Paul (and Doug)  A week or so ago the subject of how to keep the
oil pan
flange flat during welding came up.  I have tried a lot of different
schemes but what I am doing now works perfectly.  The fixture is a
flat
piece 1/4 steel same size as the pan flange (15.25 x 12.75 in the
case
of the Renesis).  On the bottom I have tacked some 1.5" angle iron to
lift the steel plate off the table to facilitate clamping.  You
will be
amazed at how light the clamping pressure need be.  I started out
with
bolting the flange down all around,  then I switched to heavy c-
clamps
but now all I use are spring clamps three to each side.  One of the
pictures is of the finished product with the clamps removed.  You can
see that is lying flat,  no problems.  Jerry

Jerry,

Thanks for the info.  I appreciate this info.  So in application you
bolt
up the alumunium pan to the engine using the three mm steel backing
plates provided with the earlier 13B engines?

I ask because I just gave away and old engine and it used said
plates to
increase the clamping pressure.  Considering that the ductability of
1/8" aluminum and pressed steel is quite different I am wondering if
it
is advisable to use them with the alumunium oil pan?

Nice welds by the way.

Doug in Japan

Doug,  no I don't use the plates of which I was unaware of until now.
Just bolt the aluminum flange to the engine.  The steel backing plates
would increase the clamping pressure.  Also, large area fender washers
could be used to the same effect.     Jerry