Mmm.... Sludge

[MericaMopar]

Got the oil pan off to inspect the underbelly of the engine on my '64. ...gross...

The pickup tube is basically completely clogged, probably explains the lower oil pressure (25psi) and noisy valve train on startup, taking a while to get oil up to the top (that's what I'm going to keep thinking in my head, anyway).

Anyways, how do you guys clean the pickup screen? Brake clean and a brush? Engine is in the vehicle.

 

[halifaxhops]

Unscrew it and clean the tube out also.

 

[MericaMopar]

Unscrew it and clean the tube out also.

It'll unscrew with the engine mounted in the car? I just assumed it wouldn't, it looks like it would hit the lower cross member, I'll give it a try. Thanks

 

[MericaMopar]

I inspected the timing chain while I was in there, at least what I could by looking at it and touching it. I could flex the slack side of the timing chain 1/4-1/2". I know it's not the proper procedure to check the chain, but does that slack seem to much? This flexing was just done with my finger. I did not find any plastic pieces in the sludge (not that I could see anyways, I wasn't going to go treasure hunting in all the sludge).

 

[Davea Lux]

'64 big block should still have an all metal gear set. Those were usually good for the life of the engine, but a lot of sludge would suggest poor oiling to the chain. Do the rotation check of the chain, should not have more than 12 degrees of free play. If you can't get the pickup tube clear of the cross member, loosen the motor mount on one side and jack up the engine an inch or so to gain more room. Suggest you hot tank the complete pick up assembly to get rid of all the crud.

Dave

 

[MericaMopar]

'64 big block should still have an all metal gear set. Those were usually good for the life of the engine, but a lot of sludge would suggest poor oiling to to chain. Do the rotation check of the chain, should not have more than 12 degrees of free play. If you can't get the pickup tube clear of the cross member, loosen the motor mount on one side and jack up the engine an inch or so to gain more room. Suggest you hot tank the complete pick up assembly to get rid of all the crud.

Dave

That would explain the lack of plastic then. I was able to get the pickup tube out pretty easily. ATF and gasoline made quick work of the sludge in the pan and I got the pickup screen pretty clean. It's all back together now. The old cork gasket was so hard, flat, and brittle, no wonder it leaked oil so bad.