I have a parts 1955 engine that has set up for 46 years. The engine is still free to turn by hand. The question is, is there a method to pump 100 psi solvent through the engine to soften and remove years of build up? Can this be done through the oil filter ports? Since the oil filter was optional, were the oil ports covered by a metal plate that i could use or make with fittings to attach my pump to the engine. Is there another method to clean the engine internally short of disassembly? Thanks for your comments.

 

Transmission fluid is a great cleaner. Drain the old stuff out, refill with ATF, run it for a while, drain, change the filter, repeat. While ATF has a lot of detergents in it, it doesn’t handle heat nearly as well as engine oil. Don’t run it hard or at high speeds for long.

 

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I've never filled the engine with ATF but I've successfully substituted 1 quart of oil for ATF.

 

This is what Marvel Mystery Oil was made for.

 

This sounds like a non running engine, is it still in the car? Will it turn over with the starter and can you take off the valve covers? If so pop the covers off and flush it from the top and out the bottom drain . I would then fill it up again and crank it over a while with the starter, drain and maybe do it again Doubtful you will get all the sludge out without disassembly what ever solvent/ oil you use.
I've got to ask why do you want to do this? The engine will need to be disassembled and probably rebuilt when it is finally going to be installed why not do it then. If mine I wouldn't clean it out completely especially bolted up for a extended time with solvent then leave it unless it is high and dry, the sludge will still be there when you are ready.... Just my thoughts...Tedd
PS I've never seen a 324 from the factory that had anything but a canister type oil filter. If there ever was a oil filter delete plate offered I've never seen one on that late of engine.

 

Back in the days before the advent of detergent oil and PCV systems , sludge in high mileage engine was common .
Sludge is harmless , as long as it stays in it's place . However when you run detergent oil , or worse yet ATF , you will mix all that sludge , and the dirt that accompanies it , in the oil .
This can , and has , ruined engine bearings .

If you want to clean this engine . I would suggest that you remove the rocker covers , valley cover , and the oil pan .
Then clean everything as well as you can with solvent and a brush .

Tedd's right . All Olds V-8's since 1949 were equipped with oil filters .

 

While I must say that I've never seen an Oldsmobile engine since 1949 without an oil filter, page 22 of the 1955 Oldsmobile owner manual refers to the oil filter as optional equipment and says "If your Rocket engine is equipped with an AC Full Flow Oil Filter, ...").
Also, the Oldsmobile Chassis Parts Books in groups 1.836 and 1.837 show covers through 1956 "used to plug holes in block when oil filter is not used".
Apparently these covers were little used and are very rare pieces.

 

I stand corrected.... Tedd