Oil turned into hard flaky coating

2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA
100,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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TOTALMC
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Vehicle sounded like it needed a new timing chain (as if the tensioner went and the chain was just slapping around in the case).

Removed top cover to inspect chain to confirm it was loose , it was solid and tight , but there was no oil around the camshafts at all, just a thick black flaky coating covering everything. it's mostly dry and breaks up like charcoal (I have enclosed a picture) I have never seen anything like this in all my years. does anyone have any ideas what happened and is this engine savable?

Thanks for any help.
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Jan 20, 2021 at 9:14 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Good morning,

No, that motor is done. Too much sludge build-up and it is all through the engine.

This comes from either lack of changing the oil at the correct intervals or overheating of the oil and this is the result.

You will need to replace the engine assembly.

Roy
Jan 21, 2021 at 5:30 AM
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TOTALMC
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I was hoping to partially disassemble and clean it (drop the oil pan and inspect that , and maybe remove the top end and clean that up). Then flush the engine a few times with engine flush and fresh oil.

You don't think there's a slim chance that will work?

Thanks again.
Jan 21, 2021 at 8:11 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
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No, sorry. The oil passages that you cannot reach are filled with the same sludge. It is almost impossible to clean them without breaking the engine down to a bare block and have it boiled in a tank to remove all that stuff.

Roy
Jan 21, 2021 at 8:31 AM
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TOTALMC
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Thanks , I thought that maybe the case. I was just hoping to give my customer a little better news.
Jan 21, 2021 at 8:34 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
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I understand. If you did those repairs, you will live with that car forever. It will be a domino effect and you will be the bad guy.

Sell them on a used motor.

Roy
Jan 21, 2021 at 8:36 AM