How to Clean Sludge Inside the Engine?
3 Answers
Engine sludge can be cleaned using the following methods: 1. Use a cleaning agent; 2. Disassemble the engine for cleaning. The impacts of engine sludge include: 1. Reduced heat dissipation capacity of the cylinder block, leading to excessively high oil temperatures and decreased engine power; 2. Increased resistance to oil flow, reduced oil circulation, and compromised lubrication effectiveness; 3. Blockage of engine oil passages, resulting in insufficient lubrication between engine components. The causes of engine sludge are: 1. Poor driving habits; 2. Improper vehicle maintenance; 3. Low-quality engine oil; 4. Excessive clearance between piston rings and cylinder walls.
I often deal with engine sludge issues, and the method is quite straightforward: first, buy a bottle of engine cleaning additive, pour it into the oil tank, and let the car idle for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the liquid to penetrate the engine and dissolve the sludge. Then, turn off the engine and drain the old oil and filter while it's still hot, replacing them with new full synthetic oil. This step is particularly crucial because residual old oil can carry impurities. If the sludge is severe, such as seeing large patches of black sludge when removing the oil pan, it's best to go to a professional repair shop—they have high-pressure cleaning equipment for a more thorough job. Ignoring sludge can damage piston rings, leading to engine overheating and increased fuel consumption. For prevention, I recommend regular oil changes, checking every 5,000 kilometers, and opting for higher viscosity oil to reduce oxidation.
My old car used to have sludge buildup, making it sound like a drum when accelerating. I handled it myself with a cleaner: I chose a well-reviewed additive on the market, poured it into the oil filler, and drove a short trip of about 20 minutes to let the fluid circulate and break down the sludge. After returning home, I immediately drained the oil and replaced it with fresh oil, and the engine became much quieter and smoother. However, be careful not to overuse highly corrosive products during cleaning, as they can easily clog the oil passages. Beginners should first take photos of the engine internals and consult an expert. Experience has taught me that preventing sludge requires avoiding short-distance driving, opting for fully synthetic oxidation-resistant oil, and sticking to regular maintenance to save big money. Otherwise, if the sludge gets too thick, you’ll have to disassemble and repair the engine, which is both troublesome and expensive.
