On Thu, 16 Apr 2009 01:54:31 -0400, "Eisboch"
wrote:


"jim78565" wrote in message
...

Tim wrote:

Dave, I was wondering abou that myself. I've never known of anybody
having an oil pan rust though like what Richard is describing.
besides, if it was THAT bad, then the bildge would already be filed
with oil, I would think.

I'm wondering if the gasket[s] or main seals are leaking instead?


Salt water takes it's toll. This is not uncommon to have a pan rusted out.
He's lucky to have caught it before it leaked. The corners of the sump and
near the drain plug are usually the problem areas because they are the
lowest and wettest parts of the pan.



I've heard the same thing and have been told that you need to be
particularly careful not to scratch the paint on the pans with wrenches or
when pulling the engine for any repairs. As you know, I've had a bunch of
older boats in the past, but this is the first time I've had to deal with
this issue. I *do* know that replacement marine oil pans are available in
aluminum specifically made to avoid rusting.

Remember the old Century with the rotted out engine plug that was ****ing
water out the side of the engine? For those people not familiar with this
story, it wasn't a "freeze" plug. It was a heavy, threaded plug in the side
wall of the raw water cooled (GM) 350 engine that rotted away over time.
I noticed it after starting the engine and saw a healthy stream of water
coming out of the side of the engine.

I've had older cars that got pinhole leaks in the gas tank, but never in the
oil pan (that I know of).

They have made a zillion gas tanks from Terne plate, lead coated
steel. Very rust resistant, although not perfect.

Casady