Fiat sump.

[Martyn Ward.]

Evnin' all. The oil sump on my '99 Fiat, 2.5tdi, needs replacing (due, obviously, to the fact that Sevel use cheap nasty "steel" . Does no-one use our fine Sheffield steel any more? ) I've just been quoted what seems a ludicrously high price by my local Fiat people. Admittedly, I might be out of touch as it's not the sort of thing I buy every week, but even so, the better part of a week's wages seems a bit OTT to me! Can anyone put me on to a supplier of such items please? Many thanks. Martyn.

[Mel E]

You need a breaker specialising in Fiat parts and a specialist in Fitting Fiat exchange engines. The latter will either source and fit you replacement sump much less expensively that a Fiat main dealer, or fit your acquired replacement for you. How do you find one near enough to you? Try Googling and a copy of your local edition of Auto Trader. I doubt Fiat ever used Sheffield Steel, but, as they've stopped making the stuff, no-one can now. It went wrong even before Maggie's time when companies like Viners started importing cutlery from the Far East. It's called progress. Remember that in 1750, over 60% of the working population worked in some form of agriculture. By 1950 it was down to under 6% and now it's just 2%. I'm afraid manufacturing industry has been on the same trend, but slower, ever since the mid-1800s. By the 1930s, you'll find that the machine tools that built the Spitfire and Merlin engine were all US in origin!

[Dave Newell]

Sheffield still do some stainless work but it's not manufacturing. A swedish company ship their stainless to their Sheffield plant for rolling then ship it back to Sweden! It might be possible to weld repair your sump if it's failed due to rust. Find yourself a smaller local garage with a good reputation, they may be able and willing to help you out. D.

[peterandvicky]

Try Beever car parts for a new sump http://www.beeversautopanels.co.uk/