Re: Oil change

Posted by HH56 On 2023/10/30 12:16:16

Since the overall condition is unknown I would suggest pulling the pan or a valve cover to check the sludge condition before making any decisions. Others on the forum have often suggested that pulling the oil pan and cleaning out any visible sludge in the pan and on the lower end surfaces be a recommended early on procedure after acquiring any "new or unknown history" car.

Sludge has a tendency to deposit on the surfaces of the lower end and valve chamber or pool in the pan sump. Some photos of recently acquired cars where new owners removed the pan have shown the oil pickup assy being completely surrounded or even submerged in the stuff with only a small channel able to supply circulating oil to the screen.

If running into something like that then a good cleaning of loose stuff should be done followed by using a very light detergent oil along with a more frequent oil change for a time or two. The oil you have been using might work since no problems have surfaced in 400 miles. Conversely, if the pan and lower end or valve chamber is relatively clean then using a quality brand oil similar to those recommended earlier should not be a problem.