Easy sludge checks...

[LouDawg]

Besides looking through the oil filler, taking off the valve covers, or advanced chemical testing, is there a poor/lazy man's way of looking for sludge buildup, varnish, or other nasties in your engine? Any little tricks or clues that may point you to a potential problem? Pretty much all I know is looking through the filler. I don't worry about it now, but just thinking ahead...

TIA!

 

[GreeCguy]

CHeck the top inside of the oil filler cap - also the condition of the dip stick. Black, varnished, gritty, (I've seen all the above). PCV valve is another good indication as to whats going on inside the motor.

 

[Shaman]

Top of the filler cap is a good indication. Mine is sludged up, and you can see junk on the cams too. If only ARX wasn't so expensive to get over here. I guess I will stick with LC.

 

[Raven18940]

My car doesn't have its filler cap on the valve cover.

 

[GMorg]

I'm with GreeCguy except I would put PCV at the top of the list. I don't have any data, but I have the impression from my experience that the PCV is a more sensitive indicator than the "peek inside" method.

 

[hominid7]

If you change your oil yourself, take a sample of it and inspect it. Pour a little onto a clean paper towel and see what doesn't soak through the towel.

My used oil has always been "amber" in color, never black. Then again, i'm a member of the 3/3000 OCI club

 

[LouDawg]

quote:

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Originally posted by hominid7:
Then again, i'm a member of the 3/3000 OCI club

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Oh yeah! I've heard of you guys...!

 

[Winston]

Gotta change the oil at 3000 miles. I can prove it, see it says so right on that Jiffy Lube sign.