Oil Pan Cracked at Plug - thoughts?

I took my 96 Accord to a big box place for an oil change. Afterward,
on an extended trip, I noticed an oil leak and took it to a local
mechanic to have it inspected. He showed me that there is a
significant crack just beneath the drain plug running in a straight
line and ending in a place where the metal is bent into the pan.
Looking at it from the inside, it is plain that the crack runs along
the triangular reinforcement plate, then out about half an inch.

The big box guys said that the leak was caused by a stripped oil plug,
but the threads are perfect. Then they said 'the Incredible Hulk
couldn't overtighten this plug without it stripping before the pan
cracked'. Every other mechanic I've looked at has said it is a plain
case of overtightening, but I want to confirm that this isn't some
widespread or known problem. Any thoughts?

 

is this an aluminum pan or steel? impact/jack damage? rust?
regardless, it needs to be replaced.

 

The pad needs to be removed and replaced, or possibly repaired if you
have access to someone talented with a TIG aluminum welder.

For **** sake, stay away from quick lube and big box oil change places.
Spend an extra $10 or so to have a real mechanic do your routine work.

Good luck getting Mr. Big Box to pay for fixing the problem!


John

 

Steel pan, no rust, no dents. I had it replaced, but am trying to get
the big boxers to reimburse me for the cost.

 

Find an expert, go to small claims court.

JT

 

It will cost more to do this than the cost of the pan. Just get over it and
find a decent mechanic.

SD