Hello,

I recently did a routine service on my 98 Jeep Cherokee and I noticed that the inside the oil pan (I'm calling it pan because I have no idea as to what else to refer it) (where you pour the oil), is very slushy and grimy. Are there any products anyone can recommend to clean that out?

Thanks.

 

I would be careful using any additive.
What could happen is that all the crud gets loose and goes thru the engine and ruins it. Sometimes best to let sleeping dogs lie.
Take it to a mechanic and have them take the "pan" off and take a look at how bad it is. Ask to take a look yourself. Take a digital picture if you could and post it on this site or another.
Ask the mechanic for their recommendation and get some other opinions.

 

That would be the valve cover. Is the slush/crud a dark brown color or light brown? Dark brown is likely normal, light brown and you could have a problem besides just sludge. Frankiee is right; often the cure is worse than the problem in dealing with a sludged up engine. Probably worth the $ to have the valve cover pulled, as he says, to get a look underneath. Sludge on the cover itself is not terribly serious, but once you get the cover off you can get a better look at how much crud has collected around the valves. Might want to think about how many miles you have on it and is it going to really be worth the time & $ to worry about it at this point.

 

Thanks for the suggestions. The sludge is dark brown so I won't worry about it at this time.

Thanks again.

 

Still wouldn't hurt to check with your favorite mechanic. Also make sure you are doing your oil changes religiously