Hello,

I could use a hand with some advice regarding my 98. The car has been running great and the engine appears robust. However, I have a serious sludge problem due to inconsistent oil change (none in 60k). I know...I know. Took the car to my dealer/mech. for a oil change and accessment to discover the nightmare in the pan and throughout the upper and lower oil housing. He pulled the engine panels on the side and they were caked with oil. He tryed to add oil to determine if we could get oil through to the pan. Literally, the oil took 20mins to get a quart in.

We first discussed using kersone or a can of internal engine cleaner or flush prior to doing the oil change. The dealer/mech wanted to get a second from a contractor that could clean the entire engine by taking it apart and submerging to clean everything properly. The expense was way more than the car is worth (mainly labor to take the engine apart).

I did some due diligence and located a 99 used c280 engine for a great price and was think about swapping mine out for it. Please confirm that a 99 will fit in my 98 and some things that I should know if I consider that route.

Since the car is running well, I was thinking of going with the first option regarding the flush and power wash the outside. Do the oil change and do 2-3 follow-up oil changes every 500 miles. See if I can get through the first two before I consider anything else like swapping the engine etc. What are your thoughts and do I have any other major problems that could happen that don't have to do with the engine. Since I have the swap option, I can always use it if my current dies trying to gradually allow the engine to clean itself out- Thanks Daniel

 

i don't advise the engine swap.

flush it.

 

I agree, flush it but worst case your found engine will fit!

 

Flush it and sell it then buy my 1999 C280 for $8000