[Irelands child]

To match the rest of the shiny underside parts of my car, I used a Ford Motorsport chrome oil pan (a 'premium' Taiwanese part). I took the usual precautions of scuffing the pan's chrome-to-block surface plus using the bolt 'girdle' and OEM bolts Ford supplies on their crate motors (no distorted bolt holes) Three pan gaskets in 3 years is getting old, with another coming this winter. This brings me to my question - has anyone used any of the Summit, Spectre or Mr Gasket pans - natural steel or zinc ('gold') plated? Leaks? Quality?

I've already changed the chrome transmission pan - and no more leaks there with a deep aluminum

Dave W

[delawarebill]

dave, where is it leaking.. gasket or seal area ??? i smear rtv on the pan and place the gasket on and leave it for bout an hour. the seal, i rtv the pan and engine side and install the pan and wipe any goobers off, pressing it toward the engine to make sure of no gaps.. but i'm sure u did the same... i inspect the pan surface to make sure its as flat as possible, and a good snug on the bolts only.. bill

[timothale]

When I lived in Calif my neighbor built and raced circle track cars. When he got and engine together on the stand he would duct tape over the oil fill and breather holes then hook up a long rubber hose to the dip stick tube and connect the other end to a vacuum source on his DD. Then he used his stethescope to go all around the engine listening for a whistle. when he found one he would use a small daub of RTV and listen for the whistle to stop, then wipe the surface clean.

[Irelands child]

I'm not a real fan of RTV and try to only use it as a corner seal at the front and rear mains. I ended up replacing the transmission pan (3 different brands chrome plated) with a deep sump aluminum version to stop the leak - which was no more then an annoying ooze (1-2" dia puddle in a couple weeks).
.
There have been threads here in the past on chrome oil pans that leak - and I thought I had mine 'cured' by roughing the mating surface - wrong!! I'm collecting some parts to pull the engine down for other reasons, so am going to do an oil pan change as well which is the reason for my question as to whether anyone had used a Mr Gasket, Spectre or Summit stock type replacement. I might consider an aluminum pan, but the offerings I've seen so far are not, IMO, very good products

[timothale]

I've pulled a few engines down and found big chunks of rtv and always wondered how much damage they could do getting tossed around inside the engine plugging up something, the neighbor always just used a little bit carefully applied.

[S10Fan]

I installed a Summit pan on my sbc along with a FelPro one piece gasket, no leaks.

[Irelands child]

Originally Posted by timothale

I've pulled a few engines down and found big chunks of rtv and always wondered how much damage they could do getting tossed around inside the engine plugging up something, the neighbor always just used a little bit carefully applied.

My last 351W had a fair amount of RTVwadded into the oil pump screen - but no internal damage - could have reringed and rebearing it - but it got the full treatment of bore, bearings, etc. If it got through the oil pump and filter, could clog some passages or an orifice.

S10fan - thanks for the info. I suspect the Summit, Spectre and Mr Gasket pans are identical, coming off the same Chinese production line. But that's today's world of car parts

Dave W

[Irelands child]

Got the Summit pan - nice and stout - but poor zinc chromate plating, but that's no problem for the $45 bucks as it will be either painted (probably) or powder coated (if my ship comes in)

[Arrowhead]

Originally Posted by Irelands child

Got the Summit pan - nice and stout - but poor zinc chromate plating, but that's no problem for the $45 bucks as it will be either painted (probably) or powder coated (if my ship comes in)

Bring that sucker over, 30 minutes in the oven and ding it's done. You get the powder I got the gun and the oven. I can even blast it for you.

(Can you tell I'm bored but putting off chores?)

[Irelands child]

Originally Posted by Arrowhead

Bring that sucker over, 30 minutes in the oven and ding it's done. You get the powder I got the gun and the oven. I can even blast it for you.

(Can you tell I'm bored but putting off chores?)

George - you "working" today or just playing? I've even been catching up on the house chores I procrastinated over this past spring, but not rushing.

Going 'big time' now and in competition with our favorite South Sch'dy coaters eh. Might just take you up on that oven offer. How much powder do I need? Color and possibly clear?

[Arrowhead]

No, not at home. You won't need much. You typically don't need a clear unless it's a silver (the aluminum powder is exposed and will tarnish) Depending where you buy it there might be minimum quatities. You can get from Eastwood, Castwell plating or powder by the pound. You should probably give me the dimensions so I can double check that it will fit.

[Irelands child]

Originally Posted by Arrowhead

No, not at home. You won't need much. You typically don't need a clear unless it's a silver (the aluminum powder is exposed and will tarnish) Depending where you buy it there might be minimum quantities. You can get from Eastwood, Castwell plating or powder by the pound. You should probably give me the dimensions so I can double check that it will fit.

George - it's 22-5/8L x 11-1/8W x 8-1/4 deep (within +/- 1/8 inch), but no big hurry as there are still 2-3 of driving months left, regardless of how little I'm using the car this year.

Color - to be determined, but I have had a quick at Powder by the Pound website. I wont buy from Eastwood - rather do paint first!!!!

( Does your wife know you do this to her oven? )

Dave W

[Arrowhead]

Ha Ha no worries, I have an electric oven in the garage just for PC'ing. I'll check the dimensions and let you know. Even if it's too long, I might be able to make it fit if it's turned the right way (my DOHC valve covers were a tight fit)

[Irelands child]

Originally Posted by Arrowhead

Ha Ha no worries, I have an electric oven in the garage just for PC'ing. I'll check the dimensions and let you know. Even if it's too long, I might be able to make it fit if it's turned the right way (my DOHC valve covers were a tight fit)

I can bring it over for a 'test fit' which might be better - you going to be around this (Labor Day) weekend?

[Arrowhead]

Oven is just about 22" wide so test fit is in order. Taking the motorcycle course the weekend so won't be around much.