A65 sludge trap

[MITCHELL]

Hi, have removed the sludge trap screw cap but do I need to remove the sludge trap of just flush it all out. If I have to remove it am I right in assuming I drift it out using the small hole at the opposite end to the screw cap. Cheers Dave.

[Catz]

On my A10 there's a bolt that goes through the crankshaft flywheel to hold the trap in position. Better check before getting the hammer and drift out.
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[MITCHELL]

Hi catz, have removed sludge bolt plus the other 2 to make sure I get everything clean, just not sure if the hole is there for that purpose of it it was just a centering hole during manufacture. Dave.

[ChrisG]

I think it's just a blind centring hole for machining the journals as when you have got the tube out, you will see its a blind hole.
The crud collects in the space between the OD of the tube and the bore of the crank so if you scrape some of that out, you can get some thin nose pliers on it and it should draw out easily. (provided you have removed the corresponding bolt in the flywheel that also holds the trap in place as Catz described below.

[MITCHELL]

Hi, I've given it all a good clean out and put the bolt back in,but if I understand you right it definitely needs to be removed to clean out properly. I was intending to start assembling sometime next week,best put that back a bit. Thanks editor.

[MITCHELL]

Hi, had another look at the sludge trap but there is no way you can get anything on it to pull it out,even tried to tap a screwdriver down the side but gave that up as it looked like I'd end up doing to much damage and then if I couldn't get it out I'd end up in the you know what. Think I'm just going to stick to cleaning out as much as possible and leave it at that.Thanks for you help, sure to be back soon with more questions.Dave.

[cdsdorset]

A large tap will grip it enough to remove it. Or a piece of  stiff wire(old coathanger) with a 90 degree bend should hook up into the retaining bolt hole. Its a bad idea to just put tge engine back together if you have disturbed the crud in there. You may think you have cleaned it all out but there is usually some hiding where you cant see it. Just waiting to go off on its merry trip round your big end shells.

[Mike Farmer]

 

I would suggest that you get it out regardless of it eventual condition. A new trap is relatively inexpensive but not cleaning properly could end up with some real expensive and time consuming results. And it COULD upset the balance of the crank if you dont get it all out.

Mike

[PeterR]

Hi Dave, I am also a relative newbie but I was able to extract the sludge trap using a bit of stiff wire with a sharp bend that I hooked into the hole that takes the retaining bolt.  Good luck!

[MITCHELL]

Ok, I know when I'm outnumbered, I'll have another bash at it, thanks all for steering me on the right path.Dave.

[Mike Farmer]

 

If it persists to be naughty, I would suggest that you put it in a bath of petrol for a couple of days to soften it.

Mike

[MITCHELL]

Cheers Mike, I did give it a good soak in paraffin when I cleaned it all up, having to work all week so be the weekend before I can have another go at it. Cheers Dave.

[ChrisG]

The post from Peter reminded me. When I removed the trap from my Royal Star crank, I moved it by sticking a small screwdriver down the centre hole and levered it towards the exit. Once loosened it came out easily.

[Bess]

Hi,
     I made a puller which locates in the sludge tube centre hole. If the tube doesn't readily pull out, clamp a mole grip onto the 90 degree section and use a soft hammer on the grips.

Best wishes...

[MITCHELL]

Got the begger, cut  down a long shank Allen key,took a few tugs but out it came in the end. True enough there were some globs of crud here and there, not loads but probably enough to block a small hole so thanks to everyone for the info and encouragement. Another lesson learned. Have a good weekend fettlein.. Dave.