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Just love the videos and glad you’re taking on the “sleeper” Fairmont. Just put a 5.0 HO in her. Then I can follow your progress and take notes.
I have a 94 Mustang (ok, so you’re not a Mustang guy)that has the 5.0 HO with 5-speed. Got it about a month ago as a project car. Was running rough and no power (although sometimes it would take off like a rabbit – aka fast). Had a pro mechanic (ie not me) check it out. Ended up rebuilding distributor, but also changed plugs, pvc valve, and fuel filter. Checked for vacuum leaks, checked compression, set timing. Seemed better but still not right. Watching Eric videos I changed plug wires, cleaned MAP sensor and checked for vacuum leaks (did not catch fire), also disconnected the battery so computer would have to re-learn. Seems much better (than when I got car) but still does not seem right. I mean it’s a 5.0 and it should easily have ‘pep.’ Now wondering about EGR. I also have not looked at computer (just wondering if someone put a cheap chip in it). I’ve run Chevron Techtron in gas with hopes of cleaning injectors but nothing more to them. Suggestions?
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As for the intake oil. It was dirty oil and the engine oil is clean now. I have not seen clear oil and after drying up the oil that was there have not seen new oil. Ok, I’m being VERY optimistic (VERY!) but I’m hoping it was just the PVC! I do want to check the oil level again soon just to be sure it’s not going down. (Please, don’t be going down!). Thanks for the input and will keep you posted 🙂
Oil from blow by would not be clean. If you have clean oil in the intake I’d check to see if you might be overfilled. Otherwise if you’re not having issues I wouldn’t try and look for a problem where there isn’t one.
Good luck and keep us posted.
Eric, I really appreciate the input. I’m going to keep watching for any new oil in the intake. My day job is not car repair (it’s actually helping credit-challenged working parents get a car through a United Way program), but I did go out and just check my oil level just to see if I seem to be losing any. Still full from last oil change (but that was done only 200-300 miles ago (about 5-6 weeks ago). Oil was still to full line. That seems good (although more time and mileage could tell a different tale). It was somewhat surprising that the new oil already seemed fairly dirty. The oil prior to last oil change was really nasty (not thick but just really dirty). Since I do my own oil changes and those are cheap, I will probably change the oil again relatively soon (long before 3000 miles). I am going to read up on doing a flush before putting regular oil back in. I figure it has nothing to do with the performance issues but would not hurt. Back to blow by – would that oil be somewhat burnt therefore appear darker? ie darker than oil in crankcase? I’m just thinking beyond my knowledge base (aka guessing).
A footnote: after changing the oil (5-6 weeks ago) I did add some Marvel Mystery Oil. Probably less than 1/2 quart. So, I may be getting a little “cleaning” from that stuff. In about a week, I’ll go ahead and change the oil again but this time no MMO. I am NOT going to do an engine flush. Just two concerned about creating new more serious problems instead of solving existing issues. Still thinking about paying for injector cleaning. But no rush on that.
An engine flush is not always appropriate. If the engine is worn and full of gunk then once you get rid of that gunk you’re left with enlarged clearances. Enlarged clearances mean more space between moving parts which equates to engine noise. It can also sometimes equate to oil leaks that get worse after the treatment. It’s a fine line you walk with engine flushes.
My philosophy is to change the oil regularly, usually 4-5K for conventional oil and 7-10K for synthetic, using the correct viscosity and the latest API rating. That’s all I’ve done for years and have no major engine issues in that time.
Keep us posted.
Thanks. I will stay away from flush. I think I’ll just change oil again soon and then watch to see if it gets dirty quickly. To me, if oil gets dirty again fast, it could be another indication of blow by – I hoping not, but it’s possible. I’m probably over-thinking it (without the knowledge base to know what is right) but maybe I should go with high mileage oil. However, this next change will just be the standard Valvoline 10w-30. I figure that’s the “middle of the road” between doing a flush and going with high mileage oil (since flush opens everything up and high mileage is supposed to seal everything up 😆
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