When there is a noticeable build-up of sludge in an engine, as evidenced by a gummy accumulation in the oil pan, what should a good auto mechanic do about it?
The vehicle in question is a 1986 Ford Econoline E150 (4.9L, in-line 6 cyl, 155,000 miles). Over the years, the oil and filer have been changed regularly, but it is a service vehicle, so it does a lot of stop and go driving. It was taken to the shop for oil leaks. The mechanic replaced the timing chain cover and gasket, the valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket and changed the oil. (The repair also included a couple motor mounts, a fuel sending unit, water pump and some belts)
Just 1300 miles later, while driving 75 MPH on the Interstate, the oil pick-up tube clogged up so completely that it suddenly lost all oil pressure. By the time I got safely off the highway, the engine damaged.
After having the truck towed back to the same mechanic, he removed the pick-up tube and showed it to me. It was dripping with gummy, black sludge like it had been excavated from a primordial sludge pit. He said that the clogged oil pick-up tube was the reason I lost oil pressure. He stated that the oil pick-up tube and oil pump would need to be replaced.
Because the engine was evidently so heavily gummed up with sludge, I asked why he hadn't flushed the engine or taken some other corrective action or at least advised me of the problem on the initial repair. He said that there is no safe way to flush the engine. (Is this true?)
So, having seen what had to be an obvious build up of sludge in the oil pan and/or on the valves, what should this mechanic have done other than to just ignore it?
Thanks for your comments,
John
[email protected]
The vehicle in question is a 1986 Ford Econoline E150 (4.9L, in-line 6 cyl, 155,000 miles). Over the years, the oil and filer have been changed regularly, but it is a service vehicle, so it does a lot of stop and go driving. It was taken to the shop for oil leaks. The mechanic replaced the timing chain cover and gasket, the valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket and changed the oil. (The repair also included a couple motor mounts, a fuel sending unit, water pump and some belts)
Just 1300 miles later, while driving 75 MPH on the Interstate, the oil pick-up tube clogged up so completely that it suddenly lost all oil pressure. By the time I got safely off the highway, the engine damaged.
After having the truck towed back to the same mechanic, he removed the pick-up tube and showed it to me. It was dripping with gummy, black sludge like it had been excavated from a primordial sludge pit. He said that the clogged oil pick-up tube was the reason I lost oil pressure. He stated that the oil pick-up tube and oil pump would need to be replaced.
Because the engine was evidently so heavily gummed up with sludge, I asked why he hadn't flushed the engine or taken some other corrective action or at least advised me of the problem on the initial repair. He said that there is no safe way to flush the engine. (Is this true?)
So, having seen what had to be an obvious build up of sludge in the oil pan and/or on the valves, what should this mechanic have done other than to just ignore it?
Thanks for your comments,
John
[email protected]