Paint in oilpan

[9899pathfinder]

Had some leakage from the lower oil pan of my '03 QX4 as others here have reported from time to time. So I removed the pan in order to re-seal with RTV sealant. There was considerable old RTV (or whatever) gasket material on the pan side so I used a gasket scraper along with Loctite's "Chisel" brand of gasket remover. The Chisel helped to loosen the old gasket alright, but it also removed black paint from the inside bottom and walls of the pan itself. This created a big, slurry-like mess that I wasn't expecting. Anyway, I can eventually get all the paint cleaned out leaving just the natural metal of the pan. Is this okay to reuse or should I buy a new one? I mean, why was the inside painted in the first place?

[Towncivilian]

Welcome to NICO.

I suppose it was painted at the factory to prevent rust if the part alone was in storage. In an engine, I would imagine the oil would prevent any rust, but just in case I would probably paint it with a hi-temp spray paint.

[9899pathfinder]

Yes, I think you are right about the paint & why it was done. I think I will go ahead & use mine after I get it good & clean. Not sure if I will paint it again. It's aluminum isn't it? Thus, coupled with the fact that it is always coverd in oil, it shouldn't rust. Thx for getting back to me so quick.

[Chuck Tribolet]

To test for aluminum, see if a magnet sticks to it. If it sticks, it's not aluminum.

Chuck

[Towncivilian]

The bottom oil pan is steel for sure. The FSM refers to it as such and my magnetic drain plug sticks to it.

[9899pathfinder]

Yep, it's metal. Didn't try the magnet but it says "metal" on pg EM-16 of the Ser. manual. The upper oil pan (to which the lower one is bolted) is aluminum, however.

[Chuck Tribolet]

Aluminum is metal.

Chuck

[Towncivilian]

He probably meant ferrous metal