[ponchopio]

Was that vague enough??!! Got a 64 Safari recently that ran like a champ but leaked like crazy so I pulled the timing chain cover off to do the t-chain, gaskets, water pump, etc. The inside of the cover was absolutely crusted with petrified oil! This car very well could have it's original oil it's so crusty. Looking down over the front lip of the oil pan shows a lot more of the same in the pan. Basically hardened, oily crud.

My question is this: Is there any way to treat/remedy this without dropping the pan? I'm obviously concerned about the oil pump pick-up screen getting clogged with debris and killing the motor. The motor was clearly maintained VERY poorly but dang it ran strong! I'd like to avoid tearing it down any further. Thanks in advance for the suggestions & tips fellas!

John