Signature Series Battles Sludge
The health of your engine depends on motor oil circulating quickly and efficiently through the system, but sticking components and obstructed passages inhibit motor oil from lubricating, cooling and protecting your engine. 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.
Sludge: Where It Starts & How It Ends
- The valve cover and oil pan are generally the first areas sludge appears.
- The oil pick-up tube screen is often the next spot it accumulates, impeding oil flow through the system.
- What begins as a thin film of lacquer or varnish deposits eventually bakes into an expensive mess.
The Sequence VG Engine Test
Engine failures due to sludge are often caused by a clogged pick-up tube screen – the motor is effectively starved of oil. The Sequence VG Engine Test determines how well an oil resists sludge formation and keeps the lubricant flowing freely throughout the system. The test is required for API SN PLUS – a specification recommended by most domestic vehicle manufacturers.
TEST PARAMETERS
| Engine | Ford* 4.6L V-8 |
| Duration | 216 hours |
| Measures | Sludge and varnish deposits, piston ring sticking, clogged oil pump screens and roller pin wear |
| Simulates | Taxi, delivery or commuter vehicle service |
| Requirement | Oil pick-up tube screen limited to 10 percent blockage |
The Results
Signature Series Synthetic Motor Oil was subjected to the Sequence VG to measure its ability to prevent sludge. As expected, Signature Series produced an oil pick-up tube screen virtually free from sludge (see image). Our unique combination of detergents and high-quality base oils control oxidation and sludge to keep engines clean and efficient.
Signature Series has 50 percent more detergents1 to help keep oil passages clean and promote oil circulation. It provides 90% better protection against sludge2.
1 vs. AMSOIL OE Motor Oil
2 Based on independent testing of AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 in the ASTM D6593 engine test for oil screen plugging as required for the API SN PLUS specification.
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