Easy Guide: Installing A Custom Oil Pan

Adding an oil pan fitting to your car can be a great way to improve its performance, but it's important to do it right. There are a few different methods you can use, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. One popular method is to use a bulkhead fitting, which involves drilling a hole and using a bolt-on bulkhead fitting with a large nut on each side of the oil pan. Another option is to weld a bung to the oil pan, but this requires careful execution to avoid damaging the pan. Ultimately, the best method for your vehicle will depend on factors such as the type of pan and your personal preferences.

Bulkhead fitting

A bulkhead fitting is one of the options for installing an AN fitting in front of an oil pan for a turbo drain. This involves drilling a hole and using a bolt-on bulkhead fitting. There are two big nuts on each side of the oil pan (bulkhead) that screw together. Typically, some type of sealing washer is used.

There are a few considerations to keep in mind when using a bulkhead fitting. One user expressed concern about the lack of a flat surface to mount the fitting and suggested using JB weld to seal everything up instead of relying on washers on a rounded surface. However, another user pointed out that JB weld may not be the best option for an oil environment and suggested using something like Permatex 1 or 2 sealant instead.

Another consideration is the type of oil pan. If it is an aluminum pan, there may be issues with contamination during the welding process. For steel pans, one user suggested tacking the bulkhead fitting to the inside of the pan, while another user mentioned the possibility of heating and cracking the pan during brazing.

One user shared their experience with a bulkhead fitting from Amazon, stating that they had no issues or leaks. This suggests that a bulkhead fitting can be a viable option for installing an AN fitting in front of an oil pan for a turbo drain, but it is important to carefully consider the specific circumstances and take appropriate precautions.

Weld bung

When welding a bung to a tube, set the amps and wire speed for the thickness of the tube. It is not necessary to insert a bolt into the bung before welding, and doing so may result in the bolt getting fused. If you are concerned about protecting the integrity of the threads, you can try covering the hole with something that doesn't thread in.

If you are considering using a weld bung to install a turbo drain in front of an oil pan, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, welding a thick bung to thin sheet metal requires skill and experience. Second, heating an oil pan during welding may cause it to crack. A bulkhead fitting, which uses bolts and sealing washers, is an alternative to welding.

Tig welding

Choose the Electrode:

For aluminium welding, use a pure tungsten rod. For other metals, you can choose from various tungsten alloys, such as thoriated tungsten, suited for specific metal alloys.

Grind the Electrode:

Grind the tungsten rod to a point, especially if it is new. The tip will become rounded due to heat while welding. For AC welding, a balled tip is recommended, while for DC welding, a pointed tip is preferred for a more directed arc.

Insert the Electrode into its Collet:

Place the tungsten rod into the electrode holder, ensuring it sits about 1/4" away from the protective sheath.

Choose the Settings:

Set your TIG machine to the appropriate electricity options. For aluminium, choose AC. For steel, set it to DCEN (DC, Electrode Negative). Adjust the "Cleaning/Penetrating" setting to the penetrating side (around 7 on a scale of 1-10). Set the "Air on" to about 5 seconds to prevent oxidation/rusting. Set the "Max Amps" high, around 250.

Turn on the Gas:

Use pure argon gas for aluminium, and an argon/carbon dioxide mixture for steel. The gas protects the weld from corrosion and rust.

Prepare Metal and Welding Table:

Use a large metallic surface, such as a welding table, to allow electricity flow. Clean the metal surfaces with a wire brush, and if desired, wipe down the welding rods with acetone for a nicer finish. Clamp the metals to keep them in place during welding.

• Get Dressed Up!
• One Last Check:

Ensure the electrode is untangled and can move freely. Hold it about an inch away from the metal, never touching it, to avoid contamination.

Start the Weld Pool:

Use the foot pedal to quickly heat the metal and start the weld pool. This will liquefy the metal, allowing you to begin the weld.

Draw a Bead:

After tacking, remove any clamps and start a weld pool. Control the current with the foot pedal, ensuring the metal doesn't burn or melt. Move the electrode towards the rod while feeding the rod into the pool.

Types of Welds:

The easiest weld is the "fillet", joining two metals at right angles. The "lap" weld is two metals resting flat against each other. The "butt" weld is more challenging, joining metals along their edges, requiring a straight electrode path.

Now that you know the basics of TIG welding, you can apply this knowledge to adding a fitting oil pan. Remember to follow the specific instructions for your vehicle and seek professional guidance if needed.

Brazing

First, you need to clean the oil pan thoroughly and pre-clean the repair area. This is an important step to ensure that the brazing process is successful. Once the oil pan is clean, you can start heating the metal with the propane torch. It is important to use a circular motion and continually move the flame to avoid overheating and melting the steel.

Next, you will need to apply flux to the repair area. The flux will help cleanse and prepare the steel for brazing. You can use a flux-coated silver solder rod, melting it off with the torch. Wait until the steel turns a dull red colour before adding the solder.

When the steel is ready, you can start adding the silver solder. It is important to add the solder in small quantities and use a circular motion to ensure that it flows and bonds with the steel. Continue broadly heating the metal with the torch while applying the solder.

By following these steps, you can successfully braze an oil pan and create a strong and durable joint. Brazing is a useful technique for repairing or modifying oil pans, and it can be done with relatively simple tools and materials.

Punch and tap approach

The punch and tap approach is a quick and dirty method to add a fitting to an oil pan. It is a relatively straightforward process that can be completed with the right tools and some careful planning. Here is a step-by-step guide to the punch and tap approach:

Planning and Preparation:

• Refer to the instruction manual: Before beginning, it is crucial to consult the supplied instruction manual for your specific vehicle. The manual will provide exact measurements and locations for punching and tapping the oil pan.
• Mark the target hole: Use the provided measurements to mark the desired location for the hole on the oil pan. This location should be above the oil line.
• Gather the necessary tools: Ensure you have all the required tools for the job, including a center punch, a hammer, a tap, multi-purpose grease, and any other recommended items.

Punching the Hole:

• Punch the hole: Using the center punch and a hammer, carefully punch the marked hole in the oil pan. The depth of the punch will determine the size of the hole, so control the depth accordingly.
• Check the hole size: Continue punching until the hole reaches the required size. It is important to achieve the correct size to ensure a proper fit for the hose barb.

Tapping the Hole:

• Prepare the tap: Apply multi-purpose grease to the flutes of the tap. This will help catch any particles and prevent them from entering the oil pan during the tapping process.
• Create threads: Carefully use the tap to create threads inside the punched hole. This will allow you to securely attach the hose barb fitting. Be sure to tap straight and follow the standard tap procedure for the best results.

Final Steps:

• Attach the hose barb: Once the tapping is complete, apply Teflon tape and silicone to the hose barb fitting. Carefully thread it into the tapped hole, being careful not to overtighten it.
• Drain and refill oil: After the fitting is secure, drain the oil to flush out any particles that may have entered during the process. Then, refill the oil to the manufacturer's recommended level.

The punch and tap approach is a practical method for adding a fitting to an oil pan. By following these steps and taking your time, you can achieve a secure and leak-free connection for your hose barb.

Frequently asked questions