Please list engines that are prone to piston/ring deposits, varnish, or sludge.
- Thread starter GW.
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GM ecotec 1.5 . Stuck rings, varnish and stuck pcv (mounted inside the valve cover).
Isn't easier just to do it the other way around???
engines proven to either stay clean with reasonable maintenance or known (anecdotally) to tolerate abuse from Normie owners.
engines proven to either stay clean with reasonable maintenance or known (anecdotally) to tolerate abuse from Normie owners.
Unsure if its the engine itself or longer OCI, but 2.4 Tigershark and 2.4 Theta ii I think are both known to sludge?
This would be a great thread for the wiki function that many forums have—a top post that can be edited forever to add new engines to the list, so future readers don't have to read 100+ pages of banter and bickering to find what they're looking for.
JTK
$100 Site Donor 2025
Agreed. It's pretty much any GM GDI 4cyl it seems.
The Nissan 5.6 (VK56VD) has been known to have sludge issues when not kept up well on oil changes.
Hyundai Gamma GF4D 1.6L 4-Banger
Yes, for gunk when sticking strictly to the owners' manual: Land Rover Ingenium 4-cylinder engines (>70,000 miles).
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Acura 3.7L engine. Carboned rings, factory authorized short block or just ring replacement
Usually approaches 1 qt per 1K miles or more at approximately 60K miles
Oil(s) used:
Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy 5w20
Pennzoil Platinum 5w-20
Castrol Edge 5w-20
5K intervals
Usually approaches 1 qt per 1K miles or more at approximately 60K miles
Oil(s) used:
Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy 5w20
Pennzoil Platinum 5w-20
Castrol Edge 5w-20
5K intervals
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Volvo 2.5 I5 model years 2013-2016. The ring design is prone to carbon buildup.
Toyota 2AZ-FE and 2AR-FE-stuck rings
Honda has issued Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) and extended warranties for some models (like certain 2008-2012 Accords, 2008-2013 Odysseys, 2009-2013 Pilots, and 2012-13 Insights) experiencing excessive engine oil consumption, often caused by carbon buildup on piston rings.
Honda has issued Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) and extended warranties for some models (like certain 2008-2012 Accords, 2008-2013 Odysseys, 2009-2013 Pilots, and 2012-13 Insights) experiencing excessive engine oil consumption, often caused by carbon buildup on piston rings.
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How many miles on the Outback before problems started? I have an 18 Legacy with the same engine that has had 6m/6k oil changes it's whole life minus a few 6m but much short mileage the first year or 2. By the time I started doing oil changes (the third one for the vehicle), I had 9,264 miles and the fourth OC was 12,234. Both those used Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy. Since then, it has been Steady Mobil 1 Extended Performance and 6k changes. I'm at 74,019 now. The first 2 changes were done at the dealer and while I may have paper records, they aren't listed in my mysubaru account. I am planning on running Valvoline Restore and Protect in it, but I have 2-3 more jugs of 1 EP that I want to get through before I do the 4 Valvoline Restore and Protect as a possible preventative measure.
JTK
$100 Site Donor 2025
I would add the Nissan VQ35DD to the list.
Mine started at 60k. My friend who uses only Mobil 1 Extended Performance made it to 120k before it started using oil.
Isn't that sort of true for any engine? Not saying the VKDD is or isn't. Which again is back to my question in #4 - are those engines really that bad or did the OEM push the OCI?
And if you don't mind me asking, what where your OCIs like AND which oil(s) did you use? Just trying to stay on top of this potential issue.
Fair point and I would agree that yes, all engines are susceptible. I think the 5.6 DI is maybe a bit more sensitive than some. I recall our '17 Armada dirtied the oil shockingly quick. Of course, color is not scientific but I've seen some good videos on YT of sludged up VK's.
I also believe that the VK56's are great engines.
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