Terrible look under valve cover

That’s a good idea, I did a visual and seen absolutely zero scoring on the cams, or even inside the cylinder. What would a non visible problem be?

 

Exact mileage unknown bc the odometer doesn’t work (trip meters do tho so that’s odd) Estimated mileage 180,000+

Also I did a leak down test and cylinder 1 leaked air out the exhaust. I’m thinking a valve is not seating properly or it’s cracked. Anyone think it could be something else? I’m going to replace both valves regardless.

P.s it was weird that the leak down test revealed air leaking from exhaust because compression test was
5. 196 6.196
3. 191 4.191
1. 196 2. 191

 

Bearings would be on that list

 

That’s nasty! My 2006 for reference not long ago.

 

These engines actually hold up ok when abused like this. BUT they will stretch the timing chain because of neglect like this motor shows.

 

ATF would actually clean the engine, it's very high in detergents.

 

water

 

Have you checked the valve guides?

 

For what?

 

If a valve guide is damaged it will effect the ability to seal the valve seat. This can cause engine oil to burn or leak from the top of the cylinder head.

 

Possible for sure. By the looks of that engine though I would suspect carbon buildup. His compression test results (if done correctly) wouldn't concern me a bit.

 

And this is why you dont buy used vehicles without legit maintenance records. Good lord, that thing probably got oil changed once or twice and just topped off.

FYI, i opened up my valve covers at 120k miles for 3* exhaust cam gears and there wasnt a single hint of sludge / contaminants.

 

The high uniform compression readings are likely due to all the carbon sealing around the rings and pistons, lol.

 

Got a bore-o-scope? Might have a lot of build up on the race of the valves.

 

Yup...that cam gear thread is a pretty good place to see what the inside SHOULD look like, for comparison.

 

It's sludge from never changing the oil, like everyone said. The best thing to do is nothing. Just drive it. I know everyone will say clean it, but why? Then you'll just get crap everywhere. The damage (if any) is done. I've worked on plenty of old farm trucks that looked like that and they ran forever- most farmers aren't much on maintenance until something breaks

 

Man that's rough. I'd wager crappy oil and infrequent changes.

Here's what mine looked like at 150k miles, oil changed every 5k with Mobil1 Synthetic and OEM filter since I bought it at 30k.