I really need some expert advice on this one. Any metallurgists out there?
I am about to replace the oil pump on my '88 4Runner V6. Upon inspecting the end of the crankshaft, I noticed these strange pits on the portion of the shaft upon which the seal would ride. Sure enough, I checked the old seal and it appears to have been chewed up pretty good (only has about 20K on it).
These are definitely not corrosion and -- in defense of some of the idiots that I have unfortunately allowed to work on this truck -- I don't think it is from any type of abuse. There are about four or five of them ranging from 1 to 4 mm in width and they appear to be voids from when the thing was cast.
Has anyone seen this? Is there any way I can fill them with lead or something such that my new oil seal doesn't get shredded and start leaking the first time I crank the motor?
Thanks,
Luther