Removing sludge in engine thoughts

[tempfixit]

Originally Posted by scubacat

Engine cleaning products make me verrrrry nervous. Dislodged sludge can be a ton more damaging than a little that's harmlessly built up on engine components. I wouldn't risk it. If sludge is a real problem, a rebuild might be in order. (At least pulling the valve covers and seeing the state of the top). I haven't heard of sludge issues with windstar engines anyway. I have a camry with the 1mzfe that's known for sludge and even that appears fine to me. [i think it's really just a problem for people who don't change their oil but that's a discussion for another day]

Again this is not a Windstar engine I am referring too, it is a 2.7 Chrysler product (years thru 2002) that is know for it's sludge problems causing the return passages too plug and eventually cause the oil light to flicker and starves the engine of oil resulting with catastrophic results.

I asked on this forum because of the knowledge of members and respect yoour opinions.

[wiswind]

Don't forget to verify that the PCV valve is good and that there really is vapor being drawn out of the crankcase.
A clogged PCV system WILL cause sludge.
Common things to look for include the hoses going between the PCV valve and the intake manifold.....cracked hoses as well as soft hoses that collapse when under vaccum.

More than once with my windstar, I had to plug the PCV valve back into the rear valve cover (95-98) after having work done at a shop.

[scubacat]

Originally Posted by tempfixit

Again this is not a Windstar engine I am referring too, it is a 2.7 Chrysler product (years thru 2002) that is know for it's sludge problems causing the return passages too plug and eventually cause the oil light to flicker and starves the engine of oil resulting with catastrophic results.

I asked on this forum because of the knowledge of members and respect yoour opinions.

I apologize - I totally missed that connection. I somehow didn't link your reference to the fact that that was actually the vehicle you were referring to.

I'm still wondering about flushing engines in general. Couldn't the bits of sludge that get dislodged cause even more harm wherever they end up or am I just being paranoid?

Happy Christmas!

[tempfixit]

Originally Posted by scubacat

I apologize - I totally missed that connection. I somehow didn't link your reference to the fact that that was actually the vehicle you were referring to.

I'm still wondering about flushing engines in general. Couldn't the bits of sludge that get dislodged cause even more harm wherever they end up or am I just being paranoid?

Happy Christmas!

No problem about the misunderstanding. Yes I agree that flushing oil system could also cause problems but in this engine I would make sure sure it is not a wiring or sensor problem by verifying with a mechanical gauge and oil presssure is low I would consider doing a flush and take my chances versus just letting it go and wait for the engine to fail.

Happy Holiday's

[12Ounce]

+1, scubacat. Beyond poor oil maintenance, I think "sludge problems" are more imagined than real. ....Usually suffered by folks who have never opened up an engine.

[Grabber5.0]

LOL yeah I suppuse that's possible.

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