I had a bunch of very helpful suggestions a while back about correct oil for my '05 Touareg V6 (65k). I switched to Castrol 5w-40 after a dealer engine flush. There has been steady improvement although on very short trips (under a mile) with cold startup, I still have some "sticking" and loss of power momentarily on re-start. If I leave engine idling there is no noticeable problem any longer. I seem stuck at that point though and no further improvement. I am considering Zmax and I have read many pages of BITOG forum content on it not too much on sludge cleanup. I have no concerns with actual engine damage but have been warned of the risk of dislodging sludge better left where it lies rather than it floating around and doing further engine damage. Anyone have any experience with Zmax and sludge? Dealer would still like to open engine up and do a manual clean and parts replacement for $3500 (cam?). They said VW would pay a part or all but I hesitate going down the road if not necessary. To forestall any of the inevitable comments on car care, I have never gone more than 3500 miles between oil changes although a local service station may have used standard 10w30 for several changes. I really appreciate the comments on oil brands and feel I made a wise choice after reviewing all your suggestions.
Touareg sludge
- Thread starter mveba
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They say they will pay part or all. Stop there find out why and proceed. If they will pay all, no brainer make them. Going any other way is the hard way to do it and it might cancel any obligation on VW part/you lose. So before you mix up some witches brew I would let them get their hands dirty. IMHO
X2. Find out how much VWoA will pay for your sludged engine, and go from there. If it's a significant chunk leaving you with $500 or so to pay, I'd do it.
If they leave you flapping in the breeze, then many short oil changes with a synthetic like Pennzoil Ultra followed by Kreen/ARX/MMO cycles would be advisable. Start the cleaning gently, ramp it up when you're past removing the easy to get stuff, then wind it down.
If they leave you flapping in the breeze, then many short oil changes with a synthetic like Pennzoil Ultra followed by Kreen/ARX/MMO cycles would be advisable. Start the cleaning gently, ramp it up when you're past removing the easy to get stuff, then wind it down.
Originally Posted By: sciphi
X2. Find out how much VWoA will pay for your sludged engine, and go from there. If it's a significant chunk leaving you with $500 or so to pay, I'd do it.
If they leave you flapping in the breeze, then many short oil changes with a synthetic like Pennzoil Ultra followed by Kreen/ARX/MMO cycles would be advisable. Start the cleaning gently, ramp it up when you're past removing the easy to get stuff, then wind it down.
if its still under warranty and you have all the paperwork showing that you've been on top of maintenance see how much VW will cover.
if it still comes out too too much running a high detergent oil at shorter intervals would slowly loosen your sludge without causing bigger issues.
X2. Find out how much VWoA will pay for your sludged engine, and go from there. If it's a significant chunk leaving you with $500 or so to pay, I'd do it.
If they leave you flapping in the breeze, then many short oil changes with a synthetic like Pennzoil Ultra followed by Kreen/ARX/MMO cycles would be advisable. Start the cleaning gently, ramp it up when you're past removing the easy to get stuff, then wind it down.
if its still under warranty and you have all the paperwork showing that you've been on top of maintenance see how much VW will cover.
if it still comes out too too much running a high detergent oil at shorter intervals would slowly loosen your sludge without causing bigger issues.
Mobil 1 0W40 or even T6 5W40. Towards the end of the interval add some MMO. You need to get that beast on the freeway.
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