Question: I just purchased a 1956 Chevrolet four door sedan that hasn't been started in 10 years. When I removed the oil pan, the remaining oil had some kind of "sand" type substance in it, When stirred it seemed to dissolve into the oil. This "grit" was not on the oil screen or anywhere else in the engine. The engine was not “frozen” and spun freely by hand. After sitting for so long, is it possible for the additives in the oil to separate out and become visible?
Answer: I’ve seen all sorts of things in oil pans including metal shavings, rust, and bugs. I have to admit that you had me stumped on this when you said that the residue that you encountered dissolved back into the oil when it was stirred. I asked around but didn’t get any answers that sounded reasonable until I spoke to Bobby at Kermies Auto Works in Kings Park. He’s seen this a few times and discovered that it is most likely the residue from an additive that was intended to seal an oil or water leak. These additives are designed to find their way to a leak where they solidify enough to stop the leak, yet they will dissolve in the oil so they won’t clog oil screens or passages. This is the only answer that I received that makes sense.
Answer: I’ve seen all sorts of things in oil pans including metal shavings, rust, and bugs. I have to admit that you had me stumped on this when you said that the residue that you encountered dissolved back into the oil when it was stirred. I asked around but didn’t get any answers that sounded reasonable until I spoke to Bobby at Kermies Auto Works in Kings Park. He’s seen this a few times and discovered that it is most likely the residue from an additive that was intended to seal an oil or water leak. These additives are designed to find their way to a leak where they solidify enough to stop the leak, yet they will dissolve in the oil so they won’t clog oil screens or passages. This is the only answer that I received that makes sense.
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