oil sludge

[capecodcub]

Gentlemen,
I changed my oil filter this weekend and realized that the bottom of the canister was covered in about 1/2" of sludge. Upon realizing that the canister drain was plugged, I started to clean that out and spray brake cleaner down it to help in flushing it out. Unfortunately, I wasn't spraying down the drain tube but the center hole which is either the supply to the filter or the exit! I also was pushing the sludge down the same hole assuming it was the drain. After realizing this, I pulled the oil pan off the engine and that too had sludge in it. My question is, where does that center hole go to and any potential problems with doing this? I have not added new oil yet. I am waiting for a new pan gasket to arrive so now would be the time to resolve any problems. Thanks for any help.
David

[Rick Prentice]

Hi David. According to the manual. The hole in the exact center, which should be threaded for the long bolt/lid to screw into, drains back into the pan. The side cavity is the supply and comes from the main gallery that also feed the tappets, cam, and crank bearings.

Rick

[Buzzard Wing]

If I recall the manual suggests to clean with kero, with the swill draining into the pan or down the drain tube.