a few rust bubbles on the engine oil pan

[DZink24]

i noticed some small (maybe the size of a fingernail) rust bubbles on the oil pan, one on the bottom, and several up near the top of it. after nervously picking at them with my nail, and scraping them off with a wire brush, the steel underneath fortunately seems to be fairly solid still. what would you all reccomend to try to put the rust to bed?

 

[goodguys75]

i noticed some small (maybe the size of a fingernail) rust bubbles on the oil pan, one on the bottom, and several up near the top of it. after nervously picking at them with my nail, and scraping them off with a wire brush, the steel underneath fortunately seems to be fairly solid still. what would you all reccomend to try to put the rust to bed?

are you sure it was not just the paint, rust does not bubble... I have it and just wipe the pan down after an oil change... . just bad paint coating

 

[Wertles]

Since we're right next door to each other, I am well aware of the rust issues you face. My father (a painter for his whole life), will wire brush it, then there are a few brands of rust converters. They chemically bond to the rust and it will usually turn black. Prime it with some Rustoleum and then gloss black to top it. It won't look too pretty or last forever but it will protect for awhile.

 

[DZink24]

yeah, it actually was the paint, but it was to the point where it was flaking into the metal of the oil pan. i will give it a little more elbow grease and then topcoat it with permatex.

 

[rbattelle]

I really don't think this is anything to be too concerned about. My oil pan has a few spots here and there, and has for years. I think it would take decades to actually wear a hole in the pan.

I do what goodguys does - wipe the pan with an oily rag at each oil change.

-Ryan

 

[MFalkinham]

Since we're right next door to each other, I am well aware of the rust issues you face. My father (a painter for his whole life), will wire brush it, then there are a few brands of rust converters. They chemically bond to the rust and it will usually turn black. Prime it with some Rustoleum and then gloss black to top it. It won't look too pretty or last forever but it will protect for awhile.

This is exactly what I did a couple of weeks ago. There were several rust spots starting, and the biggest one was on a corner of the pan which was the deepest. I think it was the result of a lousy paint job from the factory. A wire wheel and Rustoleum primer/paint seems to be working great so far.

I still have bad memories of having the oil pan replaced on my 95 F150 due to severe rust, which cost me around $700 at the dealer. Anything I can do to prevent that on this truck I will definitely pursue.

 

[JeffL]

I had the same problem, a spot about the size of a quarter bubbling. I did nothing about it, and one night all the oil dripped from that area. Unfortunately, I didn't notice the oil in the morning and fried my main bearings. Take care of it asap, and save yourself thousands.

 

[Wertles]

I learn something new every day. That "little" rust bubble that I figured was cosmetic, now is leaking a fair amount of oil. Hoping JB Weld will be enough to get me home. Who would have thought you could rust one out in 5 years. NOT me. Guess that explains the extended Rotella smell.

 

[mwilson]

Thank the modern road treatment chemicals currently in use.



Anything down underneath a vehicle that is warm (Oil Pans, Coolant Lines, Etc. ) will not last the 60 months usually required to pay the vehicle off when exposed to the latest winter road treatment methods. I have seen exposed coolant lines not make it through two consecutive winters without requiring replacement.

The stuff is beyond belief.



Big trucks are switching to Stainless Steel lower radiator coolant tubes and composite oil pans to help with longevity.



Mike.

 

[DZink24]

here are some pics

here are some pics that i took tonight, is this normal, or something to be concerned about?

 

[Wertles]

Looks like mine did last week before it let loose. Good luck.

 

[BGlidewell]

can you replace the pan without removing the engine?

 

[JeffL]

Yea you can get it out without pulling the engine. You have to unbolt the pan and drop it down as much as possible and reach up in there and unbolt the pickup tube. Once you have done that you can get the pan out. It is a tight fit, but it's possible without pulling the engine. I would address those spots asap though, they llok like they rare about to spring a leak.