With the Thanksgiving holiday happening soon, I really have a lot to be thankful for. Of course there is the normal things like health, a good job, a happy family, etc, but right now I am thankful for the blessing of this 350SD that has no obvious internal damage to the engine!
I got the pan patched today with steel wool, epoxy and foil tape:
After the patch job and filling it with new oil, it started right up as if it was just running five minutes ago, and was quiet as a mouse! Woo-hoo! I will in fact need a new pan, as it is dripping just a little. I am going to leave it like this until I get a chance to take it to a coin-op car wash and clean the engine and bay. Once I have a replacement pan in hand, I will tackle the job of replacing it. I already have a line on one from a member here. I will get some photos this weekend of the rest of the car. Again, I am thankful to God for His love and care for me, but especially right now for providing this awesome car!