Originally Posted By: dnewton3
I am curious about a few things ...
- what is it that lead to such a large accumulation of sludge? I am not greatly familiar with the engine in this van; does it have a propensity to sludge? Or, was maintenance neglected for a long time?
- if the vehicle had "normal" maintenance, then how is it you're going to get the sludge from it's settled position in the heads, into suspension and held there, and then into the filter? If it could not keep soot/insolubles low enough in a normal OCI plan, then what makes you think you can get it out now?
- if the vehicle was neglected, it's possible that "normal" maintenance might get the sludge out, but I doubt it. Sludge is VERY difficult to remove when the oil only washes over the surface of the muck and globule areas. It typically takes abrasion and physical friction contact to break sludge loose.
It was bought used with no previous history available. The van is definitely neglected. I would assume, using high detergent oils will break the sludge loose with extended highway driving where the van gets up to temperature.
Originally Posted By: bullwinkle
If your guy can get get the Casite CF1A, it's the cheaper Hastings FL1A, or the LF115 is a microglass blend. Make sure your thermostat isn't stuck open & you get the engine fully warmed up when you drive it, that'll help.
I actually think my new thermostat is stuck slightly open. When I get it onto highway my coolant temperature actually drops to almost the C mark, about 1/8 on the gauge.
Originally Posted By: Garak
Baldwin is the same thing as Hastings, so as long as you're able to get one at a good price. How can you call yourself a Canadian farmer if you're four hours away from a Peavey Mart?
Westcoast BC, Vancouver-ish area, we don't have those here. Only major chains with a few small places.
I ordered my filters today.
Baldwin B2 $5 and change
Hastings LF115 $4