HELP! Found Small Crack on Passenger Side Above Oil Pan, But What is IT?

[Alibireason]

I was inspecting the undercarriage of my 1998 Pathfinder today and found a small crack or fissure directly above the passenger side of my oil drain pan(If I backed away the oil pan would be vivible). It is located right where a phillips screw is inserted, giving me the impression it could have been overtightened at one point. Thank you!

[VStar650CL]

That looks to be the starter housing, and the crack looks to be in the flange that mounts the starter solenoid. It's all part of the starter assembly. That does appear to be a stress crack from overtightening by whoever built or rebuilt the starter. The shell of the solenoid isn't under any great mechanical stress, so the opposite screw will probably hold it enough to keep the solenoid operational. If you don't want to replace the starter, a good wire-brushing and some JB Weld should hold it together.

[Alibireason]

Thank you so much! Any particular kind of JB Weld I should use? Could adding the JB weld hamper future attempts to remove the screw? Wire brushing to score the surface so the weld sets better, correct?

[VStar650CL]

Thank you so much! Any particular kind of JB Weld I should use? Could adding the JB weld hamper future attempts to remove the screw? Wire brushing to score the surface so the weld sets better, correct?

You shouldn't ever need to remove that screw unless you're trying to do a DIY starter rebuild. It's part of the starter assembly and not really part of the truck or engine. Chances are if the starter ever goes, you'll just be replacing the whole thing.

Any kind of JB will work fine as long as you clean and brush the surface well to get adhesion. I prefer the putty for cracks like that, since you can finger-pressure it deep into the fissures.

[Alibireason]

Thank you!!!! Just found the JB Weld SteelStik. I really appreciate the advice!

[VStar650CL]

You're most welcome, happy to help. Happy motoring!