Oil sludge

[shrinx]

After draining the oil from the crankcase of my WC-27, I stuck my finger in the drain hole to discover about a half inch of sludge on the bottom of the pan. This discovery initiated a few questions.

First, assuming that it is probably a good idea to get that gunk out of there, is there a way to remove the sludge without removing the pan?

Second, should I try using an engine-cleaning product like SeaFoam or AMSOIL Engine Flush to clean out the engine?

Finally, should I start using a detergent or even a synthetic motor oil?

Your advice and/or experience is appreciated.

Terry

[712edf]

I'd bet there is gunk elsewhere in the motor. Once you start disturbing this gunk chances are some of it is going to wind up in an oil passage, blocking flow, creating bigger problems. I'd be safe and if its not too much hassle pull the pan for cleaning and take at look inside the block from down under to see what's going on. Most sludge will be atop horizontal surfaces though.......I've used valvoline conventional oil exclusively with a wix filter and have NEVER had any sludge whatsoever.