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I have a 93 Chevy PU with a 350 that I bought used. The truck had 60,000 miles on it and the vehicle looked well maintained (externally).The truck now has 130,000 miles. There was a slight oil leak, so last weekend I changed the valve cover gaskets. Popped off the first valve caver and YIKES!!!! a horrible sludge problem in this engine. I have changed the oil religiously every 2000 miles along with the filter of course. My question is, what should I do? Leave it alone? Try a Risilone type product? Duke, Clem HELP!!!!
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Re: Engine sludge-Off Topic
Go to www.auto-rx.com there are lots of stuff all over the web about this. Can't say it is snake oil or not but even on bob the oil guys site they seem to think it is the answer. GL -
I don't see much help here so,...................
Without more information I'll volunteer this:
Your engine had more (way more) than 60K on it when you bought it.
Your crankcase vent system is inop.
You're getting moisture in the crankcase and not getting it out for whatever reason.
Your leak could have been the oil return holes plugged by sludge.
If you could provide the color and consistency of the sludge, it would help. So would a chemical analysis of your oil.Comment
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Re: Engine sludge-Off Topic
Thanks G.L and Mike. I'l get my oil tested and post the results. The addidtive web site is quite interesting. The appearance on the head and valve springs is almost tar-like. It was pretty tough to scape off of the insides of the valve covers. The additive may end upo causing me more grief than it's worth. Thanks againguys!Comment
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Re: Engine sludge-Off Topic
Mike....there are two subjects I always try to avoid...religion and motor oil as they usually start an argument. But your situation reminds me of a sbc that I had removed the valve covers from. After I took them off it looked like they were still on the engine due to all the sludge. After a little talk with the owner, he explained that had always used Shell Oil ever since it was new. That was it for me, NO SHELL on my property....Regards FrankComment
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Re: Engine sludge-Off Topic
Mike,
It's been a few years since I've needed to do an engine oil flush, but the method I remember and used for a mild flush was to add a quart of automatic transmission fluid (or Marvel Mystery Oil) to the crankcase, drive the car on the highway for about 1/2 hour, then perform a normal oil change. The mild detergents in these products were supposedly less harsh than some of the commercial engine flush products, and kinder to seals. I never had a problem. Maybe others remember and used this method, as well. Good luck!
LouisComment
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Re: Engine sludge-Off Topic
I have taken engines apart with Shell (and Havoline, Valvoline, and may other brands)and several hundred thousand miles on them with no problems. Sludge can be caused by many things, or a combination of any of them. Poor maintenance is probably #1, plugged crankcase ventilation system, very short trips, a thermostat (or no thermostat) that is too cold. I think that motor oil, as long as it is the proper API grade and a decent brand is the least of the problemDick WhittingtonComment
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