Trans pan rusting through?

[Scdevon]

Sometimes oil leaks are a good thing. In the good old days, engines seeped oil from everywhere resulting in a grimy film all over which kept rust under control.

Ironically, your oil tight engine resulted in an oil leak due to the lack of oil leaks.

 

[Bluestream]

When I bought my Explorer it was 3 years old. The oil pan drain plug went out the side, and oil would get all over the lower control arm when doing an oil change. (have Fumoto now) When I wiped the residue off with a cloth the paint and steel under it was like factory new. The other side had started to rust in spots, thats when I hit the whole truck with its first oil spray. The oil forms a barrier between the steel and moisture/salt. Paint will only last so long...

 

[1993_VG30E_GXE]

Photos for my rust removal method soon, with explanation.

Believe me Bluestream, I've completely solved it now. The puzzle is no more.

 

[1993_VG30E_GXE]

Oil pan guy, if you follow my method which can be done at home, which I will post with photos (Soon), your rust will disappear completely and be clear for a good 5 yrs before you re-treat it.

Removing the oil pan is quite a pain for the engine, and you want to avoid it. It can mean new gaskets, RTV, broken corroded pan bolts etc.... It's typically only done during a Major Overhaul or Rebuild.

 

[Bluestream]

its a transmission pan and it should be removed to change the filter and clean out the gunk. Sandblast the pan and have it powder coated or replace it.