Scotty,
I recently discovered yesterday that my oil drain pan has developed a rust hole and is dripping oil at a somewhat steady rate. It slowes as the engine cools and eventually stops after a couple hours I believe. I have a measuring cup to catch the oil and measure how much is leaking. Unfortunately no shops are open right now to replace it. Could I just repour the leaked oil back into the engine to save having to buy new oil until I can take it in Monday or Tuesday. I have to drive my truck to school.
It slowes as the engine cools and eventually stops after a couple hours I believe.
That's because the oil is draining out of the engine block and down into the pan. if the hole is on the side, it will leak as it flows past the hole.
I have a measuring cup to catch the oil and measure how much is leaking.
What about the oil that came out of the engine while you were driving? The oil wasn't as noticeable because the engine and oil pump kept most of it away from that hole. Oil drains to the pan and is picked up by the oil pump again to re-enter circulation. That all stops when the engine is turned off. Check the dipstick and how far it is from full, add oil until it reads full (do this on a flat surface).
Could I just repour the leaked oil back into the engine to save having to buy new oil until I can take it in Monday or Tuesday.
If it wasn't contaminated with water or anything else, this is probably fine. Particulates and dust will get caught by the oil filter and removed- oil goes from the oil pump through the oil filter before it goes out to the engine.
How big is this hole? If there are no other rust spots on the pan like this, and the hole is small, try using JBWeld for high temperatures and patch it. It's like Play-Do. You will need to do a little prep work, namely getting dirt and oil off the outside of the pan and figuring out how far the rust extends. Press the putty on the pan surrounding hole to seal it, don't push on the hole itself. It will take 8 hours to fully cure. HighHeat Epoxy Putty | J-B Weld (jbweld.com)
I want to think it's going to be a little dirty you can't go to Walmart and pick up a 5 l bottle of oil
Or AutoZone or advance Auto parts or a gas station
I would say no, dust or some particles may get into the jar, or worst yet the rust itself. Don't want any of that in the engine. Unless it's clear enough that you can see no containments.
It's just called an oil pan.
Keep an eye on that dipstick!
