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Differential Cover Pinhole Leak

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by Jeepsterhelp, Jul 16, 2020.

  1. Jeepsterhelp

    Jeepsterhelp New Member

    Hey. I have a small pinhole leak in my front differential cover. I have been looking around and haven't found exactly what I'm looking for. I am wondering what the best way to patch the hole is. It isn't a huge or very fast leak but still leaks. I have a welder and could weld over the hole and patch it or also could weld a plate over it. I also saw you could jb weld over it. What would be the better option.
    Thanks for the help.
     
    Last edited: Jul 16, 2020
  2. nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    What is it you are looking for you cannot find? Maybe someone here could help. Knowing what you have and are looking for would be helpful. Is it rust causing the pinhole leak? Or impact? Something else?
     
  3. PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Your FLAPS will have repair epoxy for oil and gas tanks.

    Or I'd probably braze or solder the hole, if the rest of the cover is still good.

    In all the above, pre-cleaning is the key.
     
    tcfeet likes this.
  4. Rick Whitson

    Rick Whitson Detroit Area 2024 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    I would braze it up, or just get a chrome one. They are available.
     
  5. mike starck

    mike starck Member

    brazing would be a permanent repair or replace. Should be plenty of used covers around .Dana 27 and 30 use the same cover. Aftermarket polished stainless steel rather than chrome would be my choice. mike
     
    Rick Whitson and tripilio like this.
  6. timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Note the Jeep factory front covers are much heavier steel than a passenger car cover. Jeep uses the thin covers on rear axles. Likely you can buy a new replacement from Dana-Spicer, made of the heavy steel. I put a new Dana 44 heavy front cover on the rear axle of my CJ (bought from a Wagoneer site) and moved the CJ rear cover to the rear of my J10, replacing the original cover using a cheesy rubber plug.
     
  7. Richard in AZ

    Richard in AZ I just don't understand the like of patina

    I have one you can have for the cost of shipping.....

    Richard
     
  8. dozerjim

    dozerjim Member

    x2
     
  9. Jeepsterhelp

    Jeepsterhelp New Member

    Okay all good stuff. Thank you for the replys. I'll look into a new one (used probably) and see how much that will be. Also yes it was caused from rust. This Jeep had been sitting in a barn for almost 20 years and now I'm trying to get it going again.
     
  10. Jeepsterhelp

    Jeepsterhelp New Member

    That sounds nice. Do you know of any leaks or any problems with it?
     
  11. Richard in AZ

    Richard in AZ I just don't understand the like of patina

    It is on a rear end in my junk pile......know nothing about it.....

    Richard
     
  12. Jeepsterhelp

    Jeepsterhelp New Member

    Okay. Can you pm me some pictures?
     
  13. nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Did I miss what application cover you need?
     
  14. timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Dana 27 front ... darn sure.
     
  15. Richard in AZ

    Richard in AZ I just don't understand the like of patina

    Went out dug through by junk pile to take a photo....I was mistaken it is a dana 44...sorry

    Richard
     
  16. timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    You know, soldering is not that difficult if you can make enough heat to fill the holes while heating the whole cover. A propane torch should be enough, if you clean the area first. Solder, braze, weld - no difference in this application. Propane should be plenty; if not, air-acetylene or MAP gas.
     
  17. nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    why? He has a Jeepster Commando for an avatar, is posting in the Early CJ forum, and has told us nothing about what vehicle or axle he is working on other than front. We don’t KNOW anything at this point other than guessing or conjecture.
    I’ve been through this hundreds of time with customers. Some basic information goes a long way to helping someone.
     
    tcfeet likes this.
  18. timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Well, it is a bit of an assumption. "Darn" is too strong - implies another level of certainty. Not a huge leap IMO. Profile says '67 V6, that pic in his avatar is likely his Jeep. He wrote front above.
     
  19. boopiejones

    boopiejones I can’t drive 55

    I have d30 and d44 stamped steel diff covers that I’m not using. They’re from a 2013 JK, so I’m not sure if they’ll fit your application, but you’re welcome to have one or both of them if you cover shipping.
     
  20. Jeepsterhelp

    Jeepsterhelp New Member

    I believe it's a Dana 27. I do not know alot about the Jeep. I think that I have a general of what it is but don't know for sure and don't want to make it more confusing. If someone could help in finding exact right model that would be great. Anyways I have a welder and I have done some brazing but not the best at it. I've done alot more welding and I think that's what I'm going to try to do. Thanks for all the help!