crack in sump, how?

[redcrx]

Ive just taken my car in to garage as the alternator had failed and asked the garage to check an oil leak which started about 3 weeks ago. It wasnt a makor leak as the oil level was ok when checked 2 days ago.

The garage have called back and said its a crack in the sump, i can collect car and get it fixed soon apprently its ok to drive ?

i havnt hit anything that Im aware of so how can i have cracked it? the cars only done 50k miles so surely parts like that shouldnt fail.

[kempie]

It is possible for a flaw during manufacture to manifest itself as a fracture. If the cause was due to impact then there most likely would be signs of this (scratches etc.)

[redcrx]

theres a cover under the engine, like a tray, which is fine.

i suppose itd never be possible to prove its a faulty part now its done so many miles. and �220 on top of a �260 alternator is pushing my finances to limit this month grrrr

[kempie]

If a car is still within the conditions of its warranty, a cracked sump could well be covered provided there is no indication of impact. The crack is not due to wear of the sump (i.e. it must be a fault) and it would be difficult to dispute such a claim where the sump guard is clearly undamaged.

[NORMANTHEDOG]

a sump is a very easy part to fit,get a seconhand one from a breakers and fit it yourself,should cost you no more then �50 all in

[cazzz1975]

the chance of the sump cracking is absolutely minimal, you would KNOW if you had cracked it, more likely the sump may be a bit loose, it may need to be tightened with a suitable spanner.

[cazzz1975]

kempie, thinning in the forming process would be picked up in quality control

[redcrx]

Thanks all. NTD i really am not the best person to try and fit a new one. god knows how much damage i could do lol

I am removing the car from the service centre and taking it to a mechanic friend who will take a look for me as there is no way at all that either I or Mr CRX have caused any damage ourselves when driving. I shall get pics of any damage too and go back to Ford if it looks like a failure.

The car is 4 years old so out of warranty :(

[Blackthorn]

You don't say what kind of car you have but there was a known issue with Audi's suffering from cracks in the (aluminium) sump. They are just not strong enough.
Apparently it is not unknown for the drain plug to tear itself out of the metal during an oil change.

[redcrx]

ah sorry. Its a Ford C-Max 53 plate

[Blackthorn]

Sorry just read further down that its a Ford.
Disregard last answer, duh!

[chas2008]

it is possible to weld it, just needs someone who know what they are doing..
also worth ringing a FORD parts dept with the details of your vehicle and see wether they have sold many sumps, that would indicate a known problem

[david1702198]

blackthorn we use to have some problems with the skoda octavias, you had to wait until the heat had dispersed from the sump before re fitting the sump plug as the threads had expanded while hot and sometimes even stripped them altogether, the audi, volkswagens and seats were the same. never seen one crack mind you, damaged yes but not cracked

[redcrx]

update:
i took the car to an independant mechanic. He cannot repair the sump but on removal and inspection has found the cause of the crack to be the overtightening of the plug.

Im getting him to repair the car as i cant keep getting it moved from pillar to post but i will certainly be taking all the evidence and his opinion in writing to the Ford Service centre who have carried out all services and oil changes on it, as well as being the ones who want �220 to repair the damage.

What do you reckon my chances are of getting the money for replacement from them? �160 from independant. Im not sure i will trust them again to do any work either.