Cracked oilpan problem on 603 engine - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 03-10-2004, 01:42 PM

I found the souce of an oil leak beneath my 603 engine to be a small crack about three inches towards the passenger side from the drain plug. It appears to be weeping about 1 cc. daily. Seems that the best solution would be to remove oilpan and have it welded, but it appears that the engine would need to be raised or removed for the oilpan to clear the crossmember. Are there less drastic ways to seal the crack, as weld in place or JB weld? Thanks.

D.Blake · #2 03-10-2004, 03:07 PM

I just went through this about 3 months ago, but my crack was much worse. I think the PO managed to hit a parking barrier and the crack finally let go. I was at work so I took it to my nearby inde to figure out where the oil was comming from and once up on the lift we found the crack. I got a ride home to pick up the truck to drive and just had him replace it that day. I came to about $600 if I remember correctly - not an easy remove and replace. Aluminum welding is not real easy and I would never do it around flamable stuff. You oil is flamable at those temps and emptying the oil pan without inerting it might make it worse. You might try JBWeld- you never know, but I think you would have to empty the oil and let it sit for a day. I think it would be hard for it to adhere to the metal without getting all of the oil film off - easier said than done with the pan in place and a small crack full of oil.

Habanero · #3 03-10-2004, 03:13 PM

There is epoxy sold for sealing cracked fuel tanks, but I don't know if it would stand the temperature or not. May be a cheap and easy temporary fix, though. I concur with DB that welding in place probably isn't really an option. You would hate to start a fire inside that pan and have no way to put it out.

Pete Burton · #4 03-10-2004, 05:15 PM

I used JB weld on the oil pan on my chevy truck a while back and it's holding fine. You may want to drill a small hole at end of crack and grind it open a bit. clean it with something that evaporates quickly ( I used brake cleaner with trike in it, but rubbing alcohol will work great too) You have little to lose and much to save .... as long as you drain it first and wash the chips out.

Marcb · #5 03-10-2004, 06:21 PM

If you are interested, I have a good used 603 oil pan. Jusy fyi....

kerry · #6 03-10-2004, 06:43 PM

There's a product called Durafix which is a welding rod for aluminum that permits the weld to be be carried out with a propane torch. I have welded quite a bit with it and it is very durable, strong and easy to use.
On the other hand, epoxy is magical stuff. I repaired a cracked hot water radiator in my house 14 years ago with epoxy and it is still holding fine.

fj bertrand · #7 03-10-2004, 09:31 PM

best thing to degreaseCOLD metal is good old ether, but it's a constant battle to buy it around here as all the meth heads use it in their clandestine abs. so it goes...

Wasuchi · #8 03-10-2004, 10:03 PM

Another thing that might work well is "Magnum Steel". It's an epoxy that has the cosistancy of modeling clay. Auto parts stores have it and it comes in a container about the size of a rolls of quarters. You cut off a piece with a knife and roll it around in your fingers to mix the two epoxies, then just stick it on. You'll have to have all the oil cleaned off first but this stuff really sticks and gets almosty as hard as steel.... sets fast.