buy aluminum fill rods that match the grade of aluminum used to cast the pan?
 

SPDMETL

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Are there any good quality aluminum pans for the traditional smallblocks like the 5.7 vortec trucks? Stealership replaced my stock, rusted pan a few years ago and it's looking crusty again
 

RichLo

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You have a guaranteed failure unless you're an experienced (aluminum) welder. THAT is not the application to practice a new skill.

Did you buy aluminum fill rods that match the grade of aluminum used to cast the pan?

I agree 100% with this. Aluminum disappears before your eyes with little warning. once you blow a hole in it that pan is junk.

I'm FAR from and experienced welder but I wont touch aluminum unless I'm just f-ing around with scrap pieces.
 

Erik the Awful

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Even if it is chinese crap, why don't they have the correct dimensions? From the start, make one that fits, then copy it with their cheap labor. Even for a s h i t ty company, that is good for repeat business.
Do you remember when Microsoft debuted Windows 98 without conducting any beta testing, then relied on user bug reports to make all the fixes, then sold an upgraded Windows 98SE? This is the same thing, with more chinesium.
 

cngodfather

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After dry-fitting it together with a fel-pro one-piece gasket, it appears that it might actually work. Some silicone will be needed in the trouble spots, but it really isn't as terrible as previously thought. My hardware is looking like it will be too short now. I can buy longer hardware for most of it. The small stud on the rear seal housing is going to be a problem. The housing is installed already aand the stud is too short. It looks like it will be a problem to remove. Does anyone know a trick to get this out? I am afraid of using heat.
 
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