Goobed up motor

[Mike Kast]

I have a 93 E250 ford van with 150,000 miles on it. I bought it with 100,000 miles and it was never maintained well. The motor is clogged with goo from not having the oil changed often enough.
The problem started with engine getting what seemed like a loud valve tick and an oil pressure drop. My mechanic said it needs a new motor. But the motor still runs strong and quiet when it is running properly. I decided to start changing the oil every 1000 miles and use diesel motor oil hoping this would slowly remove the goo over time. It was running well for about the last 3 or 4 thousand miles and now it started again. It there any hope for getting the goo out without taking the engine apart? I was in there yesterday to see if I could take off the valve covers to clean the top out at least. It's very tight in the engine compartment and looked like more than I have the time, patients or tools to do.
I have a fantasy I can somehow flush it out. It seems like a shame to swap out a reasonably good motor when this one does what I need it to do ... minus the goo.
Thanks... if anyone is reading this corner of infinity.

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

It sounds like, if you want the job done right, you will need to tear the motor down.

--DD

[Mike Kast]

Thanks Dave,
I agree, When I looked in the motor from the passenger compartment it was clear I didn't have time or skill to. I am in no position to tear it down. I can't afford to have it off the road that long. My mechanics recommendation was pop in a new one for $2500.00. I'd really like to get 2 more years out of it and get something new. If I could milk 2 years out of this motor (I doubt I can) I would just move on.
If it was a 911, I might be willing to make the time and learn the skills. But not for this nasty old machine.

[lews930]

Mike, try an oil change. use the thinnest oil you can use for your climate.
add a couple of quarts of transmission fluid to the oil (3 qts oil 2 qts tranny fluid). the tranny fluid will sometimes (if the goo is not too bad) dissolve the goo. the tranny fluid is like detergent to the goo. also, pull the oil pan first and remove any (goo) that you find there, especially on the oil pump pick up. I have persoannly done this to engines that haven't been taken care of and some that have. let me know how you make out

lews930@aol.com

[Mike Kast]

Thank you Lews, I'll try it. Can't hurt, thats for sure.

[gregk1]

you could take the valve covers off and use a solvent brush and a screwdriver and scrape as much goo out as you can then use diesel or solvent and clean the rest with the brush that way you can at least the topend oil drain holes clear so that the oil gets down stairs alittle faster and won't starve the oil pump, I did this to a girlfriends camaro one time and worked well Just my 02

[lews930]

I concur with Greg. your drain holes in the heads NEED to be open! Will take some time as the engine in that van is crammed in there. it will help significantly with your problem


lewis

[Mike Kast]

Honestly? I don't know if you can get the valve covers off without removing the engine. If I get motivated I'll post a picture. The fuel injection system (I think?) Is on top and would have to come off to gain access to the valve covers. I ain't no Gynecologist but I think the motor would have to come out. If the motor comes out a new one is going in. Its a work truck. There is no passion involved with this one...

[lews930]

Hard to believe the injection would need to come off but I'm not there.
You said a mechanic quoted you $2,500 for NEW motor? I hope it's factory FORD with warranty. That's awfully expensive for rebuild!
try the valve covers

lewis

[Mike Kast]

I know it's too much. I'll shop around if it comes to that

[lews930]

It will just take some time. there are only 4 bolts per valve cover. no need to take injection off.

[McDaniel]

Years ago we used this product. I'm not sure of the spelling, and
it may no longer be available. If you can find it, it will do the job!
I have seen it clean out engines with goop so thick you had to
help it drain with poking a screwdriver into the oil pan drain hole.
Only one quart is needed.
Good Luck!