Wrecked my sump :(

[astondg]

I just got back from Autocross (dirt circuit) practice today where I put a hole in sump . It was my last run for the day, I came into the last corner, onto the straight, and there was a big rock in the middle of the road. I braked and the back started to come out so I got off the brakes and corrected the slide but that was all I could really do, I tried to run over the rock close to the left front wheel, hoping to miss the sump, but I hit and the bang told me it wasn't good. The racing line isn't very wide and anywhere off it is very loose and slippery so I didn't really have anywhere to safely go.

I got into the pits (end of straight) and stopped the car. When I looked underneath the oil was leaking out rather quickly and by the time I got it up on the jack it was all on the ground. It looks like a long tear, I am not sure if it can be repaired, but we patched it up with some putty stuff and it managed to hold until I got home.

Anyway the sump has been welded before so I was wondering if there is a limit to how many times it can be done and what sort of holes can they patch up? This is a fairly good hole, really a long tear more than a hole.

My car is going to the mechanic tomorrow to get an EMS computer fitted and dyno tuned but I really need the car for Autocross racing next weekend (13th). I might have to leave the computer for now .

So if you can answer my questions that would be very helpfull, thanks.

EDIT: Maybe this should be in the Tech section, I wasn't sure. If it should than ignore my question and just take it as a story type thing.

Aston

[E30Mark]

firstly what car do you drive?

Secondly fit a sump guard

The sump will have been weakend from your first incident, the second impact will have definetly introduced invisible cracks all over the place. Ditch it and get a new one, stick a thread in the wanted section for a sump, someone here will have one for sure. As long as you say what engine it is

[astondg]

Sorry, a 1985 E30 323i. Thanks for the answer, hopefully I can find a new sump before next weekend then. I am in Australia so the wanted section probably isn't best for me if I want it before next weekend.

Yeah, it might be time for a sump guard . The first time was a bit different though, the front left wheel fell off (Also while Autocrossing ). There aren't usually many big rocks on the track, someone must have put a wheel or two off the track and thrown the rock on to it .

Thanks again,

Aston

[E30Mark]

Just noticed your location, If i had a sump for a 323i I would bring it over to you, you just pay for the flights!

Anyway the 323i sump is the same as fitted to the e30 320i, 325e & 325i.

Best of luck finding one in time, if i was you i would get the gaskets on order asap just in case you find the sump tomorrow.

[breitlingboy]

Dude,

I've got one I could get shipped over tomorrow.
Email me if you're interested.

mikeREMOVETHIS@foleymotorsport.co.uk

[bosshogg]

that two pack liquid metal worked on mine and it was a decent sized split that was 6months ago and its still dry as a bone

[astondg]

Thanks for the help . I just got it to the mechanic. He is still going to fit the EMS computer and he said he will look at the sump first and if it is not too bad he can send it away to be welded while he is wiring up the computer. Otherwise he said he should be able to fit a new sump before the weekend. I will see about getting another sump today, I e-mailed breitlingboy. So far the plan is to get it back on Wednesday afternoon, which leaves Thursday and Friday incase of problems. I just hope I can afford it all .

Aston