...and it is because of the corrosion on the dip stick and extensive known city use (before I bought the car) that I believe that a crankcase conditioner may be of some merit. If there is sludge that is built up internally I would like to try to get rid of it - but only if I can truly get rid of the sludge without damaging other parts or creating other problems.

I don't know how these conditioners actually work but I assume that there is some form of detergent to break down oil sludge and the sludge is then carried to the oil filter where (hopefully) the sludge is caught.

I agree that good operating conditions and regular oil changes should prevent any sludge buildup.

Just curious on what products would be helpful (or not).

Thanks again,
Paul

__________________
1989 300E
1999 C230 Kompressor
2005 Toyota Highlander AWD

Also owned:
1964 Chevrolet Impala (first car)
1972 Fiat 124 Sport Spider (first sports car)
1976 VW Scirocco (first new car)
1970 Pontiac Parisienne (epitome of bland)
1980 VW Scirocco (last new car)
1953 GMC 6x6 (amazingly well engineered)
1967 Austin Healey 3000
1987 F150 4x4
1978 F150
1987 VW Jetta
1992 Toyota Previa AWD
2003 Toyota Sienna
2001 Nissan Pathfinder 4WD
1949 John Deere Model M