Inside Engine Cleaning

[driftbuster]

Compression is good but there is a slight build up
of sludge inside the valve cover, rockers etc. Not really that bad
considering its age. Can I wash inside there out real good
with diesel and then blow it all clean?
Will the crud run down those drains and back to
the bottom OK so I can remove oilpan and get it squeaky
clean too? Or was this a dumb question and I shouldn't
worry about it?

[Camaro_nut2001]

Yes you can use diesel or kerosene and pull your pan and clean it but I would also use a bottle of motor flush through it with fresh oil, run it about 20min. and change the oil again. While you have your pan off why don't you throw a new pump and screen on it. I think you will have many more miles of service if your compression is good. I know it's a little more costly but check into Mobil One oil after you get it cleaned up. I like Mobil oil and Wix filters.

[driftbuster]

good idea on the flush stuff as I planned on running
new "cheap" Dino oil for 20 minutes then drain and
switch to a "high quality" oil, probly synthetic. The
flush will be an added bonus cause I hate sludge

[BTCHN 1963]

I had a motor that was like that with lots of carbon in the valley pan. I removed the covers scraped all the the crud I could then cleaned everything with diesel. I then put in fresh motor oil replacing one quart of oil with ATF. I ran the motor to let it get up to temperature and then drain and put in new oil. I then changed the oil every 1000 miles for three changes. The motor actually ran cooler after doing this.

One thing you may want to consider while you have it appart is to replace the rod and main bearings and install some cast iron rings. It is inexpensive, poor mans rebuild. When you clean it up you may find that the gunk had been holding it together.

[vin63]

If there is only a slight build up, as you mentioned, you can probably get away with cleaning the valve cover(s) and then just running a premium synthetic oil for 3K miles (making sure you do several long drives), changing the oil filter at 1K or 1.5K mile intervals. As a long-time lubricants retailer, this is what I recommend before doing an complete engine flush.

A premium synthetic oil, such as Mobil 1 and Amsoil (both processed from group IV base stocks), will do a better-than-expeted job of cleaning the inside of your engine. One drawback to look out for, is that because of the cleaning and ultra-slick properties of these oils, you may find oil leaks that you didn't have prior. Typically, this usually around the oil pan gasket and front/rear seals, but if you are going to change those out anyway, then you are most likely fine. Good luck.

[DPowers]

While you have your pan off why don't you throw a new pump and screen on it.

X2

[driftbuster]

I think I will do a new pump/screen. Leaks, I can
tell by the leaks I do have that the Oil Pressure otta
be good