Best way to clean engine with oil pan off?

[jrandallc]

I have a 2000 Grand Cherokee Laredo that I'm replacing the oil pump on. When I pulled the pan, I noticed that the oil in the pan and on the engine above the oil pan was very clumpy and thick...much more so than I'm comfortable with. I have to replace the oil pan anyway due to damage, so that part of it is getting resolved for me. My question is about cleaning the engine parts above the oil pan. Is there a safe treatment that I can use to spray and clean that area out before putting the oil pan back on? Should I just put the oil pan back on and let the new oil and filter do its job in cleaning? Thanks for any suggestions.

[fredjacksonsan]

You could try to clean it (I don't know what you'd use) but a few particles of that crusty oil that break loose when you are cleaning could clog an oil gallery. I'd go with more frequent oil changes for awhile, with a couple of Auto-RX treatments.

Just curious -- has this always been your vehicle, and what oil and oil change interval have you been using?

[Raimundo]

Brush, Hand, Diesel fuel and patiance,,,a lot