vanquish

I was installing my oil drain fitting today for a Vortech kit. After marking the location of the hole with a center punch, I decided I want to be safe and weld the fitting to the oil pan instead of tapping the pan to create threads. However, the fitting is brass and the oil pan is steel. I was going to run a bead with a MIG welder but I don't think brass and steel can be welded together. Does anyone know if I can weld brass to steel with a MIG welder? I tried going to napa to see if they had a steel equivalent to my fitting but no luck there. Should I worry about welding it on or just tap and bolt it on?

mustangman281

I welded mine and just bought a steel AN fitting to weld to the pan.

jvog

did you try lowes or pyles? I am sure they have something you can use.

vanquish

I might run to the new Lowes and Pyles in avondale tomorrow morning and look for one. If not, I'll just tap the pan. Jvog, does tapping the pan make a good connection/seal in your opinion?

jvog

Yea I think so...eric said the tap made perfect threads and I havent seen anything leaking yet. The fitting that goes into the pan is slighty tapered so it fits pretty snug.

vanquish

If I can't find a steel fitting I'll just tap it you're right the tap is tapered because it is for pipe. The tap I have is a snap-on 3/8"-18. I don't have an idea what the -18 means but I hope it's correct or else my car is going to be stuck at a shop with a hole in the oil pan.

livefast1

no you can't weld brass to steel and if its pipe thread you should have the rite pipe tap.

Chris98Gt

-18 means 18 threads per inch.

vanquish

Thanks for the help everyone. I ended up tapping the pan. It seems like a very good fit and it worked out easier than I expected.

lizzyfan

That's the route I went