Nylon Oil Pan Testing and Design Considerations

Injection molded nylon oil pans for automotive use were tested for impact resistance, oil leakage and bolt torque retention. Impact testing indicates an oil pan fabricated of non-glass filled nylon resin can withstand greater impacts than oil pans constructed of glass reinforced nylon. The impact resistance of nylon pans in a real world environment remains questionable. Test results also demonstrate, during engine operation in a vehicle, that there is no significant difference between nylon and metal oil pans in oil leakage, oil operating temperature and bolt torque retention when metal flange supports are used.