Agreed. Any sludge under the valve covers is only a problem when it's blocking the return holes, the PVC or when large pieces come loose and travel through the motor as the OP has discovered. Sludge and buildup are only a problem in a non-direct injection engine when carbon causes the rings to stick in their groves or if it impeeds oil circulation. That's why trying to clean with strong solvents is risky.
2006 Highlander 3.3L 3MZ-FE Heavy Sludge
- Thread starter RayManPE
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- sludge bg dynamic
So, we started with this:
We scraped and vacuumed:
Then we took the BG Dynamic Cleaner (5Qts) and ran it at 3000RPM for 45mins.
Immediately drained & changed the filter. Then we ran the BG Rinse for 20mins at 3000RPM, drained, pulled off the filter.
We dropped the oil pan & took off the front bank valve cover and .....
No oil light the entire 1 hour & 5 mins (45 & 20) at 3000 RPM. Happy with how clean it came out.
Reseated the oil pan & waiting for it to cure 24hrs ... Will add new synthetic 5/30 & the MOA with new filter & go from there.
We scraped and vacuumed:
Then we took the BG Dynamic Cleaner (5Qts) and ran it at 3000RPM for 45mins.
Immediately drained & changed the filter. Then we ran the BG Rinse for 20mins at 3000RPM, drained, pulled off the filter.
We dropped the oil pan & took off the front bank valve cover and .....
No oil light the entire 1 hour & 5 mins (45 & 20) at 3000 RPM. Happy with how clean it came out.
Reseated the oil pan & waiting for it to cure 24hrs ... Will add new synthetic 5/30 & the MOA with new filter & go from there.
@RayPeMan That looks good! I'd keep the party going! If the cost of the Dynamic Engine Cleaner wasn't an issue I'd say do it again after a short OCI.
Then maybe use HPL's EC30 for two 3k oil changes, changing the filter halfway in between. That will probably be as clean as that engine will ever get!
Then maybe use HPL's EC30 for two 3k oil changes, changing the filter halfway in between. That will probably be as clean as that engine will ever get!
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Well done. Keep us updated as things progress. What oil filter combo are they sticking with?
I can't believe how well that worked!
I'd be going with a (reasonable thick) HPL oil next to finish the job.
But seriously, that BG Dynamic Engine Cleaner looks awesome. Shame it's so expensive!
I'd be going with a (reasonable thick) HPL oil next to finish the job.
But seriously, that BG Dynamic Engine Cleaner looks awesome. Shame it's so expensive!
Does it consume any oil?
Looks awesome
Picking jaw up off floor!!!
For the love of God please never ever ever put transmission fluid OR seafoam in your crankcase again! Those things simply can’t do what you’re hoping they will.
I’d say take your normal oil and replace a quart every oil change with HPL EC40, and change filters with a Fram orange at half your OCI (5k OCI = filter at oil change & 2.5k miles). Monitor oil level frequently.
Take pics after about 50k more mileage!
change the oil again in 3k
no need to use thicker oil. 5w30 is fine for the 3MZ. However, you should do a shorter OCI (3-5k) because of the sludge, even though you cleaned it up already, you want to prevent it from happening again.
Stunning improvement. Thank you for documenting this.
Sending unit could be clogged with sludge. Edit: didnt see new pictures!
Isnt’t that rear valve cover just an absolute peach to remove/replace.
Looks good! Great job!
Yes, that rear cover was a killer. That wire harness was the impediment.
What is "the sending unit"?
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