I just bought this car 3 days ago and it has 103,000 miles. I just had the camshaft sensor go and the dealer I got it from changed it for me when they were working on my car I watched them and noticed a lot of neglect from the original owner. It has a lot of engine sludge.
My question is should I try and get my money back or can I get this cleaned and not worry? I should also add the the car is not knocking and I just changed the oil as soon as I saw this.... The car runs smooth and also idles normal and no oil light on at all .

 

Yeah I'd say some neglect lol, I bought my '05 new and it now has 125k on it and the valvetrain still looks new.

I think it'd be pretty hard to clean...the oil passages will be clogged or constricted. I'd hate to see how the bottom end looks. I wouldn't put any of that engine cleaner junk in there, it'd probably cause more problems.

You can try changing the oil frequently and see if it clears up but its your call, it may be fine for another 100k, it may break.

 

I'm not sure if seafoam would help with that...

 

There's no way you could get your money back unless the guy selling it gave you some sort of written warranty. This is why you need to be careful buying these older used cars.

 

Yes, a cautionary tale to always look inside the engine before handing over the money. Usually you can just unscrew the oil cap and look.

 

wild, I've never seen a valvetrain so messy

 

Oddly enough I took it to my Honda dealer and they looked at it and said it was not the worst they have seen and it is nothing to worrie to much about they said with some extra oil changes and some care it will all break down

 

Hope so. I doubt it.

As for seafoam- forget it- mostly mineral spirits- qualifies for snake oil, in company of MMO, etc etc.

But, I would keep the car and since you confirmed it runs well, who cares? At least glad for you it doesnt run rough/cough/ spit.

Only way to maybe get that off (not that I would do it at this point) is dismantle and soak (immerse) in toluene (dangerous stuff). After that, what doesnt dissolve is carbonized. That mean NOTHING will get it off other than scraping/wire brush.