[DeTomaso] ZF Back plate

[JDeRyke at aol.com]

In a message dated 10/6/11 3:07:12 AM, wdemelo at cogeco.ca writes:

> The stud is broken off and a small amount of the alum case around the
> stud is broken.
> Can the rear cover be replaced by simply removing all the studs?
> 
Once the iron rear cover is off, thoroughly solvent-clean the cracked al 
casting. Then you can fill the missing piece with Devcon plastic aluminum, 
file it flat and remount the cast iron rear case with plenty of fresh gasket 
adhesive. This is not the preferred way to fix the area, but (1)- the case is 
not under any pressure so filler works fine temporarily, and (2)- 
disassembling the ZF further for welding involves quite a lot of work that you 
probably don't need right now. It can always be pulled, welded up and filed flat 
during your next engine change. Most likely, the nut loosened and that's why 
the stud broke and took part of the case with it. It should have leaked 
enough to draw your attention, but if the lube was also low, maybe the leak was 
too small to notice. Good luck- J Deryke