Cast aluminum is not only structurally weak, but it's also somewhat porous
and can allow fluids to wick through from the inside out.  I'm currently
collecting the parts for an mTDI swap and plan to coat the interior of my
oil pan with a product called
Glyptal<http://www.eastwood.com/glyptal-red-brush-on-1-qt.html>,
which should eliminate the seeping issue for good.

On Sat, Nov 3, 2012 at 10:41 AM, Dana Mueller <dmueller@wack.com> wrote:

> So the big question: is the oil pan gasket manufactured anymore?  If not,
> are you all buying gasket material and xacto knifing your own?
>
> -dm
>
> On Nov 2, 2012, at 18:38, Frank Lee <techedteacher@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Wow, Very rare I think.
>
> Last fall I had my 1.6 na leaky oil pan heli-arc welded and filed back into
> shape. (i think..  such welding is way above my pay grade)
> It worked.  Pan does not leak.
>
> Another option. ~~ Ask on Samba. WANTED Classified.  Look for someone who
> has upgraded 82' diesel  to a 1.9 TDI. May have the prior 1.6 NA.
>
> Frank
>
>
>
> On Fri, Nov 2, 2012 at 8:43 PM, Dana Mueller <dmueller@wack.com> wrote:
>
> > Thanks for the oil suggestions. Went to wipe down the drain plug area
> > and clean off the pan when I noticed spot weld or whatever you call
> > that stuff you can put on and it hardens. The only problem is when
> > putting the drain plug pack in, that weakened and now I have one hell
> > of a niagra falls happening.
> >
> > Backstory, purchased the vehicle and had it shipped from SC to WA
> > because the westie was in good shape. Got it from some friends and
> > reviewed the maintenance records, including calling the shop that
> > rebuilt the engine. No one mentioned the cracked plan near the drain
> > plug.
> >
> > This leads to my question-anyone have an oil pan for a 1982 VW diesel
> 1.6?
> >
> > -dm
> >
>

--
Casey