Is it safe to start the engine with this condition?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 2,238
Likes: 4
From: Milan
Is it safe to start the engine with this condition?
There is the possibility that in left valvecover (were the rocker arms are) I have a little amount of aluminum powder/dust.
tha story: I tried to lift the left Valve Cover.
When I realized that I need to loose the air pump/alternator braket and the brake booster line I said: "Next time.. when I have more time to use I will do.."
After the decision to reinstall the centerbolt screws I noticed that the tread on 3 of 4 bolts was filled with a little amount of aluminum powder/dust probably from the aluninum treaded support of the head . I cleaned the treads and I reistalled the bolts and then I thoght: "I'm a stupid, maybe now there is some particles of aluminum in the rocker arm area.."
Now I'm afraid that the oil can return in the pan and in the crank bearings.
Is it safe to start the engine with this condition? The oil filter can handle this problem?
Let me know.
thanks
-Beppe-
tha story: I tried to lift the left Valve Cover.
When I realized that I need to loose the air pump/alternator braket and the brake booster line I said: "Next time.. when I have more time to use I will do.."
After the decision to reinstall the centerbolt screws I noticed that the tread on 3 of 4 bolts was filled with a little amount of aluminum powder/dust probably from the aluninum treaded support of the head . I cleaned the treads and I reistalled the bolts and then I thoght: "I'm a stupid, maybe now there is some particles of aluminum in the rocker arm area.."
Now I'm afraid that the oil can return in the pan and in the crank bearings.
Is it safe to start the engine with this condition? The oil filter can handle this problem?
Let me know.
thanks
-Beppe-
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 2,238
Likes: 4
From: Milan
Originally Posted by SunCr
The dust may have been thread sealant from the factory. Otherwise, the bolt holes are sleeved all the way to the head. Don't think it's any problem.
The problem is that when I searched to lift the valve cover I lifted it up to the point that I realized that I have to remove the brake booster line. so I really moved (back and forth and up and down) the valve cover allowing (I think) some particles of alum to fall in to the rocker area.
If it is the case, (the aluminium dust quantity is really low..) is it safe to drive the car?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,556
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From: Jenison MI
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06
As for the amount of time it would take to just pull the covers and do it right, compared to pulling the motor when it goes because you didn't. I would just pull them off and clean it up and what ever else you were going to do in there.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,593
Likes: 0
From: Mobile AL
St. Jude Donor '05
It could get down into the pan, where the pump pickup can get it, circulate to the filter, which SHOULD keep it from getting any further. But I vote for removing the cover and cleaning it out.
