How often do you drop the engine's sump to clean it out ?

[GrahamB]

In line with most responses, I only remove the sump when necessary to perform other work.  I cannot recall ever finding much in the way of deposits in the sump.  When changing the oil, I first go for a short run to get the engine up to temperature before carefully removing the sump plug.  I then leave the oil to drain for several hours with the car jacked up to ensure the drain port is at the lowest point while I get on with other tasks..  On refilling the engine oil, it can be difficult to assess the oil level on the dipstick as the oil is almost transparent and it remains clear for many miles so I am confident most of the debris has been removed.

[Pete Lewis]

and as many have found never forget to refit the sump plug before you refill it  Ha !!!!

Pete

[Badwolf]

Sump plug???!!! Ahhhh, that's where it keeps going wrong. I though that the sump gasket was leaking. All the others do.

[thescrapman]

When I took the sump off my 2.5PI there was about 1.5"'of sludge, with black and grey layers in it, as it had periods of bearing wear. And a dip where the end was fnthe oil pump pickup went.

When I first got the car you could not see the rockers for the thick back gunge all over them. And it stunk of neglect.

I do not believe the previous owner ever serviced the car in the 100k he owned it. But then it was an old Triumph and not really worth anything, and he was a farmer.