tire 10 Report post Posted January 23, 2012 (edited) I just discovered a small split in the (alloy) sump of my M30B35, about the length and width of a thumbnail. Drips about every half hour with car off. I have replaced 2 sumps so far in E30s and I'm really quite sick of it. Is it feasible to drain the oil and tow it to a workshop to be welded? Has anyone had this done before? Thanks. Edited January 23, 2012 by tastic Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nipe 1 Report post Posted January 23, 2012 I used jb weld on mine, worked perfectly Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
*Glenn* 854 Report post Posted January 23, 2012 It would have to come off to weld it Max. The heat of welding would create a sump fire or an explosion. The oil would also prevent the alloy from welding properly. It needs to be perfectly clean Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nath 134 Report post Posted January 23, 2012 With alll that gear in the shed (i mean the tools, not the sh*t) surely its easy to remove! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tire 10 Report post Posted January 23, 2012 Yea socket on the end of a cordless drill would do that part pretty quick I guess. I'll try JB weld and maybe some knead-it first. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ahmedsinc 414 Report post Posted January 23, 2012 Had the same thing happen to my mums Astra, caught a dirty great big rock on the metal road leading to her place. Tore a 7x35mm ish hole through the sump, lost total contents of engine in about 15 seconds. Towed the car back home courtesy of neighbour with 4wd ute, removed sump and had a local alloy fabricator weld the bugger together - total cost was less than $100 if memory serves Will Knead-It still keep its bond under temp and exposure to oil? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nath 134 Report post Posted January 23, 2012 Yeah if an engineering workshop welded up my completely snapped in 2 places alloy outboard bracket for free, then yours should at least be cheap as chips. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nobimmer 694 Report post Posted January 23, 2012 Yeah, theres a guy I used down the road from work to tac my baffle into the sump for a box of tuis. As glenn said, needs to be perfectly clean though. Shitload of brake clean etc does the trick. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thorburn 121 Report post Posted January 24, 2012 If you can get it to Hamilton i'll weld it up for you Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tire 10 Report post Posted January 24, 2012 (edited) Thanks for the offer James, I don't pass through there that often but if the timing is right I will take you up on that. Chances are I will end up taking it off and take it around the corner to the Grey Lynn Pit Stop, pretty sure the guys there are into E30s. Will report back with JB weld and Knead-It results first, AJ kindly drained the sump for me earlier, leeeeegend. Edited January 24, 2012 by tastic Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nipe 1 Report post Posted January 24, 2012 Make sure you follow the instructions very carefully the better you prep the surface, the better will be the result Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tcbaurpower 5 Report post Posted January 24, 2012 I have used knead it before... it works for awhile at slowing the leak however the road vibration and speed bumps soon knocked it around and loosened it up. I have an e30 which came with a aluminium patch welded over a crack in its sump. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Silver Fox 43 Report post Posted January 24, 2012 Have some if you need Max. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nipe 1 Report post Posted January 25, 2012 My jb weld patch still holds and its been a while since i fixed it Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tire 10 Report post Posted February 8, 2012 Cleaned, welded and painted for $60: Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dubman 39 Report post Posted February 8, 2012 Ace. control arms went in fine? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tire 10 Report post Posted February 8, 2012 Ace. control arms went in fine? Yep, your pickle fork did the trick and hardly damaged the old joints. I'll probably be working on the car tonight from ~8, will give you a text. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites