Burnt carbon and sludge

[Decca]

I am halfway through my second AutoRX bottle to remove heavy sludge. Looking inside the valve cover things have improved but there is still a large buildup of what looks like solid carbon (burnt?) on the cam chain and elsewhere.

Engine is a Alfa 2L 8v Twinspark built in 1984 with around 165,000 miles. After some research it seems the previous owners skipped the 6000 mile oil change intervals and on maybe the 12,000 a few times.

I have no reason to doubt AutoRX is improving things but is there anyway all the remaining gunk can be removed safely. Would a third use of AutoRX help.

 

[uconn1150]

Be sure to follow the instructions EXACTLY. Also, if you do a 3rd round (which, under the circumstances I suggest) use the LIGHTEST oil viscosity allowed by the manufacturer. Some components are only lubricated by oil "splash" a thicker oil won't "splash" as much and hence, the A-RX won't be able to knock out that last bit of sludge/carbon.

 

[NewGuy]

uconn1150s advice on the lowest viscosity oil possible is a very good one. It does sound like a 3rd treatment might be in order, but from some reports it seems that a large amount of sludge is removed during the second rinse phase. Things might vastly improve after the rinse phase and a 3rd treatment might not be necessary.

 

[JohnBrowning]

Decca, That sounds a lot like a steroid!! Any was I was going to mention that Lube Control is great at getting rid of the stuff that Auto-Rx might not get!! I have used both and both have their place. Auto-Rx is better at sludge removal over all! Lube Control will remove the varnish and harden carbon better! This is just my opion from actual use I have not testing them exhaustively. If it were my Alfa I would pick a gallon of LC and do the initial flush then go to the modified usage instruction per Molakule and Terry! I did not look to see were you are from but I would run a high detergent oil like Delo 15W40 if temp's permit after you are done with Auto-Rx!

 

[Decca]

Thank you gentlemen for you answers. I will wait until the end of the second RX before reviewing if anything else needs to be done. Lube Control might just be a useful option. Unfortunately I need to import all of this stuff to the UK but I think it will be worth it.