Cracked Oil Pan?
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From: Charlotte
Cracked Oil Pan?
I just got a replacement oil pan today and it looks to be cracked. I am not familiar with the s2000 oil pan so I dont know if its cracked. Can anyone tell by these pics if the pan is ok? Thanks
http://s591.photobucket.com/albums/s...0%20Oil%20Pan/
http://s591.photobucket.com/albums/s...0%20Oil%20Pan/
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte
normal casting marks.
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Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Granville OH
This oil pan is a die casting. Unlike a sand casting or investment casting, it is formed by injecting molten aluminum into a die and allowing it to solidify to the final shape. The die is typically made of steel.
Over time, thermal cycling of the die causes it to form surface cracks, which show up on the final part looking like cracks. They're actually the mirror image of the cracks in the casting die.
Since these superficial lines don't cause any structural concerns, the manufacturer considers this acceptable and ships the parts as prime. The alternative would be to replace the die, which drives up the per-piece cost of manufacturing. Looking at your photos, I can tell you that this die has been in service for a long time.
Over time, thermal cycling of the die causes it to form surface cracks, which show up on the final part looking like cracks. They're actually the mirror image of the cracks in the casting die.
Since these superficial lines don't cause any structural concerns, the manufacturer considers this acceptable and ships the parts as prime. The alternative would be to replace the die, which drives up the per-piece cost of manufacturing. Looking at your photos, I can tell you that this die has been in service for a long time.
