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What is Engine Sludge?

Dan Cavallari
Dan Cavallari

Perhaps one of the most damaging problems a vehicle's engine can encounter is engine sludge. An engine can build up sludge when moisture gets into the oil, and in lower temperatures, solids in the oil can turn into gel. This problem can be exacerbated by higher temperatures, so cooling system problems can also contribute to engine build-up. These deposits can build up and cause several types of problems, including blocking the passage of oil to key components in the engine, causing excessive wear of engine components, and various other damaging effects that can threaten the life of an engine.

Any leaks that can cause oil contamination will contribute greatly to engine sludge build-up. Once the sludge has built up in the cylinder heads or small passages in the engine block called galleries. When these galleries get clogged, they starve the engine of oil necessary for proper function. With smaller engines and engine compartments--combined with aluminum components that had a higher heat transfer rate and emissions standards that required higher engine temperatures--oil has become more susceptible to overheating and therefore the formation of sludge.

Moisture getting into oil can lead to engine sludge.
Moisture getting into oil can lead to engine sludge.

To combat this problem, synthetic oils have been developed to eliminate contaminants and excessive build-up. While this certainly helps keep build-up lower, it will not eliminate the problem. Regular maintenance above and beyond the manufacturer's recommendations may be necessary, as some engines are prone to engine sludge. A coolant system that is not working properly can be a major contributor to engine sludge, so regular maintenance and coolant flushing is a good way to prevent engine sludge build-up. Regular oil changes can also help prevent build-up, though again, this will not eliminate the problem entirely.

With small engines, oil is more susceptible to overheating and therefore the formation of sludge.
With small engines, oil is more susceptible to overheating and therefore the formation of sludge.

If engine sludge build-up does occur in your engine, there is really no cost-effective way to fix the problem. Many engines can seize up if engine sludge becomes a problem, and engine replacement may be the only remedy. Sludge can sometimes be cleaned be taking the engine apart and using kerosene to break up sludge, but this is certainly not a cost-effective option and it can lead to its own set of problems as well.

When purchasing a used vehicle, remember that vehicles formerly used in rental fleets or as lease vehicles may be more susceptible to sludge build-up because of spottier maintenance schedules. Cars that were driven primarily for short distance commutes or around-town driving may also be more susceptible to sludge problems, and to combat this problem, a vehicle should be taken for a longer drive periodically to properly heat the engine oil.

Discussion Comments

RoyalSpyder

@Viranty - Ha ha, yeah. Parents aren't exactly the best driving instructors, and they can get a little crazy when teaching their kids to drive. I took lessons with my Mom as well. It only lasted for a few days however, and I went to driving school instead. Unlike parents, driving instructors are trained on how to handle teens on the road.

Viranty

@RoyalSpyder - When taking driving lessons with parents, this may be one of the reasons why they're so nervous. From years and years of driving, they know how dangerous the road can be. If you're not careful and you don't keep your wits about you, you could end up seriously injured, or even dead.

However, I still felt my parents completely overreacted about every little thing. Early in the summer, I took driving lessons with my Mom, and it was a miserable experience. She would criticize me, and yell when I made even the slightest error. People aren't perfect, and they should be allowed to make mistakes.

RoyalSpyder

@Chmander - I agree with you on that. Also, I feel that one mistake most teens make when getting their first vehicle (and just driving in general) is that they feel like they're "invincible". In other words, with the freedom that comes with a car, they feel that nothing bad can happen to them.

However, there's more to the road than meets the eye. Not only is there little room for error, but no matter how well you drive, there will always be people who will (indirectly) try to prove you otherwise, drivers who will get on your last nerves by cutting you off and tailgating.

Chmander

From my experience driving on the road, and from reading this article, one thing I've learned about having a car is that it's not all fun and games. Though it's obviously great to be able to drive and go wherever you want, you have to remember to tune up your vehicle, keeping up with it at all times. Whether it's it's from bad weather, bumpy road conditions, or the usual "wear and tear", having a car isn't as glamorous as most teens assume.

In my opinion, this article further reinforces that. Though I've never had to deal with engine sludge, I once made the mistake of waiting too long to get my car tuned up. By that time, it was almost too late, and I nearly had to buy a new car. Thankfully though, I was still able to get it fixed. Having a car is a huge step in responsibility, and though it's a great idea to have one, it's an even better idea to take responsibility for your vehicle, as it can really take a toll on you (pun intended).

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    • Moisture getting into oil can lead to engine sludge.
      By: mediagram
      Moisture getting into oil can lead to engine sludge.
    • With small engines, oil is more susceptible to overheating and therefore the formation of sludge.
      By: Boggy
      With small engines, oil is more susceptible to overheating and therefore the formation of sludge.