How to Clean Sludge in the Engine?
4 Answers
If you want to clean the oil sludge in the engine, you can use special sludge cleaning oil. After draining the oil, add cleaning power to the engine, then let the engine run at a reduced speed for 15 minutes, and then drain the cleaning oil. It is normal for a car engine to have some sludge inside after long-term use, and it is also normal for the engine to have internal carbon deposits. However, oil sludge is harmful to a dry engine. Sludge may clog the engine's oil passages, affecting the engine's lubrication. As we all know, there is oil inside the engine, which lubricates several parts that need sliding. So, if the oil cannot reach the parts that need lubrication, it will aggravate the engine's damage. When using the car, it is essential to change the oil on time. If the oil is not changed for a long time, the effective oil will deteriorate. When replacing the engine oil, do not use the engine to pump out the old oil; instead, use a hoist to lift the car. Then, the oil drain plug near the bottom of the oil pan will release the old oil, which cannot be cleaned by using a machine code pump. If old oil remains in the engine, it will contaminate the new oil, reducing the cleanliness of the new oil. When purchasing genuine engine oil, be sure to choose the right viscosity grade suitable for your car's engine.
I have experience with cleaning engine sludge, which generally falls into two methods: disassembly cleaning and non-disassembly cleaning. The non-disassembly method is more convenient—simply add the cleaning agent to the old engine oil, then start the engine and let it idle for about 15 minutes. The cleaning agent will dissolve the sludge and carbon deposits. I usually opt for professional-brand cleaning agents and wait until the engine cools to a warm state before operating for safety. After draining the old oil, it's essential to replace the oil filter and pour in new oil. If the sludge is particularly severe, you'll need to remove the oil pan and manually scrub it with carburetor cleaner, though this is much more complex and requires professional tools and space. When doing it yourself, never skimp on quality by using inferior cleaning agents, as they can corrode oil seals.
Before cleaning engine sludge, it's essential to assess its severity. Open the oil filler cap and use a flashlight to inspect - visible black debris or gelatinous substances indicate sludge presence. For mild sludge, using a dedicated engine flush is most convenient: after warming up the engine, drain the old oil, pour in the cleaning oil, let it idle for ten minutes before draining, which can remove about 80% of sludge. Severe sludge requires oil pan removal for manual cleaning - use a toothbrush with carburetor cleaner to scrub all corners, remembering to remove and rinse the oil pump screen as well. After cleaning, it's advisable to shorten the first oil change interval - replacing oil after 2,000 kilometers yields better results. The key to preventing sludge is regular maintenance - never delay oil changes to save money.
To deal with sludge, I recommend a step-by-step approach. First, replace the deteriorated engine oil with a high-quality full synthetic oil that contains cleaning additives. Then, purchase a reliable sludge remover and add it to the oil reservoir. Let the engine idle for 10 minutes to allow the cleaning agents to circulate and dissolve the sludge. After completely draining the oil, it's essential to replace the oil filter, as residual sludge can clog the new filter. Within the first 500 kilometers after cleaning, monitor the oil color closely; if it turns black quickly, it indicates incomplete cleaning. Prevention is even more crucial: avoid frequent short-distance driving, and regularly driving at highway speeds helps reduce carbon buildup. Sludge is less likely to deposit when the engine operates at high temperatures.
