Notices
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Dentsides Ford Truck
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: Moser

Oil Sludge

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 19, 2015 | 04:54 PM
  #1  
Erik Jaeke's Avatar
Erik Jaeke
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
Oil Sludge

Changing the oil in my 1979 400cu. I can see a ton of sludge inside the valve cover. Best ways to clean it? Thanks!
 
Reply
Old Sep 19, 2015 | 06:08 PM
  #2  
Blue and White's Avatar
Blue and White
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,553
Likes: 10
Best is to pull the VC's and clean it out with rags/shop vac. Plug the oil return drains first so no chunks drop down. Run for 50-100 miles then change oil again with high detergent oil like diesel engine oil. Change frequently after that (eg every 500 miles) for several changes to finish cleaning.

Sludge can be caused by extended oil changes, incorrect thermostat (180 minimum, 190-195 preferred), PCV inoperative or short trips especially in cold weather.
 
Reply
Old Sep 19, 2015 | 06:34 PM
  #3  
HIO Silver's Avatar
HIO Silver
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 82
From: NorCal
... also caused by a dusty conditions and a lack of air filter oil/oil filter changes... generally referred to as crummy maintenance practices.
 
Reply
Old Sep 19, 2015 | 06:48 PM
  #4  
Erik Jaeke's Avatar
Erik Jaeke
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by HIO Silver
... also caused by a dusty conditions and a lack of air filter oil/oil filter changes... generally referred to as crummy maintenance practices.
Thanks guys. Just bought it.... It had been sitting for 5 years. Trying to get her going
 
Reply
Old Sep 19, 2015 | 07:05 PM
  #5  
Erik Jaeke's Avatar
Erik Jaeke
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 38
Likes: 0


Can I use solvent to help clean?
 
Reply
Old Sep 19, 2015 | 07:35 PM
  #6  
HIO Silver's Avatar
HIO Silver
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 82
From: NorCal
Yeah but plug the oil return holes and you'll need to clean up all the big chunks that are dislodged. I think hot runs and frequent filter changes would be a better approach at this point. Change the oil and then just change the filter after 100 miles. Top it off and repeat. Monitor.
 
Reply
Old Sep 21, 2015 | 10:44 AM
  #7  
Erik Jaeke's Avatar
Erik Jaeke
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by HIO Silver
Yeah but plug the oil return holes and you'll need to clean up all the big chunks that are dislodged. I think hot runs and frequent filter changes would be a better approach at this point. Change the oil and then just change the filter after 100 miles. Top it off and repeat. Monitor.
Yeah agreed. I will replace gaskets on both VCs, (after cleaning the inside of both VCs). Oil up, drive for a while, then change oil again. Should help. The motor runs really clean right now, so that's good at least!

Thanks all
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Fefanatic
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
8
Feb 5, 2018 03:12 PM
fmuguira
2017 - 2022 Super Duty
2
Sep 1, 2017 08:06 AM
Shawn MacAnanny
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
16
Feb 4, 2017 10:58 AM
CheaperJeeper
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
48
May 22, 2009 08:05 PM
priley
Oil & Lubrication
2
Sep 17, 2001 07:46 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:53 PM.

story-0
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-1
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-2
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-3
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE
story-6
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

Slideshow: Everything You Need to Know about the 2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-07 17:51:06


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

Slideshow: 10 most surprising Ford truck options/features in 2026.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:17:22


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026

Slideshow: Here are the top 10 Fords coming to Mecum Indy 2026.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:49:49


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 worst Ford truck wheels of all time

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 16:49:01


VIEW MORE