brand switch and sludge

[eac]

Hi folks. You have a great board here and this is the first time I'm posting a question. I currently use Rimula 15w40 conventional in my 351 Bronco, and would like to switch to Delo 15w40 conventional. Can formulation differences between the brands such as an additive clash cause any kind of sludging to form? (I change my oil and K&N oil filter every 4 months on average.)

 

[eac]

I better be more accurate in my question above. Many years ago I added Tufoil teflon treatment to my crankcase, and when I later changed the oil, a lot of gel-like substance came out of the oil pan.

 

[Pablo]

Just changing oils will not cause sludge.

On the other hand Tufoil apparently did (just a joke folks - I know nothing about Tufoil, isn't a Teflon product?)

I would suggest an AutoRx flush - brand switch or not.

 

[eac]

Thanks Pablo. Guess I'm a little paranoid after what had happened in the past. My rebuilt engine has about 15,000 miles on it. Seems like Auto Rx would be good as a preventative measure for sludge, etc. Do you think I need it even though I'm using the high additive, heavy duty CI-4/SL oils?

 

[davidc]

If you only have 15K on a rebuilt engine, why are you worried about sludge?
Jeez, you could have used cooking oil and if you've done regular maintenance, the engine should be clean on the inside.
I know this forum is "happy" on flushes but let's be real here - use it to solve a problem. If you use it where it is not needed, there are down sides to everything. If it's strong enough to flush out lacquer and dissolve sludge how does the flushing additive not know to also not have any affect on elastomers such as a front / rear main seal, valve cover and pan gaskets?
you usually don't get something for nothing!

 

[eac]

My true concern was the gel-like substance from adding the oil additive in the past, so didn't know if anyone experienced gelling switching from one brand of oil to another.

 

[Steve S]

Tuffoil is not motor oil !!! motor oils are made to be compatible ,mixing should not pose any problems.

 

[Steve S]

David, sorry big fella, but you prove to me that oils cannot be switched . I have worked on truck tractors and various other industrial equipment for 23 years + and have 92 college units in the automotive field.I have seen the big freight companies change oils with the lowest bidders with each refill . So switching from Delo to Schaeffers will mess up my engine? Ha! Ha! Ha !give me a break.

[ August 09, 2003, 06:44 PM: Message edited by: Steve S ]

 

[David]

quote:

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Originally posted by Steve S:
motor oils are made to be compatible ,mixing should not pose any problems.

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O'really, you better do a little homework !

 

[eac]

Steve S. I recall Tufoil was a teflon additive suspended in an oil base. That's why I'm paranoid.

 

[eac]

David, any caveats would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Steve S]

Eac, as I posted Tuff is not a motor oil, call Chevron oil ,Amsoil, Redline and all of them will NOT recommend aftermarket aditives.

 

[eac]

I figured that Tufoil is teflon particles suspended in regular motor oil, so was concerned about the gel produced from the two different motor oils.