My 90 Camaro has 170,000 miles on the original engine. I change the oil ever 3-5k miles.

I wonder if my engine has a lot of crud built up in it?

My buddy says that I can do the following:

1) pour a quart of Kerosene into the engine oil
2) Start the car and let the car idel for about 10 minutes
3) drain the oil, change the oil filter, change the oil.
4) Crud should be gone.

Does this sound right? I've never tried this and it sounds too crazy to be true.

Thanx!

 

I would just use Seafoam.

 

Kerosene (#1 fuel oil) is a solvent that is commonly used to clean parts. It however is a poor lubricant for engines. Short answer is yes, you can do that and it won't hurt anything, but you might find a leak or two as its much thinner than oil. You won't however dislodge any real sludge that may be built up in the heads and lifter valley and what does become dislodged may not fit through the drain hole of the pan. If that's the case it will get pulled into the oil pickup screen where it will do you no favors. At your mileage its really time for cylinder head, timing chain, ring and bearing work anyway. At least its time to start working on a plan. ATF is a less harsh solvent that can be run for a day or 2 before an oil change and helps scrub the engine clean as well. Cheap DextronII is just fine.

 

Pull a valve cover. Usually what you find on the top of the heads reflects well upon the rest of the engine. If you find any buildup whatsoever, chances are you'll find just as much in the lifter valley.

robvas is right, those thinners and solvents you speak of may clean a varnish off, but certainly not buildup. AND if it did somehow manage to dislodge something, where would the crud go? Certainly no place you'd want it. It will either restrict on oil passage or fall into the pan possibly blocking off the oil pickup.

Removing buildup requires partial engine disassembly. Don't be fooled into thinking some mechanic in a can will fix it. It usually will do more harm than good.

And Seafoam is good for intake systems. Cleaning the intake, intake ports, valves, chambers etc. Not to be used for this kind of concern.

 

It says "gunk in engine". Nowhere in the original post does he mention the lifter valley or the top of the heads. Besides it sounds like he's after the stuff in the crankcase.

 

If you changed your oil every 3 to 5,000 miles there should be no build up.
What makes you think there is??