1996 850 2.3T blown #2 Rod at 208k

Jazzer · Post by **Jazzer** » 18 Mar 2019, 09:42

Hi guys,

it's been a long time since my last visit but I've gotten around to doing some more work on the 96 Platinum 850 turbo 2.3 wagon, 208k miles. Long story short, a friend had borrowed it for a few months and he called to say it had died on his way home and there was no oil on the dipstick. Ugh. Anyway, had it towed to my place; good news is, it wasn't seized (I was able to rotate the crankshaft), but it took me a while to find the source of the (sudden) leak: after draining the existing oil, which was about 2-3 quarts, I removed the filter and saw this hole:

I originally thought it may have been an oil cooler line that blew, since the oil had sprayed all over the front of the engine. This actually may be a cheaper fix than new cooler lines, parts-wise, but I don't know; do I just need to replace the pan? I'm guessing this isn't a mend-able hole; it looks like he may have hit a rock or pothole or something that pushed the oil filter into the pan?

Anyway, Thanks in advance for your advice!

Bob

Post by **mrbrian200** » 18 Mar 2019, 10:37

That looks more like a casting flaw to me: metal was too thin in that area and eventually just gave way.

Post by **GlennG2759** » 18 Mar 2019, 11:37

I agree, any visible damage to oil filter?

Post by **oragex** » 18 Mar 2019, 11:39

I thought it would have been caused by some random tool while removing the filter cup but it it happened all of a sudden while driving, that's strange, the engine runs fine ? A blown rod may do that. The first thing is to measure the oil pressure once fixed. I'd use some JB weld or replace the pan

Post by **abscate** » 18 Mar 2019, 12:33

oragex wrote: ↑18 Mar 2019, 11:39 I thought it would have been caused by some random tool while removing the filter cup but it it happened all of a sudden while driving, that's strange, the engine runs fine ? A blown rod may do that. The first thing is to measure the oil pressure once fixed. I'd use some JB weld or replace the pan

Tool damage, I agree.

Post by **Rattnalle** » 18 Mar 2019, 12:37

It doesn't look like there's any sign of outside interference, tool marks next to it or anything. It looks like it cleanly ground down from inside.

Post by **abscate** » 18 Mar 2019, 12:42

Wait a minute - isnt that an eyeball looking out? Maybe the poor guy who lubricates the back of the pistons wants a break from work??

: Screen Shot 2019-03-18 at 2.40.56 PM.png (152.85 KiB) Viewed 1029 times

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 18 Mar 2019, 14:44

Jazzer wrote: ↑18 Mar 2019, 09:42 I'm guessing this isn't a mend-able hole; it looks like he may have hit a rock or pothole or something that pushed the oil filter into the pan?

J-B Weld with some screen as a framework.
Get the metal squeaky clean, rub it down with Acetone, let dry so it the J-B Weld will bond well.

WhatAmIDoing · Post by **WhatAmIDoing** » 18 Mar 2019, 15:42

I'd go with JBweld to confirm the engine isn't toasted. If you still have oil pressure and don't hear expensive noises, then I'd pull a junkyard pan and replace it for piece of mind. Any damage to the filter or other parts of the underside?

tardcart · Post by **tardcart** » 18 Mar 2019, 15:52

Oragex is correct: blown rod. It may still run but now it will be a four cylinder car. This is why its bad to loan cars. It puts them and you in a bad spot. It may not be is fault at all. but I bet the oil was low and he didn't see the light.