When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
No, I just think you're likely to cause more problems than you'll cure by trying to wash out the inside of the engine. It's a feel good measure with no benefit and the possibility of a detrimental outcome, just like steam-cleaning/pressure washing under the hood. It's obviously your decision so good luck in whatever course of action you choose.
With regard to the oil varnish, it's the result of oil breakdown under heat. Yours isn't bad, but it has experienced oil breakdown to some degree. I've been in engines that look like the inside of a BBQ.
Just for clarity, you were aware that I had NO intent on running the engine with anything else in it correct?
I simply thought that, given all the oil pressure/flow issues these engines have, the less restrictive material in the engine the better. Even if it's not getting clean other areas, if the flow is better in some, would that not at least help overall circulation?
Look, I'm no mechanic, that's why I ask questions. BryanKephart was not the only one who's consult I sought on the matter. I assure you, I have worried about what is best to do for two days.
However, I'm not the average Joe when it comes to cleaning techniques. I've been cleaning this darn thing since nine last night. I'm just trying to do whats best. I'm sure there are many cases where the outcome has been undesirable after a similar procedure, I'm not disputing that at all. I just hope I'm on the "Positive" side of the outcome!!!
On another note, I'm posting pics of what I got out of the pickup screen. I'd say it was around 25-30% blocked given the material v/s surface area. I would assume that this alone should provide a decent difference in oil flow? Especially on cold start? Does anyone have any idea what these pieces would have come off of? Aren't the guides usually orange?
When all is done and filled back with oil, I'd intended to "flood start" the engine a couple of times to circulate everything and make sure I hear no issues. Would you think this advisable? Please, if you have any suggestions, I'm open to all and like the feedback.
For sure “flood start†it. When I rebuilt my engine I disconnected the crank sensor to be certain it wouldn’t start. But that’s a tight sensor to get to next to the ac compressor. Flood starting will do the same thing.
And those piece are most likely the guides. When new the plastic on the guide when the chain actually touches, that is usually yellow/white color. The rest of the guide is black.
And those piece are most likely the guides. When new the plastic on the guide when the chain actually touches, that is usually yellow/white color. The rest of the guide is black.Attachment 534734
I can now see the guides in the front cover. From what I can see, they appear to be intact and orangish in color. However, part of them does appear to be black.
I'm in the process of cleaning up, wiping down before I begin flushing with the 10 quarts of oil I got to do so with before adding the final fill. I will get photos with my camera before adding oil so we can get a good view.
On another note, I kept hearing about not being able to get into all the nooks and crannies and up in the front cover with the diesel. So, I took my small hand held transfer pump and used it to flush out all the places I could run the hose up into and to wash out under the motor better than just running down the tube.
I intend to do the same with the oil. I also will use it to spray oil on all the locations it will not coat just by pouring down the tube as well.
Then, once all coated well, install pan, flood start, then, hopefully, start and see i guess.
I am extremely pleased with how clean I was able to get what I could access. Took a little ingenuity and ohhhhh, 14 hours of spraying, wiping, spraying, wiping, pouring ect!!!
The wife made me take my clothes off outside, then proceeded to throwing them in the trash!! Dude, I was literally covered in brake cleaner, diesel, oil, varnish, and who the hell knows what else.
By the way, did you know that brake cleaner burns the crap out of your eyes when it makes contact? Fastest I ever got out from under the truck in my life!!! Had my goggles on the entire time, forgot one time, acted like I had them on, and OH MY GOD!!! Dang some Mace, brake clean's all you need!!
You obviously have some internal issues.
And i concur with those who said don't use chemicals to try and clean it.
And while I will not advise you to do this, because it would be unprofessional to do so.
I have in the past used diesel engine oil in my own vehicles for a while to help clean them some.
Last time was a used car I purchased and had not had regular oil changes.
I knew about the lack of maintenance when i bought it, and I got a great deal on the car because it needed some work.
So i drained the oil, and ran esso diesel specific oil in it due to the higher detergent content. I changed it again after about 2 weeks of driving it, again using diesel specific oil. After another couple of weeks I did an oil change back to regular oil meant for gasoline engines. Yes it did help somewhat with the sludge.
But if you choose to do such a thing, remember it is NOT recommended by Ford.
You obviously have some internal issues.
And i concur with those who said don't use chemicals to try and clean it.
And while I will not advise you to do this, because it would be unprofessional to do so.
I have in the past used diesel engine oil in my own vehicles for a while to help clean them some.
Last time was a used car I purchased and had not had regular oil changes.
I knew about the lack of maintenance when i bought it, and I got a great deal on the car because it needed some work.
So i drained the oil, and ran esso diesel specific oil in it due to the higher detergent content. I changed it again after about 2 weeks of driving it, again using diesel specific oil. After another couple of weeks I did an oil change back to regular oil meant for gasoline engines. Yes it did help somewhat with the sludge.
But if you choose to do such a thing, remember it is NOT recommended by Ford.
Neither is buying a Chevy!!!
My scenario is a little different than that which you describe.
I am not "running" anything in the engine other than what I use every oil change. Mobil 1 fully synthetic and 93 Octane Fuel.
While I had the oil pan off, I simply wanted to clean as much of the engine as I could, and asked opinions of methods and what was best. After researching, and consulting with a few sources, this procedure is what I came up with.
I am aware of the risks of "flushing" anything and potentially dislodging something ..........on and so forth. This all started as what was "safe" to put inside the engine on a rag, what could I touch and was there anything I needed to stay away from. It culminated in what were discussing.
I am not refuting the risks. Internal issues? Yeah, after 160,000 miles, I was happy that all I had was a few small pieces in my pickup screen and not 6 inch long entire guides that would tell me I immediately need a timing job. What was optimistic to me was that by removing those debris in the screen, I am then regaining that much surface area to pull oil through and hopefully increasing my pressure.
That, along with cleaning, hopefully, I'll get a positive result. Otherwise, then end result will be the same. The whole reason I pulled the pan was to inspect for indicators that a timing job was inevitable.
Look, I try my best to be proactive in maintenance. Slightest indicator something is up, I'm checking it out to make sure. Thats why I like this forum, to share, to listen, and to learn. Not to debate or whether or not what I am doing is in Fords favor.
Thats it, hopefully, at the least, it's like it was, maybe better
Heres what the bottom of my "DIY" catch basin looked like. This is minus the approx 15 gallons of brake cleaner, sea foam, and diesel fuel I already dumped out of it.
Also painted the pan and components I removed.
Im obsessive when I clean something like this. Gonna use low psi, with my....umhmmmmm, DIY air wand so I can blow "downward" toward the pan to remove any residual diesel that may be present. Then give a thorough wipe down and begin adding "flushing oil (12 Quarts total)". I'm gonna use my transfer pump, with a small 1/16" hose and tiny nipple (thats taped up to prevent scaring) to pump oil into all the nooks and crannies, a 1/8 inch hose to "blow" some oil up into the front casing and bottom of everything else to ensure all gets a good coating before putting the pan back on. Catch Basin, DIY, 32" Flat Screen Box. 10 mil. Hazardous Waste / Asbestos Removal Bags. Some towels under the cutout lid laid in the bottom in a manner to make it all drain to one end so I could pump it into a bucket.
The larger pieces either came from the gasket, or from runoff from the frame below. However, the brown, came from the engine.
This is what is left AFTER the approx 15 gallons I flushed through or spayed up.
Painted the parts
DIY Air hose with SS Wire wrapped around it for flexibility and rigidity, taped to prevent scarring. This will allow me to try and keep the air blowing in the direction of the pan location.
I cleaned every nook and cranny I could with a tooth brush and a rag. I got about 14 hours in cleaning it so far.
More pics and details later, working on pre-lube. Pan install tomorrow eve and hopefully startup. Flushed with 12 quarts of oil today, one at a time and let sit till quit dripping. Pushed oil into ports with transfer pump and up front cover as well.
Let me know what you guys think and if you see anything of immediate concern.
Also, from what is visible, do all the timing components appear to be........hmmm......"intact" I guess you'd say. I'm not sure of the exact location of things as I've never been in the front cover. Any input is appreciated.
10-08-2017, 07:24 AM
