Any kind of spray on protection for oil pans?

[ACZL]

Chatting w/ a friend tonight and he's being told his oil pan on his 2015(?) Ram 1500 is developing some "soft" spots. So he asked me if there was any kind of spray on stuff he could use to either help current one or if he gets a new one---spray on that that one to protect it from road salt and all. Line-X or Rhino, Flex-Seal, Ziebart ????? Told him if he didn't mind I'd do a lil diggin' to see what I come up with. So what do you all think?

[Me_Again]

Spray it with Boeing Boeshield T-9 at every oil change. I did that to the windless on our boat where the motor, gear box, solenoids and wiring were in the chain locker and exposed to salt water a lot. It never rusted.

https://www.amazon.com/BOESHIELD-Corrosion-Protection-Waterproof-Lubrication/dp/B001447PEK/ref=asc_d...

[srt20]

My 2005 Dodge 2500 CTD oil pan rusted through. I dont recall what exact year it was, but the truck was 10 years old or less. It was leaking oil from the rust hole.
The body only had a couple small bubbles on the wheel wells that were covered up by the OEM flares.

Its actually a pretty easy job. Loosen the motor mount bolts, jack it up as high as you can get it. Oil pan comes right out. This was a 4x4.

[BillyBob_Jim]

I always say if it works for a SAAB, it will work for a Dodge. Words to live by. Also preventing corrosion from the inside is a much better method.

[Grit_dog]

twodownzero wrote:

I lived in Illinois for 30 years and have replaced a rusted oil pan before. The engine was 17 years old at the time.

Grew up there as well, fixing and driving rust buckets. I've read Dodge/Ram has an issue with oil pans. like 12V said, theres a reason that Genos sells them!
They may be more susceptible than others.

[ACZL]

Thanks for the replies. I haven't talked to him since Mon night, but when I do, will ask him what exactly he's being told and year of his truck. I thought it was a '15, but could be older.

[valhalla360]

shum02 wrote:
Try living in NY State or Ontario Cda with a steel oil pan. Can take less than 10 years to rot it out.

Closing in on 50yr in Michigan (plenty of salt). Body panels rust away all the time. I've even seen frames that look dangerously corroded...haven't heard of anyone having the oil pan rust away on a truck.

I have heard of it in boats but in those cases the pan sits in a wet bilge constantly wet.

Not saying a truck oil pan has never rusted out but it's not common...particularly at 4-5yr old.

[twodownzero]

shum02 wrote:

twodownzero wrote:
Even in the saltiest of environments, it takes many decades to rust an oil pan out from the outside in. I'd tell him to not worry about it. If I was really that concerned, I'd probably clean and paint the oil pan before I'd put some kind of coating on it that'd just hold more moisture and salt.

Try living in NY State or Ontario Cda with a steel oil pan. Can take less than 10 years to rot it out.

I lived in Illinois for 30 years and have replaced a rusted oil pan before. The engine was 17 years old at the time.

[Cummins12V98]

They sell replacement pans on Genosgarage.com for a reason!

[Grit_dog]

twodownzero wrote:
Even in the saltiest of environments, it takes many decades to rust an oil pan out from the outside in. I'd tell him to not worry about it. If I was really that concerned, I'd probably clean and paint the oil pan before I'd put some kind of coating on it that'd just hold more moisture and salt.

Negative ghost rider. It happens quicker and more frequently than one would imagine.
Varying conditions use and care I’m sure figure into the timeline.

I agree though, only 4-5 winters is on the short end of the scale for this to happen.

To the OP, I’d consider buying the new pan ahead of time and at the very least add a few more coats of paint. Possibly Bedliner.
After installed, Keep up with rust spots if they form and there’s always the option of oil coatings, fluid film or woolwax type stuff.

[wowens79]

I'm in no way qualified to speak on rust issues since I've always lived in AL or GA, but I can't imagine in 3-4 years it would be that rusted.

Has he gotten underneath and verified this, or is this someone trying to scare him into buying something?? I bet its someone trying to put a soft spot in his wallet.

[spoon059]

A soft spot means that it is rusting through. I'm not sure how in the world that is happening though. I have a 2015 and don't even have surface rust on my oil pan. I'm in the southern end of the rust belt, but we still have salt and pre-treatment issues down here.

If his pan is rusting, he needs to change it ASAP. One rust hole will quickly drain his oil pan, starving his engine and causing a huge problem.

[shum02]

twodownzero wrote:
Even in the saltiest of environments, it takes many decades to rust an oil pan out from the outside in. I'd tell him to not worry about it. If I was really that concerned, I'd probably clean and paint the oil pan before I'd put some kind of coating on it that'd just hold more moisture and salt.

Try living in NY State or Ontario Cda with a steel oil pan. Can take less than 10 years to rot it out.

[shum02]

Coat mine with multi purpose grease and paint brush every time I change the oil. Everything else washes off with the heat and water spray.

[twodownzero]

Even in the saltiest of environments, it takes many decades to rust an oil pan out from the outside in. I'd tell him to not worry about it. If I was really that concerned, I'd probably clean and paint the oil pan before I'd put some kind of coating on it that'd just hold more moisture and salt.

[Lynnmor]

ib516 wrote:
Fluid film

And wash the dang thing, it's New York after all.