How serious is this sludge?

[mechtech2]

Sheet metal baffles on valve covers often don't get good ventilation through them, even if the PCV system is otherwise OK.
Kind of a dead air space.
So it is not unusual to see deposits there.
I do see some deposits underneath it. Not bad. As always, we can't see the important piston ring area.

What to do?
Of course, make sure your PCV SYSTEM is perfect [ not just the valve].
A good cleaning oil or anybody's oil with with MMO will help. I'd get it out slow and sure, rather than a quick fast method. It is not really hurting anything at this point.

 

[wallyuwl]

Is the part being shown just the baffle on some Toyota engines? Below that top part it doesn't look bad at all. Still not a bad idea to ARx it if you're worried about it. Nothing bad will come of it.

 

[Bill in Utah]

Originally Posted By: KurtJ
Thanks - I wish I could post images directly from the files on my hard drive (attach files). That would be most convenient. I don't see that option in the post form. Does that right come after achieving a certain number of posts (to avoid spamming), or does this forum not have that option?


We do not have any hosting available no matter how long you have been here. So images have to linked to be shown.

Thanks, bill

 

[Bill in Utah]

Originally Posted By: wallyuwl
Is the part being shown just the baffle on some Toyota engines? Below that top part it doesn't look bad at all. Still not a bad idea to ARx it if you're worried about it. Nothing bad will come of it.


Most of the Toyota motors I've seen do have some sort of a baffle. Some of them have black crinkle coating and others are plain metal.

Here is mine on the Corolla (05 1ZZFE with 186k miles)

Take care, Bill

 

[5sfe91]

Wow the inside looks really clean Bill your methods are proving themselves

 

[GenSan]

Originally Posted By: KurtJ
Just called the shop that did the valve cover replacement and they seemed to recall it was pretty clean - no major sludging to concern them. What a relief.



Good to hear!

I have the same engine in a 1997 4Runner and it looks similar to yours from the fill hole. I know for a fact that this type of engine tends to form sludge on the top ledge like that according to a toyota tech yet underneath most likely will be clean.

I would not run AutoRx unless you know for certain that you are dealing with a more severe sludge problem than just sludge on the baffle ledge. Just stick with a high detergent oil with a decent filter and change them more frequently if you feel the need to do some cleaning.

 

[KurtJ]

I put in a new Purolator PCV valve this morning. The old one was pretty crudded up. I could still hear the ball moving inside, but with all the crud I'm sure sure it was working propery.

I'll post a pic of old PCV valve another time.

Kurt

 

[Sayjac]

Have got the same engine on an 01 Tacoma with ~105k. Just looked at it and the upper baffle (or whatever) looks similar. Now the part under the baffle doesn't appear to have as much a varnished look. It's seen regular ~5k dino oil and filter changes since new. Don't think the upper baffle is a good indication of much.

IMO, based on looking at mine, I don't think you're in bad shape. As said previously, a good oil like PYB and 5k/6month OCI, would be a good place to start to help do some cleaning. Based on this thread, just changed my PCV today for the first time, didn't look too bad but can't hurt. I think you're on the right path and AFAIK the 3.4L is a reliable (non sludger) engine.

 

[KurtJ]

Ok, here are the shots of the old PCV valve. Sorry for the poor focus.

 

[Brons2]

Wow you got the full gamut of opinions about what to do about this problem. Personally I don't think it's that much of a problem, the baffle looks a bit nasty but the valvetrain underneath looks fine to me.

Just keep running M1 5w30 HM, no need for any additives. There was someone here a while ago who took pictures of their valve train that had some sludge on it and after 2 OCI's of M1 HM, it was pretty clean. (But in your case I don't think it's a worry anyway).

 

[jstutz]

+1 for not using any other chemicals. IMO its not that bad and regular oil changes with the M1HM will most likely clean it up slowly. Im very scared of chemicals. I ruined an old very badly neglected 350 by simply dumping M1 in the crankcase in thoughts of cleaning it up. 500 miles later in had a severe rod knock and low and behold i spun a bearing. I should have most likely done a few short changes with reg dino because the engine was very badly caked with hard deposits and sludge. If its not hurt and its running fine, just let the M1 do its job. It most likely wont need help. Good luck with it whatever you choose to do.

 

[wiswind]

I have used AutoRX, and I would recommend that you go ahead and use it as per the instructions given on their website.
It is a really good product, but not a miracle in a bottle.
You don't have much, if any, oil flowing over the top of that baffel, so the AutoRX may not clean that up, but it will do a nice job on the areas that the oil flows over, which is what is important.
At the very least, it will not harm anything, and should help clean things up.

The WIX filters that you are using are good filters.
I get mine from Rockauto.
I have the 1MZFE 3L motor in my 2003 Sienna (just outside the sludge years).

I found that I could use a larger oil filter on my motor.
My '96 Windstar used the WIX 51516 filter and I looked it up and compared on the WIX website to the 51348 that is listed for my Sienna.
Exact fit, except that the 51516 is a little longer, and I have plenty of room for it.
I have the Purolator P1 filter (longer version) on there right now, also a good filter.
Not recommending one over the other, just wanted to try something different, both are very good.

I prefer to stick with OEM for the PCV valve, but as you have this one installed, I would not worry about it.
It is good that you replaced it.
Keep and eye on that to make sure that it stays clear flowing.
The PCV valve is often forgotten, and is a known cause for sludged up motors when it becomes clogged and is not changed.