Preventing Causes of Engine Oil SLUDGE

Brands matter, quality matters and frequent oil changes will not alter this. It’s all based on the additive quality and it does effect the price.

Engine sludge occurs when oxidized oil and contaminants build up on engine surfaces. It can restrict the flow of oil to the point of engine failure and costly repairs.

As the oil installed in your vehicle ages, oxygen reacts with the lubricant, resulting in a permanent chemical change. The oil picks up oxygen and becomes thicker. Just like oxygen attacks metal surfaces and causes corrosion, it negatively affects lubricants and reduces their ability to lubricate, cool and protect components. Excessive heat speeds the oxidation process. In fact, every 18°F (10°C) increase in temperature doubles the rate of oxidation.

Adding to the challenge, contaminants begin to form during normal operation. In engines, hot combustion gases can blow by the piston rings and contaminate engine oil. Glycol from engine coolant, water that forms with temperature fluctuations and fuel are other common contaminants that affect lubricants. Left unchecked, contaminants accelerate chemical reactions, which overload the lubricant and cause the formation of sludge – a gelatinous substance that wreaks havoc in engines.

Sludge can block the oil passages and oil-pump pick-up screen, resulting in oil starvation. Often, the negative effects are cumulative rather than sudden. Many engines with variable valve timing (VVT) use oil pressure-operated mechanical devices to change valve timing, duration and lift. Sludge can plug the solenoid screen or oil gallies and impact the operation of VVT mechanisms, eventually leading to a costly repair bill. Sludge reduces efficiency and increases time and money spent on maintenance.

Signature Series vs. Sludge

Signature Series Synthetic Motor Oil was subjected to the Sequence VG test to measure its ability to prevent sludge. As expected, Signature Series produced an oil pick-up tube screen virtually free from sludge (see image below). Our unique combination of detergents and high-quality base oils control oxidation and sludge to keep engines clean and efficient.

AMSOIL synthetic lubricants not only resist oxidation and sludge formation, they can help clean existing deposits in neglected engines due to superior detergency. With modern engines and equipment demanding higher-quality lubricants, it’s good to know AMSOIL synthetic lubricants are formulated to protect against sludge in the toughest operating conditions.

Sludge: a gelatinous substance that wreaks havoc in engines.

 

 

 

 

Signature Series has 50 percent more
detergents¹ to help keep oil passages clean and promote oil circulation. It provides 90% better protection against sludge².

 

 

Synthetic Warehouse

note:

We own an ecoboost engine (on our Ford van) so based on our personal experience the Signature Series is the only choice in these engines. They run extremely hot effecting the process mentioned above. Test the oil you are using now at or near Ford’s maximum interval and I’m certain it’s beyond it’s life!! TBN and Oxidation levels can be at dangerous levels.  Signature Series gives you that extra benefit of the doubt because when the detergents dissipate you can start to have severe wear from corrosion and of course needless deposits from sludge AND increased oil consumption. We eliminated 75% of a resent F150 Ecoboost V6 oil consumption problem using the Engine Flush (FLSH) and the Signature Series 5W-30 (ASL).

Polaris used to test AMSOIL ATV UTV oils pushed to the limits. 280F transmission oil temperature seen here

A must upgrade for Polaris Rangers is our indestructible 100% Synthetic 0W-50 UTV and ATV oil The way a lot of our customers use their ATV’s demand proper lubrication and cooling when most competitor oils sheer out. Why pay more for an oil that isn’t the viscosity you paid for after a few uses? You […]

chevy c10 pickup and CEMA

1968 Chevrolet C10 Pickup Truck Wins GM Design Award for Truck of the Year  Kerry Johnson |Mar 17, 2017 4:30 PM The SEMA Show is the place to see and be seen in the automotive scene. A no-holds-barred display of custom car builds, as well as the latest and greatest in the automobile aftermarket, SEMA really […]

2-cycle oil deposits

Yeah, Why are There several 2-stroke oil mix ratios for chainsaws? John Baker|Jun 20, 2017 8:36 AM Swamp mix. That’s what you call a concoction of two-stroke oil and gas that’s been slopped together with no measuring tools and no regard for engine protection. Your chainsaw or string trimmer could be running on a 50:1 […]

Deposits minimized on turbocharges using AMSOIL

Turbocharger vs Supercharger: What’s the Difference? John Baker | Oct 16, 2020 10:06 AM An engine is nothing more than an air pump. The more air it ingests, the more fuel it can burn. And more fuel equals more power. Sometimes an engine just needs a little boost Engineers have a few methods at their disposal […]

Tires in snow

Are you ready for the Surprises of winter driving? Tips to prepare your vehicle for hazardous roads before winter arrives. _by David Hilgendorf |October 2024 Ice storms are most common when the air temperature is close to freezing and blizzards become more likely as temperatures fall below freezing. Both can reduce visibility and create slippery […]

Motorcycle shock cutaway demonstrating the use of fluid.

Fork Oil – Which do I use? I didn’t realize it went bad John Baker | Aug 22, 2019 10:33 AM A fork oil’s number-one task is to deliver consistency. Consistent dampening despite temperature changes. Consistent rebounds despite different terrain. Consistent performance so you can ride or drive confidently. Consistency. What fluid would provide the […]