So i took off my valve cover today, and inside was filled with this black colored gunk....looks like burnt oil

I used towels to wipe some of it off and I am wondering what is the best way to clean all of it....any products that is safe to use? I think the engine oil must be changed after cleaning the gunk...

 

Once you clean off what you can by hand assemble it and consider using Seafoam, have a look at this other thread to help you make your mind up.

https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=1016328

You can try an engine oil flush as well then drain all the **** off, and replace with fresh new oil.

 

i would also compression check and leak down check to make sure there isnt a big reason gunk is getting into your engine...but seafoam is a good way to get it clean, make sure to change the oil afterwards though.

 

Best thing to do is to flush your engine and drop the oil pan and clean it.

 

WOw, drop the oil pan too? i am not sure if I want to deal with the trouble.

Also, I dont think there is a problem with the engine, it runs strong and I am not burning oil. Proberly the previous owner just didnt take care to change the engine oil.

 

Mechanical Engine FLush, key word being mechanical. Places like Wonder Lube, and sometimes other franchise oil change places have machines that wil flush a high powered detergent through your engine and an external filter. then you drain the old oil and push presureized air through the engine. you could even dump an extra quart straight through the eninge (and out the oil pan, leaving the plug out).

 

Someone also told me that I can use some paint thinner to flush the engine. He said put about a litre into the old oil, run the car for 5 mins at idle and then drain it.


I used some paint thinner on a paper towel to wipe the gunk off, and it did work. But I want more suggestion b4 using it as a flush.

 

I would not risk paint thinner when engine oil flush is specifically designed for the job and cheap, and I would think will do the job better without risking damaging the internals. You never know what the effect of paint thinner could be on say rubber O rings and seals, not worth the risk IMO.