After sludge oil recommendation

[mveba]

I am new to BITOG and reading everything previously posted about sludge buildup in Touaregs. My guess is my issues began with an unfortunate mix of fossil and synthetic although cannot get neighborhood service to admit. Also possibly downgrading gas from premium. Dealer recommended a flush and local station never heard of it. Went to dealer. Flush did not at first solve but after long trip with synthetic oil seems to be getting better and better but have been warming up a minute or 2 before driving. Next option will be running engine at 3k RPM with flush in crankcase. Next option seems to be opening engine at $3,500 cost. BTW, 65K miles and yes, 3500 mile reg oil service.
Anyway, after much reading about viscosity I am more confused than ever. If I make the decision to use Valvoline SynPower am I making a mistake? How do you decide between 5W30 and 5W40? Castrol ads seem to say a lot. Any thoughts on that. Thanks for any help to head me in right direction for making this decision. Sounds like Amsoil not OK by VW?

 

[Klutch9]

Welcome to BITOG

as for your sludge problem, many people, including myself, do not recommend those quick flushes for your motor. if you do use one though, it is a very good idea to drop the oil pan afterwards and wipe out the excess sludge from the pan, and from the oil pickup screen. As for oils that are good for cleaning, there is a euro version of Pennzoil Platinum, 5w-40 flavor, which i believe meets your VW spec. Or you could try running rotella T6 5w-40 or any other good oil at your 3500 mile OCI's and see how you like the results.

 

[dparm]

In terms of 5w30 vs 40, go with what the manufacturer recommends.

Amsoil never bothered to get their stuff certified/tested by VW, but it doesn't mean it can't meet or exceed their requirements.

 

[dave1251]

I do not understand. What are you trying to ask? I highly doubt mixing oils on a 3,500 OCI caused your sludge problem. Did you have a coolent leak? How many miles do you have on your tourage?

 

[Klutch9]

you could also try a flush and rinse phase of AutoRx. The stuff cleans good, and its a slow cleaning, so it wont harm your engine. If you're interested in a bottle of it, I have one for sale. PM me for details

 

[Klutch9]

Originally Posted By: dparm
In terms of 5w30 vs 40, go with what the manufacturer recommends.

Amsoil never bothered to get their stuff certified/tested by VW, but it doesn't mean it can't meet or exceed their requirements.


good point, just like some oils dont meet Dexos or A5, etc. but that does not mean they arent good oils or that they wouldnt pass, its just that the oil manufacturer didn't feel like investing in getting their product certified.

 

[demarpaint]

I'd run a VW approved synthetic oil, follow severe service recommendations. You've already done a flush at the dealer, why not look into adding a pint of MMO for the last 500-1000 miles of your OCI, or consider trying a product like Kreen. I'm no fan of Mobil 1 but their 0W40 is one of the better oils for applications like yours.

I'd check for coolant leaks to be sure that isn't causing your problems your OCI seems fine.

 

[EricF]

Redline doesn't have an API rating either, which means they can put whatever they want into the oil to make it superior (and they do).

with that much sludge, I'd do it the hard way, drop the oil pan and scrap the sludge out, take off the valve cover and clean what you can.
Then I'd run a high detergent oil like Pennzoil regular and change the filter every 500 miles. Also put marvel mystery oil in as well and let it gently clean up the mess left behind.
I'd buy cheapo oil filters, as you don't need quality since you'll be using it as a sludge catcher.

stay away from the motor flushes.. the kerosene will mess with your oil seals and won't clean everything anyway.

I use valvoline synpower, always have. valvoline doesn't do a lot in terms of cleaning. my engine's clean, yes, but I wouldn't expect it to take care of a sludged up engine.

But when things are cleaned up enough, switch to a synthetic oil, which won't sludge up, and keep and eye on things.
you'll be able to clean it slowly and safely overtime, and the time will pass by pretty quickly.

 

[mveba]

65K on a 2005. There is no reduced level of coolant so do not believe that is the problem. I pretty much give up on finding cause and primarily looking to continue the cleaning effects of a good quality synthetic oil. Difficult and time consuming for me to get to a dealer (requires overnight for long service) so want to direct local service on exactly what to do. Read about "replacing oil suction tube" if I do another flush. Concern about additives is if bit of sludge released can cause other engine issues.

 

[kcfx4]

why not a few short ocis on a dino like mobil clean or havoline?

 

[electrolover]

Pennzoil Platinum or Pennzoil Ultra with 2k ocis for 10k is my vote

 

[webfors]

Originally Posted By: electrolover
Pennzoil Platinum or Pennzoil Ultra with 2k ocis for 10k is my vote


+1

Take it slow. No flushes or other drastic steps. You could put a quart of MMO in for your last 500 miles of each of these short OCIs. After your 10k of 2k OCIs use a synthetic oil with the correct viscosity and spec and don't look back. Trying to "fix" sludge with drastic steps can lead to engine failure.

 

[virginoil]

Originally Posted By: EricF
Redline doesn't have an API rating either, which means they can put whatever they want into the oil to make it superior (and they do).



I trust this is your opinion and not that of all BITOG members.

Its a good oil no question.

Value for money and superior to other oils that have API, ACEA and builder approvals is very questionable.

 

[shpankey]

I may be wrong, but I took that to mean to be "superior [to itself]". Like, if they want to add an ingredient to make the oil better (than what it was) they could without fear of API specs.