Last Updated on March 6, 2020 by themechanic
Engine sludge is another way of saying oil sludge. This is black motor oil sludge which accumulates as a solid in the engine. When temperatures get to be over 100°C, the oil goes through a transformation process where it turns from a liquid to a gel-like substance. This can cause a lot of trouble for your internal combustion engine because solid oil cannot properly flow and lubricate the components of the engine. This will only cause further overheating until the engine components are damaged.
Engine sludge could be the result of not changing your oil when you’re supposed to do so. Fortunately, you can remove the engine sludge without risking any harm to your engine. The secret to cleaning out the engine sludge in your car is to flush out the sludge with a chemical engine sludge remover.
If you’re a layperson who wants to avoid going to a mechanic, then a chemical engine sludge remover is the best solution. You basically add the solution to your existing oil and then allow your engine to idle for up to 10 minutes. Do not drive your vehicle during this time. Just let your engine run without moving the vehicle. Meanwhile, the chemical solution will draw out the sludge until it merges with the oil. Once that happens, you need to change the oil by replacing it with totally new oil.
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Sometimes you might need something a little stronger than a sludge remover solution. If the sludge has found its way onto crucial areas of your engine, then it will have to be removed manually by a mechanic. This will be a much more complicated job because the mechanic will need to disassemble the engine and clean out the sludge. It could end up costing you close to a thousand dollars, but it is cheaper than paying several thousands of dollars for a new engine.
First, try to use the engine sludge remover solution because that is the cheapest way to go. If that doesn’t work, then you can proceed with the more expensive option with the mechanic. After the sludge is removed, make sure you remember to get oil changes every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.
