[00Crew]

The 3.3 isn't known for sludge is it?

I just so happened to look down in my oil filler hole with a flash light, and it looks like I may have a sludge problem.

I will be replacing the valve cover gaskets in a few weeks, so I will know more at that time what I am looking at.

I have a 2000 Crew Cab 3.3, non SC. 2WD 92,000 miles

Anyone have any under valve cover photos?

 

[jonbth]

Is it a cream color? That is the sign of a blown head gasket.

 

[00Crew]

Is it a cream color? That is the sign of a blown head gasket.

Nope, dark brown.

 

[jonbth]

Have you been changing your oil regularly. The only time I've seen sludge inside the valve covers is when the oil isn't changed for a long time.

 

[shakedownstreet]

i have always wondered if that engine flush crap you pour in your oil is any good or even a wise idea

 

[mrgrayaz]

Throw some seafoam in it, run a 100 miles, change the oil. if you had a sludge problem..you wont after that. you'll probably get a couple new oil leaks too

 

[00Crew]

I haven't owned the truck for long, maybe 1,600 miles. The previous owner didn't drive it much, and when he did, it was just short stop and go commute. So I am wondering that even if he wasn't that much over 3,000 miles, how long was the oil actually in there. He had 10w40 in there when I got it, I believe to try and stop the valve cover leak.

I will be replacing the valve covers in a couple of weeks, trying to devote a whole weekend if needed due to the plenum removal. I will of course know more once I get a look with the valve covers removed.

She has fresh 10w30 PYB with a WIX filter right now.

 

[00Crew]

Everyone needs to be sitting down. And everyone needs to keep up with their oil changes! See before and after pictures below:

Have only had the truck a couple of months, and it was obviously neglected.

I plan on keeping the truck, and if the engine does die, replacing it. Anyone ever had a 3.3 rebuilt? Any idea on cost?

Would also be neat to do a different engine, but thats not too common with this truck.

 

[NissanTy]

wow i never heard of these engines having sludge issues. if the engine is trashed you could rebuild it to stock or hot rod it a bit. thats 1 reason i use synthetic.

 

[mrgrayaz]

Nice. Your probably gonna have sludge in the oil passeges and alot of places you were not able to reach with the valve covers off.
Thats pretty bad, like not changed for 30k miles bad.

I would still dump a thing of seafoam in it and do another oil change in a couple hundred miles.

 

[PutMeInTheSky]

That's disgusting.

 

[ToddG]

Holy hell that before picture is nasty.
Neglect is an understatement.
I've never seen anything that bad before.
Hopefully though like was mentioned it's not plugged up any other vital areas of oil flow or you might be looking at a rebuild sooner rather than later.

 

[joefrontier2]

I think what I would do is empty all oil, add fresh (non synthetic) 5w 30. Then add some seafoam, run for 100 miles (highway). Empty oil and redo. Between cleanings I'd pull the valve cover to see the cleaning process (you could probably reuse the gasket each time until final cleaning). I'd probably do this a number of times. Oil filter during each cleaning is a must.

You may want to see if you could get a camera device to look inside the valve covers if possible. Then you would not have to pull the right cover.

If you can get the small oil holes cleaned out you could possibly save a engine. however, you may be burning oil sooner as your rings may be worn or our cylinder walls worn.

 

[mrgrayaz]

If the engine oil has been neglected like that, I would also check Transmission and diff fluids as well, bet they have never been changed or flushed

 

[speedfoos]

Holy shiz, that looks like the SBC 350 I am rebuilding. Previous douche who owned it never changed the oil. I agree on the Seafoam though. Certainly can't hurt.