Cracks inside the oil pan? Found chips!
 

Hey guys,

first post ever, but reading here for months...

I'm a bit confused because I've found some hair cracks in my oil pan while cleaning.
And that's not all, i've even found a 3mm long alloy chip in the sump.

Went out to buy another used one and found exactly the same hair line cracks :facepalm:

Searched the forums and some guys said that it's "normal" but I'm a bit nervous because I've just found these chips?
Tell me what you think, i want to finish my engine rebuilt :)

Kalle

Pics:
https://abload.de/img/k800_k1600_crackedoilzzl2c.jpg

https://abload.de/img/k800_k1600_crackedoilbvlnd.jpg

The cracks could be casting flaws. The 3mm chip, not sure the story there.

https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon10.gif
 

thank you!

FYI: the chip was definitely coming from the pan itself...

the outside of the pan is just fine, that's what irritates me :confused:
the PE never mentioned an oil leak and the whole engine is dry like a fart

Casting complex parts in aluminum is a tricky process and when material flows in from different directions you can have what appears to be cracks where they meet. My oilpan has similar areas.
What part of Germany are you from?

I'm from NRW, Paderborn.

I understand. So just put the damn pan on and go on with the build?
mine is not top of the pops, just honed the block, put new rings on the stock NA8 pistons, chinese H-Beams with ARP's and King XP bearings everywhere aswell as new gaskets,
but i would be crying if the engine dies cause of the oil pan loosing more chips :(

A crack would leak. Things that look like cracks, are just that, IMO. Plenty of flashing from the original mold process could hang out in the pan for a looong time.

If you're not seeing a matching crack on the outside of the pan then what you're looking at is called lamination. It's literally where the metal is folded over itself. You can grind this out if it bothers you or if it's a stressed part (not an oil pan) then it's advisable to do so to remove the stress riser.

I betcha these cracks disappear with very little metal removed.

My pan has very similar marks. You're fine.

Thank you very much guys!