Hello,

I have a 2001 Discovery 2. I did the valve cover gasket and when I opened to covers it was pretty bad.








I was considering going the atf flush or an engine flush. Then pulling and cleaning the rockers.


Any recommendations are appreciated?

 

Wouldn't recommend it. Looks like it's gone long on quite a few oil changes. Flushing is generally not recommended. While unsightly, the buildup isn't causing any issues where it's at. Once it breaks free sometimes it will clog up oil passages, stick the oil bypass open, wear the oil pump running thru it, etc.

 

Thanks for the quick response Alex_M. I had the valve covers cleaned, and put everything back together. Got her at 121k and currently sit at 126k. I've done three oil changes since I picked her up.

So no flush for me then.

Thanks for all your contributions.

 

Flushing at that level of build up is just risking a clog. I would clean up the rockers and pushrods with the heads in place. Then drop and clean the pan it will likely be ugly too, check the oil pump pick up screen.

Now the painful bit use a good detergent oil, Rotella 10/30 diesel is a good choice and a larger oil filter. Drive it easy under about 3500 RPM for a few hundred miles check your oil a lot, once it starts to get black new oil new filter it will take around 1000+ miles and possibly 3 oil changes to get things largely cleaned up.

Oh and do the PVC mod right away the breather will most likely be completely clogged, at each oil change hit a bit of throttle body cleaner into the PCV valve to keep it clean and moving

 

Got some more input on cleaning the rockers. Dos this method sound good. Use carb cleaner and a vacuum with a straw attachment to break up the bits and suck them up. Would this help or just letting it break down over the oil changes, then checking again. Thanks

 

@hartfja if there was less buildup maybe but whatever you use to vacuum that up will be junk after. Frankly it would be easier to pull the rockers clean them, then pull 1 push rod at a time clean it,put it back in place and do the next one. If you want to go whole hog:

Pull the rockers and pushrods (mark where the push rods go it matters).
Dump the oil, leave the drain plug out
Use solvent soaked rags and clean the top of the heads as best you can
Then some cheap lightweight oil - about a quart per side dump over the top of the head on each to move any remaining gunk to the bottom end
Let it sit overnight
Drop and clean the pan and oil pickup
Put it all back together
Rotella 10/30 a nice big filter and check your oil every day as soon as it starts to go black replace oil and filter. Keep the rpm under 3500.

 

I don’t think you should clean any parts that are still attached to the engine. As others have said the risk of some pieces getting into the engine and clogging passages outweighs any value in cleaning it. If a part is removed and you can thoroughly clean it, go for it.

 

The recommendation was 10w30 diesel. The last time I got my oil changed they put in synthetic. What are my options?

Thanks

 

There are a number of threads on what oil to use on this forum. The reason for diesel oil is that it has a higher zinc content which is needed by our old flat tappet engines. 10-30 is probably a bit light depending on your climate.

 

Thanks, I did read through those. I'm having trouble finding a diesel version of 10w30 where I live. They have 5w-30 for trucks with 20% more detergents from mobil 1, but not many diesel options. I'm in Florida.