Well, I decided to go ahead with my grand experiment -- draining the oil, pouring a couple of quarts of mineral spirits (aka paint thinner)into the sump and letting it soak for a few hours. Then I used compressed air to blow backward through the oil line from the oil filter back to the sump, so that any debris stuck to the screen would be pushed back into the oil pan.

I did this three times, straining the paint thinner after I had drained it to get rid of larger debris (and also to see what kind of stuff was coming out), and then dumping it back into the engine. Each time I drained it, there would be a few more bits of debris. I think it was important to use the compressed air -- first, for its reverse-flush effect, and second because it also pushed away the debris from the vicinity of the oil screen.

Finally, I put my old oil back in (I'd only changed it a couple of weeks ago), replaced the filter, and fired up the engine.

Initially, I was very disappointed -- the valve clatter was as loud as ever. But after the engine had idled for about a minute, the noise level started to drop VERY rapidly (presumably, as fresh, clean oil started to reach the valve train and refill hydraulic lifters. The longer it idled, the quieter it got. Then I took the car out on the freeway at 1 a.m. to get the oil warm ... and when I got back to my house, that engine was purring.

I will probably do this again the next time I change my oil -- it's not that much additional work, and the results were spectacular. It also beats hell out of paying the dealer $740 (I'm not making this up) to pull the pan and clear the screen.

One important caveat -- it is VERY important that the engine is NOT started when the mineral spirits are in the oil pan. To do so would probably destroy the main bearings almost instantly.


posted by 24.250.118...

• sump cleanup: add mineral spirits, kerosene or ATF?, Graham, Thu, 15 Dec 2005 22:30:08
  • Followup: I did it -- with excellent results, Graham, Wed, 21 Dec 2005 22:33:53 <-- Viewing This Message
    • symptoms?, Wingerr, Thu, 22 Dec 2005 09:06:06
  • Re: sump cleanup: add mineral spirits, kerosene or ATF?, AllanJ, Mon, 19 Dec 2005 09:33:49
  • Re: sump cleanup: Gunk says do not drive, more info, Graham, Fri, 16 Dec 2005 12:28:51
    • Are you sure the noise isn't Fuel Pressure Regulator?, Bill Homer , Fri, 16 Dec 2005 15:33:16
  • Re: sump cleanup: add mineral spirits, kerosene or ATF?, AK Colin, Fri, 16 Dec 2005 10:20:07
  • Re: sump cleanup: add mineral spirits, kerosene or ATF?, yaofeng, Fri, 16 Dec 2005 08:18:36
  • Re: sump cleanup: add mineral spirits, kerosene or ATF?, RonJ, Fri, 16 Dec 2005 08:13:17

No Site Registration is Required to Post - Site Membership is optional (Member Features List), but helps to keep the site online
for all Saabers. If the site helps you, please consider helping the site by becoming a member.

• Prev by Date: I think Leatherique sells stuff to die carpet with..., turrbo, Wed, 21 Dec 2005 22:33:08
• Next by Date: Re: what headlamp bulbs to use?, Ben, Wed, 21 Dec 2005 23:22:41
• Main 9000 Bulletin Board

StateOfNine.com

SaabClub.com

Jak Stoll Performance

M Car Covers

Ad Available

The content on this site may not be republished without permission. Copyright © 1988-2024 - The Saab Network - saabnet.com.
For usage guidelines, see the Mission & Privacy Notice.
[Contact | Site Map | Saabnet.com on Facebook | Saabnet.com on Twitter | Shop Amazon via TSN | Site Donations]

Random Saabnet.com Member Gallery Photos (Click Image)