Switching brands ..Sludge?

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Is there any evidence to show that switching oil brands can cause sludge build up? I usually get what is on sale in a synthetic so I don't stick with one brand.
 
If you're using any good brand of motor oil, synthetic especially, I wouldn't sweat it. There is most likely little chance there is any sludge in your vehicle. I would pick one that you get the best "feel" from and stick with that though.
 
I've had my Cherokee 6 years and done many oil changes on it. I don't think I have used the same brand twice in a row. When I had the oil pan off, it was a bit varnished but no sludge anywhere!

Although I got a good deal on some Super Tech 10w30 synthetic, so the next oil change will be the 2nd run of Super Tech synthetic in a row! I'm at 5000 miles now on one run so probably should change.
 
Some engines are known for sludge build up despite what oil you use. But no, switching brands will not cause sludge as long as your using the correct API specification for the vehicle.
 
Originally Posted By: Camprunner
Is there any evidence to show that switching oil brands can cause sludge build up? I usually get what is on sale in a synthetic so I don't stick with one brand.
what gives you that idea?
 
Originally Posted By: Miller88

Although I got a good deal on some Super Tech 10w30 synthetic, so the next oil change will be the 2nd run of Super Tech synthetic in a row! I'm at 5000 miles now on one run so probably should change.


I go 5k on conventional 10w30..... how bad are your driving conditions?
 
The only time I've ever heard of sludge with synthetics is in the early 2000s Camry V6, but only shorter OCIs cured it. It wasn't the oil's fault...it was a cooling issue with the heads.

You should be fine with any 'synthetic'.
 
Originally Posted By: JeepWJ19
Originally Posted By: Miller88

Although I got a good deal on some Super Tech 10w30 synthetic, so the next oil change will be the 2nd run of Super Tech synthetic in a row! I'm at 5000 miles now on one run so probably should change.


I go 5k on conventional 10w30..... how bad are your driving conditions?


There's at least 1000 miles of towing in there, one particularly rough trip to PA where it was running at 4000 RPM on all of the hills. I'm on the trails almost every weekend with it - probably 20 trips this OCI. Since I won't shut it off on the trails, that's a lot of idling time, running with the AC at idle, low speed crawling in dusty conditions or (unfortunately)if I get caught up in mud, it will occasionally bounce off the rev limiter for a bit.

I should tally up gallons consumed for this OCI and see what the equivalent highway miles would be.
 
Originally Posted By: Miller88
Originally Posted By: JeepWJ19
Originally Posted By: Miller88

Although I got a good deal on some Super Tech 10w30 synthetic, so the next oil change will be the 2nd run of Super Tech synthetic in a row! I'm at 5000 miles now on one run so probably should change.


I go 5k on conventional 10w30..... how bad are your driving conditions?


There's at least 1000 miles of towing in there, one particularly rough trip to PA where it was running at 4000 RPM on all of the hills. I'm on the trails almost every weekend with it - probably 20 trips this OCI. Since I won't shut it off on the trails, that's a lot of idling time, running with the AC at idle, low speed crawling in dusty conditions or (unfortunately)if I get caught up in mud, it will occasionally bounce off the rev limiter for a bit.

I should tally up gallons consumed for this OCI and see what the equivalent highway miles would be.


That makes sense then. Context always helps :]
 
Originally Posted By: WylieCoyote
The only time I've ever heard of sludge with synthetics is in the early 2000s Camry V6, but only shorter OCIs cured it. It wasn't the oil's fault...it was a cooling issue with the heads.

You should be fine with any 'synthetic'.


My grandson's 2002 Camry V6 has 250K with Mobil 1 5w30 and 10w30 at 10K OCIs. No sludge. The oil never gets black, just that nice dark amber that is typical for Mobil 1 oils in clean engines.
 
Originally Posted By: JeepWJ19
Originally Posted By: Miller88
Originally Posted By: JeepWJ19
Originally Posted By: Miller88

Although I got a good deal on some Super Tech 10w30 synthetic, so the next oil change will be the 2nd run of Super Tech synthetic in a row! I'm at 5000 miles now on one run so probably should change.


I go 5k on conventional 10w30..... how bad are your driving conditions?


There's at least 1000 miles of towing in there, one particularly rough trip to PA where it was running at 4000 RPM on all of the hills. I'm on the trails almost every weekend with it - probably 20 trips this OCI. Since I won't shut it off on the trails, that's a lot of idling time, running with the AC at idle, low speed crawling in dusty conditions or (unfortunately)if I get caught up in mud, it will occasionally bounce off the rev limiter for a bit.

I should tally up gallons consumed for this OCI and see what the equivalent highway miles would be.


That makes sense then. Context always helps :]


I forgot to check gallons consumed last night but hopefully will today. I keep telling myself I have only been 5000 miles and that I should go to at least 7500. But then I tell myself that it's probably closer to 10,000 highway miles based on fuel consumption.

Still, 5000 miles on synthetic with only having to add 1/2 quart is pretty good for a higher mileage 4.0!
 
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