Sludge on Honda Civic 1997, B16A2 engine

[Delphi]

Gentlemen, a colleague from the Honda fans club, bought recently a SH car, and decided to change the timing belt, water pump, and so on. While having these done in the Honda service, he have found out a horrible image of his engine. Do you think there is something he could do to remove this sludge?

Sludge 1
Sludge 2
He does not have any info regarding the oil being used in his car, nor about the OCI, if any

.
Thank you in advance.

 

[02zx9r]

will have to look at the pics when I get home as I cant bring it up on my work computer they have it blocked.

Auto-rx, probably several treatments is in order.

I would assume a 5W30 would be applicable in this application

 

[ekpolk]

That sludge is awful. That stuff looks baked on hard. Is it actually hard, or is it still "gooey" to where you can scrape it off with a finger?

It certainly won't hurt to try a run or two of ARX, as long as the engine is running. This one may, however, need a teardown and solvent tank treatment. Of course, if your friend can get his money back and go buy another car, that would probably be the best possibility.

 

[JAG]

That's horrendous and he must be careful with how he cleans it because he could clog the oil pickup screen or drain holes and kill the engine from oil starvation. I think he needs to manually clean with solvent every part of the engine he can get to: clean valvetrain, valve cover; take off and clean oil pan and pickup screen; etc.

Then add new oil and filter, then run it for very short OCI, drain. Repeat as necessary.

 

[gonesurfing]

I think I'd pull the head and oil pan and start a thorough soaking.

 

[Delphi]

Originally Posted By: ekpolk
That sludge is awful. That stuff looks baked on hard. Is it actually hard, or is it still "gooey" to where you can scrape it off with a finger?

From the picture below, I think it is hard.

Sludge 3

 

[Pablo]

Originally Posted By: Delphi
Gentlemen, a colleague from the Honda fans club, bought recently a SH car, and decided to change the timing belt, water pump, and so on. While having these done in the Honda service, he have found out a horrible image of his engine. Do you think there is something he could do to remove this sludge?

Sludge 1
Sludge 2
He does not have any info regarding the oil being used in his car, nor about the OCI, if any

.
Thank you in advance.


That does look like it will have to come apart! I don't see how it was even running. Someone simply didn't change the oil....I'll bet that's dino with over 25,000 miles.(25,000 miles = 40,234 km).

 

[XPR]

If he's that far into the engine, maybe he should tear it down all the way and clean it then re-assemble it.

 

[MatchboxCar]

I'm sorry, but that is not sludge. That's heat damage. That engine has been critically overheated adn the car dumped upon the used car market. I'd seek my money back, pronto.

 

[ARB1977]

Thats really bad, even for a honda engine.

 

[MrCritical]

The rest of the car transmission/radiator/ect can't be much better. Get rid of it ASAP.

 

[Curious Kid]

With much doubt arising with the state of things mechanically with this vehicle, I'd have to agree with what's being said. For a daily driver, I'd have to get something else, if for no other reason than for peace of mind. If wanting a "project car", than by all means, get most of your money back and invest in some manuals, tools, and get to know some of the guys at the local shop and supply stores.

Looks awful. Too bad.

Take care and good luck.

 

[BarkerMan]

A compression test might be in order. You engine may have a failed head gasket. Also a pressure check on the cooling system.

 

[harley145000]

That a shame, thats a good little engine to have been neglected like that

 

[Durango]

Delphi,

Since the covers off scoop as much outta there as possible and then have it flushed well. If you can fina a place that can do a Belstein engine treatment on it. It's just a machine that pumps in solvents/oil to clean all the oil passages and such. Regardless I believe your friend can save the engine. Honda engines are rock solid.

Durango

 

[Delphi]

Thank you all for your help and for your advices.

The Honda service asked about 1,000 $ to tear it down all the way, clean it, and then to re-assemble it. My friend cannot afford this amount, so he will try to clean the engine using some cheap dino oil and flushing oil. Hope it will work.

Durango, you are right, Honda engines are great.

 

[steve20]

looking at the address of the poster - Romania- I think someone maintained this engine on non-detergent oil. I'd leave all of the [censored] inside the engine alone-disturbing it partially will only bring you trouble.

 

[tackleberry625]

buy gap insurance, set it on fire and buy a new car with the money. J/K. WOW, I agree with the tear down and soak method. Good luck with whatever u do.

 

[Durango]

Originally Posted By: Delphi
Thank you all for your help and for your advices.

The Honda service asked about 1,000 $ to tear it down all the way, clean it, and then to re-assemble it. My friend cannot afford this amount, so he will try to clean the engine using some cheap dino oil and flushing oil. Hope it will work.

Durango, you are right, Honda engines are great.

Delphi,

Now that you already know how much it'll be from the dealership you can try the cheaper route by using a good engine flush. I also suggest that you start using a good synthetic oil instead of dino. Synthetic will help clean the internals better that conventional unless you bud can't afford the oil too. Consider seeking a private mechanic and ask their price. It might be cheaper than the dealership and you'll wind up with a fresher/stronger engine than before. If you go that route then consider a valve job/head gasket so you won't burn/consume and oil.

Later,

Durango

 

[Steelhead]

"synthetic" oil has NO more cleaning capabilities than good old mineral rotten plant oil

that engine is headed to a quick death at the scrap yard.
first pieces to break loose plug the oil pickup screen and good bye bearings, crank, rods and pistons