VW, Chrysler Have Sludge Problems

As Toyota did in the past two years, Volkswagen and Chrysler are now facing sludge problems in their most popular models. Sludge in this case has nothing to do with Democrats or Republicans - it's the not-liquid leftovers from used engine oil that accumulates in piston cylinders, creating sluggish performance and even damaging engines severely enough to require replacement. In Volkswagen's case, the sludge allegations are levied against its 1.8-liter, turbocharged four-cylinders found in many 1997-2004 Audis and VWs, including the Passat and A4. Volkswagen is notifying owners of more than 400,000 vehicles in the U.S. of the problem and has even offered to replace some engines.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has logged less than 16 complaints of the VW problem thus far. In Chrysler's case, the company has been petitioned by the Center for Auto Safety to extend warranties on the 2.7-liter V-6 it used in much of its 1998-2002 lineup, including its popular minivans. Toyota in 2002 said it would extend warranties and pay for engine replacements in sludge complaints, provided owners could prove they had changed their oil as recommended by the company.

Source: http://www.thecarconnection.com/

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Haasman

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'03 E320 Wagon-Sold
'95 E320 Wagon-Went to Ex
'93 190E 2.6-Wrecked
'91 300E-Went to Ex
'65 911 Coupe (#302580)

This does not mean that one engine tends to "sludge" more than another. The difference is the recommended oil change interval. In about '99 when MB put forth FSS and free oil changes during the warranty period, they experienced the same thing with most all their engines if dino oil was used.

The cure to see that your car, regardless of make, does not experience this is VERY simple. Just change the oil more frequently than the factory recommends. Oil and filters are CHEAP compared to new engines or new cars.

'Nuff said,

What checks can I do to see if my engine is sludging oil.

Sludge I have seen (and analyzed) out of several Toyotas was the direct result of:
1) Extended mileage/time specified by the manufacturer between oil changes.
2) Driving only short trips not warming up the engine to its normal operating temperature.
Manufacturers have a tendency to extend the oil change intervals to try and convince owners their car require less normal maintenance than the competition.
These extended oil change intervals are generally specified for use under "ideal conditions" i.e: Highway driving at posted speed limit in temperate weather, very little stop and go traffic, engine always up to optimum operating temperature, light load, gentle driver.
If you don't meet ALL of the above criteria, replace oil at much shorter intervals.
I'd rather have my engine bath in a fresh API certified cheap recycled oil than in a 8,000mi old top of the line expensive super totally synthetic oil.
JackD

I could be wrong, but synthetics don't sludge?

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#dieselFLEET
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'97 E300
'99 E300

Oil sludging is due to oxidation or condensation of blowby. Synthetics will eventually sludge, but it takes longer because synthetics base stocks have higher oxidation resistance.

Oil change intervals must be geared to the type of service. Most OEs have a "severe duty" schedule with more frequent recommended oil and filter changes.

"Servere duty" includes trailer towing, extensive idling, and short trip driving, particulaly in cold weather.

Duke

Engine design is a factor in sludging problems.

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Zafar
94 E320 58000 Miles

Yes I agree that engine design is a factor. Some engines do not have the ability to dissipate heat as well as others. What I was trying to say is that ANY engine can sludge. The cause of sludge is always related to inadequate oil changing. One engine might go farther than another under the same conditions. Most MB's take 6 or 7 quarts of oil, have external oil coolers, reasonably good size oil filters and other considerations that allows oil temperature to run cooler. Cheaper built engines have as little as 3.5 quarts of oil, no external cooler and microscopic size oil filters.

The fact remains, if you will change oil often and not take the chances that many of the manufacturers lead people to take, you very likely will never have a sludging problem.

To see if your engine is sludged, simply remove the valve cover and see that everything looks clean with no areas of gunk.

Have a great day,
Change oil hot and change oil often.