Dirty oil

BEA

MEMBER
OLDSMOBILE

1997 Olds LSS, 6 cy, 142,000 miles. Oil is dirty even just after an oil change. Mechanic said it looked like the oil hadn't been changed in 30,000 miles, but I've always changed it every 3,000 miles since I bought it with 98,000 miles on it. I had the engine flushed about a year ago, but the oil has never been clear. What could cause this, and is there anything I can do about it? Thanks

8 Replies

CHEVY22

MECHANIC
1,375 POSTS

If your tech said it looked like it wasnt changed in 30k, it may be sludge , you bought it with 98k so someone owned it before you and possibly neglected the car

i have to be honest here there isnt much you can do , you dont want to use an additive they just kill bearings , and the flushes didnt work , sorry i dont have any good news
if you need anything let me know

jim

thi is what slude looks like from inside

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Saturday, February 24th, 2007 AT 6:29 PM

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Thanks Jim. I wish it was better news. Since I can't fix the problem, what can I do to maintain the car for a little while longer. I will be driving it to Tucson, AZ soon, and don't want any problems on the road. Is this possible? :(

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Saturday, February 24th, 2007 AT 6:59 PM

CHEVY22

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With a sludge problem its like cancer you just dont know, but I would keep up on the oil changes and hope for the best, dont let anyone talk you into additives as they will surely kill the engine.

Thanks, jim
oh and leave some feedback if you were happy with your help, we all donate our time here helping others

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Saturday, February 24th, 2007 AT 7:34 PM

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Thank you again. I'm wondering if it would be worth the expense of having the oil pan cleaned. I'm guessing you don't recommend another engine flush? Someone suggested using a lighter weight oil. Would that help prolong the life of the car?

I've been very happy with your response and quickness in answering.

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Monday, February 26th, 2007 AT 2:59 PM

CHEVY22

MECHANIC
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WELL, IF YOU HAVE SLUDGE IN THE PAN, IT WILL BE IN EVERY ORIFICE IN THE ENGINE BUT ON THE OTHER HAND IF YOU DONT MIND PAYING FOR THE LABOR, YOU COULD ATLEAT CLEAN THE PAN AND THE PICKUP SCREEN (SHOWN ABOVE IN PIC) AND TAKE A PEEK AT THE LOWER END, LOOK FOR ANY OVERHEAT ON THE ROD AND MAIN CAPS AND THE CRANK,

YEAH MIGHT NOT BE BAD AS LONG AS YOU DONT MIND$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

LOL

THANKS JIM
IF YOU NEED ANYTHING DONT HESITATE TO CALL ON ME

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Monday, February 26th, 2007 AT 3:09 PM

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Hummmmm. May not be worth the money. Just trying to get a little more life out of the thing. You've given me much to consider and I feel a bit more educated. Thank you very, very much.?

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Monday, February 26th, 2007 AT 3:54 PM

CHEVY22

MECHANIC
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No problem actually I just looked up the labor time and its.05 hrs our labor rate here is $100.00 per hour and a gm oil pan gasket set is 52.46 (from the dealer ) so im thinking with cleaning the lower end and pan you would be about 200 max and that should include labor parts oil and oil filter,
not to harsh, but what will you find?

Take care

jim

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Monday, February 26th, 2007 AT 4:20 PM

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I have no idea. Just thought maybe it would help the car to run longer.? I guess cleaning out the results isn't going to cure the problem.
You've been wonderful and helpful. Wish my donation could have been more.
Thanks you.
B

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Monday, February 26th, 2007 AT 8:51 PM