The Tuul Crib 7,339 #1 Posted September 24, 2019 I have an oil pan off of a big block motor and I'm wondering if anyone has tried to drill into the cast iron and thread holes to mount from underneath on the frame. The holes would line up with the bolts to the block. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oldredrider 2,553 #2 Posted September 24, 2019 Although it can be done, in my opinion, it's not worth paying a machine shop to do it. There are plenty of pans out there available that are already drilled and tapped for Horses. Call a machine shop for an estimate and compare it to the cost of one already tapped. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 51,772 #3 Posted September 25, 2019 With some of the posts you been putting on lately Cribs me thinks you and EB might have too much time one yer hands!... 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 51,772 #4 Posted September 25, 2019 (edited) Actually second thoughts here Cribs I think if would be fairly easy if the pan has the room in it to drill in to. Take the pan and mount it square to the frame. PTO side should overhang. Using the existing holes in the frame and using a appropriate size bit and hand drill carefully mark the holes to be drilled. Remove the pan and take it to the drill press for finish drilling the holes watching the depth. Tap the holes 3/8-16 and finish off with a bottoming tap. Or am I off base here? You must have read this thread pinned at the top here in engines? Edited September 25, 2019 by WHX24 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oldredrider 2,553 #5 Posted September 25, 2019 Keep in mind, drilling cast iron can present some challenges, not to mention, tapping it. May want to do some research before attempting. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Tuul Crib 7,339 #6 Posted September 25, 2019 (edited) 3 hours ago, WHX24 said: Actually second thoughts here Cribs I think if would be fairly easy if the pan has the room in it to drill in to. Take the pan and mount it square to the frame. PTO side should overhang. Using the existing holes in the frame and using a appropriate size bit and hand drill carefully mark the holes to be drilled. Remove the pan and take it to the drill press for finish drilling the holes watching the depth. Tap the holes 3/8-16 and finish off with a bottoming tap. Or am I off base here? You must have read this thread pinned at the top here in engines? This is exactly what I was thinking of doing. I have a loose frame laying around attaching to the two existing holes like you said and marking the holes then putting it on the drill press. I only have to go no more than a half inch to 3/4 into the oil pan. And I would have to pay close attention to the depth to make sure I didn't run into the opposite hole on the other side of the pan Edited September 25, 2019 by The Tool Crib Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 51,772 #7 Posted September 25, 2019 58 minutes ago, oldredrider said: drilling cast iron can present some challenges Why do you say that Old Red? I drill and tap hubs all the time for second set crews with no problems. Hope I just didn't jinx myself. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oldredrider 2,553 #8 Posted September 25, 2019 Hubs aren't subjected to the heat an engine is. Just like welding cast requires a different process, drilling and tapping cast is not the same as cold roll or hot roll steel. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
roadapples 6,983 #9 Posted September 25, 2019 Unless you are looking for originality I would use J bolts on that side.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
