Hey all, I may be buying a non-running 1997 LC if the price is right. I've been reading up on what it will take to get it started, etc, but one question I have is about the black sludge on the top of the valve cover, around the hoses and such. Is this caused by blow-by, leaking hoses, etc? Obviously if it had a valve cover gasket leak, oil would run down into the engine but I'm curious how oil/ sludge got on the top? Also wondering besides looking at the condition of the oil and the coolant if there's a way to tell if it has a blown HG, if it doesn't run? Side note, I'm not super mechanically knowledgeable but I would have help restarting and possibly rebuilding the engine and I want to learn.....thx!
Question re: non-running 80
- Thread starter DawnpatrolCBNC
- Start date
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Not a great picture to go off but here is some general information. If you can get some better photos of the top of the engine that is causing concern and also some of the battery area and the wiring there.
There can be build up and/or "sludge" on the valve cover - usually from either oil being slung from the fan, poor attention when filling the oil, or the seals in the valve cover.
There are a couple thing that are easy to check for the possible HG. (YOU ALREADY MENTIONED THESE:) Pull the oil cap and look for frothing or milky under the cap, you can also do this with the dipstick. Check the radiator and see if there is any contamination in it or the overflow tank. There is a kit, local parts store or harbor freight, to test for HG failure.
Other checks that require a little more effort are: compression and leak down testing.
Additionally, in the picture there are loose/broken wires near the positive terminal. You need to address those and while there you could check the fusible link. The positive terminal looks corroded so clean that as well. Download the FSM and this: Emergency Troubleshooting Procedures - FAQ Item (Recommend Keeping Copy in Truck) - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/emergency-troubleshooting-procedures-faq-item-recommend-keeping-copy-in-truck.115816/ and take the check procedures with you.
There can be build up and/or "sludge" on the valve cover - usually from either oil being slung from the fan, poor attention when filling the oil, or the seals in the valve cover.
There are a couple thing that are easy to check for the possible HG. (YOU ALREADY MENTIONED THESE:) Pull the oil cap and look for frothing or milky under the cap, you can also do this with the dipstick. Check the radiator and see if there is any contamination in it or the overflow tank. There is a kit, local parts store or harbor freight, to test for HG failure.
Other checks that require a little more effort are: compression and leak down testing.
Additionally, in the picture there are loose/broken wires near the positive terminal. You need to address those and while there you could check the fusible link. The positive terminal looks corroded so clean that as well. Download the FSM and this: Emergency Troubleshooting Procedures - FAQ Item (Recommend Keeping Copy in Truck) - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/emergency-troubleshooting-procedures-faq-item-recommend-keeping-copy-in-truck.115816/ and take the check procedures with you.
Last edited:
- Thread starter
- #3
Thanks @Brindleboxer for your input! yes, I saw that battery area/ wiring issue and I would definitely address it. Here's another / closer picture of the area I'm looking for info on.....would love to hear thoughts on how/ why this oil is present in this area (and if by chance it means "run away" from potentially buying this truck)....thx
Honestly, without actually looking at the vehicle I could not say go or no go. The price should not be at market value since it is a non-runner with unknown issues. These engines are really amazing for longevity and reliability but they are not cheap to rebuild and/or replace so factor that in your consideration for purchase.
As for the picture, I cannot see any better on this one either sorry. I am at work and any media is highly censored on my end. As stated before, most likely it is build up from the fan slinging oil around. I would venture to say the front of the motor looks the same. Also, as previously said the oil could be from user error (spilling when filling and not cleaning), bad spark plug seals or the PCV and grommet needing replaced which are all easy fixes.
As for the picture, I cannot see any better on this one either sorry. I am at work and any media is highly censored on my end. As stated before, most likely it is build up from the fan slinging oil around. I would venture to say the front of the motor looks the same. Also, as previously said the oil could be from user error (spilling when filling and not cleaning), bad spark plug seals or the PCV and grommet needing replaced which are all easy fixes.
tmxmotorsports
SILVER Star
What's the rest of it look like and how much?
It looks like the plastic cover for the spark plugs wires is missing. The oil on top could be spark plug tube seals that are leaking. These usually get replace when doing the valve cover gasket, so if you are planning on a valve cover seal job the leaking spark plug tube seals could be addressed and isn't a big concern. That isn't why the engine isn't running.
Pull the spark plugs and see if they are "steam cleaned". If so , that could be another indicator that the head gasket is blown. See also if you can turn the engine by hand at the crank with a socket/breaker bar to make sure the engine isn't seized.
Pull the spark plugs and see if they are "steam cleaned". If so , that could be another indicator that the head gasket is blown. See also if you can turn the engine by hand at the crank with a socket/breaker bar to make sure the engine isn't seized.
Looks normal for neglected oil leaks