about 100 miles ago i changed out my coolant reservoir in my 90 4.0L it was cracked for some time. after i replaced it i noticed my oil turned milky and after a block test i figured the head gasket was bad (which it was). after pulling the head off the block i noticed massive amounts of hard crusty oil deposits. does anyone have any suggestions for removing without a full tear down?

can you post a pic to show what you are talking about. i replaced a head gasket at my house but all i saw was carbon deposits and those where easy enough to clean up.

sorry no camera it has the texture of a clump of sugar. the oil returns from the top valvetrain have deposits anywhere the oil can lay flat.

sludge.

if it is on the head take it to get decked cleaned and replace the guides. i found a guy to do it for 100 bucks here where i am. he cleaned it decked the head and replaced the valve seals and guides. if it is in the block you could remove the pan so when you clean it it wont fall in to the pan. then make sure you don't use cheap oil when you get it done.

try z-max!! hehehe anyone actually try it here? I love there commercials on tv on spike!!

i use it it will help clear out the carbon deposits in the valve train. plus if you see how it soaks into the metal. i only run my xj 4 times a month so i want to make sure it will have lube at start up.

i think i'm going to pull the pan and spray it down with kerosene. try to wash most of it out. if that doesn't get most of it out i'll just leave it. thanks for the suggestions.

Do what you can before you put the head back on. Than after it's all back together get some of the "engine flush" stuff and do a few treatments of that. Should be good after that..