Sludge in air filter compartment

[billyboy88]

Have just purchesed a 230e 1984 133,000, manual and the engine runs super smooth no overheating problems at all. Have noticed on the manifold its turning white a bit and there is sludge coming from the engine in the air filter head, should i be very concerned about this? it looks like the last service wasnt done for 3 years. Do you think i will need to do anything else apart from filters, plugs and oil change, I have been considering a engine oil flush but dont know if this will cause more harm than good?

 

[tagnut]

it looks like the last service wasnt done for 3 years.

Three Years!! I wouldn't drive that car anywhere but straight to your nearest indie for a full service and thorough check over

 

[tagnut]

Do you think i will need to do anything else apart from filters, plugs and oil change, I have been considering a engine oil flush but dont know if this will cause more harm than good?

I'm no expert but I think that there are a few items that should be done every 2 years. Brake fluid is one I believe

 

[gkerr4]

it's a 1980's car - there will be plenty of these things driving about that haven't been serviced for much longer!

I would get it serviced to start though - oil & filter + plugs as you say + air filter changes - probably a coolant flush and change too. Brake fluid as mentioned above.

no experience of that car, but my first car, a 1983 Mk1 Fiesta XR2 always had some element of oily gunk in the filter unit - it just came from the crankcase breather pipe I think - I used to clean it out regularly (cos i'm sad like that) and then changed the airbox for a K&N type filter on top of the carb - blanking off the breather as directed.

I don't think it is harmful unless it is excessive. Think (old) oil may be contributing to the issue so get that changed,

 

[kwakdonut]

Coolant too with a good flush through.

Engine flush won't do it any harm and replace with a reasonable quality oil.

Once sorted, give it a good 'thrash' along a suitable fast road somewhere to clear out the cr4p!!

 

[SilverSaloon]

I'd start with a change of all fluids in the car.

you could put some cheaper oil in, rather than one of those flush additives, run for 200 miles and then change again with some good oil....

 

[billyboy88]

3 years

Three Years!! I wouldn't drive that car anywhere but straight to your nearest indie for a full service and thorough check over

What i forgot to mention is that i have bought it with a 12 months mot, so some things on the car were checked over recently for that, and also it went through with no advisorys on the mot certificate.
One thing that did happen was they covered the front end exhaust pipe with padding over the hole to get it through the mot, so have had to go to good old ebay to get the part from a breaker, cost £30.00.

 

[billyboy88]

Coolant too with a good flush through.

Engine flush won't do it any harm and replace with a reasonable quality oil.

Once sorted, give it a good 'thrash' along a suitable fast road somewhere to clear out the cr4p!!

When i bought it in Kent from this very dodgy ebayer/dealer , i drove it to Redditch in worcestershire and was thinking i will put my foot down a bit , was averaging well over the limit, and it only used half the tank, was well impressed, with no over heating.
So yes i cant wait to get it sorted so i can drive down the M5 to weston super mare, the only trouble is i will have to do this in daylight hours as i have no dashboard lights so i cant see how fast i am going!!