engine gunge

[the_champ]

can anyone tell me how to stop engine gunge appairing in my engine, it seems to happen all the time and takes ages to clear it all and coursing the car to heat up more then normal.
the car is a ford fiesta classic carabet 1.3 n reg 1996 old model if this is needed. any help is much greatful.
thanks

[woodchopper]

What do you mean by engine gunge ?
If you mean the creamy coloured mayonaisse inside the oil filler cap - it is caused by water condensing on the rocker cover and emulsifying with the oil.
Usually occurs due to short journeys being undertaken and the engine not getting up to operating temp. for long enough to burn it off.
Nothing much to worry about but if your car is used for short journeys a little more frequent oil change would be in order.

[__LEE__]

next time you clean it out..
make sure you also clean the breather pipes as well. this will slow down this common fiesta problem.
also clean the wire mesh which is in your filler cap and the pipe that goes from the cap to the valve in the air filter housing.

[the_champ]

thanks for the reply's this helps a lot thanks

[derekpara]

Both Woody and Lee are spot on. I had a Fiesta for years and always had the same problem, due to short journeys.

Wash the filler cap out with parafin/white spirit and allow to dry thoroughly. The breather pipe clogs up very quickly and can affect performance etc. It is a simple push fit at both ends and can be cleaned with a rag on a stick or one of those wire brushes like a chimney sweeper's brush. Good luck.

[the_champ]

this info is a lot of help thats a lot for this.

is it possible to stop the gunge going up into the air filter though and would a engine flush clear the problem if so for how long?

[derekpara]

The gunge won't reach the paper filter itself, only completely block the breather pipe. What it might do though, is to muck up the membrane type flap inside the air filter casing. So once you've cleaned the pipe, open the casing and remove the paper air filter. You will then be able to see the membrane flap (not correct technical name) which is easy to check and clean.

The Haynes manual will have a full description of how to do this. Borrow one from your local library if you don't want to buy one.

[welder01]

also use a good oil when doing oil filter change