Cracked my Oil pan.. Am I lucky or what

midnightsun · 7th February 2006, 15:23

Sh*t always happens when you least expect it.

Last thursday I cracked my oil pan on a local speed bump

Which was strange because I didn't drive faster than usual and ride the bump daily...but whatever.... So I park the car immidiately and call to have the him picked up.

Upon inspection my mechanic discovered the probable cause... as my left front shock had finally failed. So I'm thinking just my luck.... now I have to score a new oilpan and dish out EDC big bugs when I least need it

So my mechanic takes of the oilpan and dumps the remaining oil in a bin and hears two "clunks" , digs in and retrieves a bolt and a broken of bolt head.

Turns out its one of the Crankshaft bearing bolts (the one closest to the Flywheel.)So the last bearing was hanging on with just one bolt!!

Apparently it has been like this for some time, for as far as he can see there's no damage to the bearing and no wear marks.
As the car wasn't due for a major overhaul in some time.......
It turns out I was lucky after all

So questions:
Any of you guys heard or experienced this before?(crankshaft bolt faillure)
What torque should be applied on the new bolts?
Anything else I should tackle as the oil pan is now off?

P.s.
As I called around for a new oil pan I also managed to score a complete EDC set (shocks, struts, loom& controlbox etc etc) of a 93 3.8 for 600€

It still hurts but not as much as I've read on the forum posts.

Looking forward to your replies

with kind regards
Tamar

Sebring NL · 7th February 2006, 16:07

The Lord works in mysterious ways

not only a V8 problem then!

Do you have the carte pan already? I think I know someone who has one that is fixed

Stevie · 7th February 2006, 16:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by midnightsun

Sh*t always happens when you least expect it.So my mechanic takes of the oilpan and dumps the remaining oil in a bin and hears two "clunks" , digs in and retrieves a bolt and a broken of bolt head.

I'd have that cracked sump polished, gold plated, and put on a pedestal. Furthermore I suggest you contact Stadsdeel Oud Zuid to see if you can buy the speedhump, have Farrel pimp it with nice flashy neons, polish it, chrome it, and put it in your driveway so you can kiss it every time you go to out!!!!

If the sump is out I'd reshell all the bearings anyway, but it's your call, you know as well as I do......

You lucky sod!!!!!!!!! Daar moet op gedronken worden hi ha ho..........

midnightsun · 7th February 2006, 16:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stevie

I'd have that cracked sump polished, gold plated, and put on a pedestal. Furthermore I suggest you contact Stadsdeel Oud Zuid to see if you can buy the speedhump, have Farrel pimp it with nice flashy neons, polish it, chrome it, and put it in your driveway so you can kiss it every time you go to out!!!!

Goldplating the sump...

m might do that, but the only way I would buy the speed bump was if I would be allowed to blast it with some dynamite.... Hell I wouild buy them all!!!
Since I blame them for busting my EDC in the first place

Then again the EDC has just busted my expense allowence for a while....

And yes you might say this cloud had a silver lining

cheers

signing off now, have to leave to pick up my new 2nd hand sump and EDC.

farrell · 7th February 2006, 16:57

Hi Tamar
You've been very very lucky.
Its not common for Crankshaft bridge bolts to undo...unless they have been replaced in the past.. & not torqued correctly.
Conrod bolts fail & back out or the head shears off but this is usually down to excess rpm above 7,500 (chips with rpm limit removed)

I would recommend getting the exact torque figure from BMW for the bolts.
Dont take any chances.

I would get that sump gold plated just to remind you that you have been lucky to avoid a complete rebuild..!

Good luck
Farrell

DrSakke · 11th February 2006, 17:01

Lucky you!!!
I would replace all the bearings (can be done without dismantling the engine)
Both conrod bearings and the main bearings AND the oilpump(if the mileage is highish) Parts are quite cheap, they cost around 400eur. Changing the bearings takes maybe 6-8 hours of labour.

Sakke

raymondw · 11th February 2006, 17:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by farrell

ts not common for Crankshaft bridge bolts to undo...unless they have been replaced in the past.. & not torqued correctly.

Or have been reused!!

Main bearing cap bolts (cleaned and lubricated, use new bolts!!!)
Step 1: Intial toruque: 20nm
Step 2: Turn additional 50degr