What Happened???

[buckeye gold]

Another reason I like the old fermented sap cleaning method. No cleaning solutions ever go in my pan. I may have to scrub some more, but that's ok

[Walling's Maple Syrup]

Looking at pics, I'm pretty sure the problem started on the underside of pans. You can see holes that are started, but not all the way through yet. Fairly certain it's from the fuel residue.
Neil

[Shaun]

Shaun,

These pans are 1980's vintage. Not sure what alloy of stainless was used back then, but sure sounds like using Chlorine to clean it was a big no-no.

I would definitely avoid it in the future but diluted and rinsed well is probably not going damage anything right away. I picked up a small 2x4 from that age and brought it home cleaned, scrubbed and shined. When I filled it with water and stepped back to enjoy my masterpiece it leaked like a lawn sprinkler. Just another lesson learned...

[TuckerMike]

It looks like you've found what caused the issue and that you need to get your burner tuned.

For future cleaning use white vinegar to clean the inside of the pans and don't use chlorine. Rinse them at least 3 times and then again just before you boil. Don't worry about sanitizing the pans which is what I think you're trying to do with the chlorine. The heat produced when you're boiling is more than enough to kill any bacteria that might be there.

It was an expensive lesson to learn for sure!

[raptorfan85]

Quick question, is this something that can happen burning wood? Or is it an oil burner issue?

[Cjadamec]

It's more of an oil burner concern. Not to say you are completely concern free burning wood. You should still avoid chlorine and store your pan in a dry place.

Another thing to consider is these pans are from the 80s so it took a very long time for these hole to develop. Nothing lasts forever.

[DrTimPerkins]

It can also occur by burning pressure treated wood or plastics (tubing) in the arch.

[tgormley358]

I’m just wondering if anyone can confirm generally, can pin holes like these come from not doing a thorough clean of the underside of the pan at the end of season? Mine is raised flu 5”. I haven’t don’t much For mine on the underside except a spray down and wipe, but it stays mostly very black and sooty. I’ve seen others here say they use oven cleaner.