What is sludge?
Sludge is a black gelatinous goo that form inside of engine over time that will render the equipment inoperable if not dealt with. And long before the engine’s demise, sludge can foul various sensors and interfere with performance. Some auto mechanics call it the “black death.”
How does motor oil, which is fluid, become a semi-solid paste inside an engine?
The formation of engine sludge is the result of a series of chemical reactions in the motor oils. Prolonged exposure to oxygen and elevated temperatures will degrade the lubricant. The higher the temperature, the more rapid the rate of degradation. The by-products of these various reactions form highly reactive compounds that further degrade the lubricant. Their by-products then react with other contaminants, forming organic acids and high-molecular-weight polymeric products. These products further react, forming the insoluble product known more commonly as oil sludge. What begins as a thin film of lacquer or varnish deposits on hot or cold metal surfaces inside the engine will eventually bake into an expensive mess.
Synthetic base oils help prevent sludge
Fortunately, sludge and varnish deposits are something lubricant manufacturers like AMSOIL have a measure of control over. Using thermally stable base oils reduces the rate of initial degradation (oxidation). A good example of this is the use of common synthetic base oils such as API Group III, PAOs and Esters. Anti-oxidant additives help reduce the rate of degradation as well. One of the most widely used is zinc dithiophosphate. Not only is it an excellent oxidation inhibitor, it is an outstanding anti-wear additive as well.
We can further address many of the issues occurring after the initial oxidation stage. Additive chemistry such as detergents and dispersants are commonly part of a motor oil formulation. They help promote the suspension of contaminants within the oil and keep them from agglomerating. Detergents, which are alkaline in nature, assist in neutralizing acids that are generated during the sludge formation processes. The anti-oxidant, dispersant and detergent additives are consumed during use. To achieve maximum motor oil life expectancy, use an oil with high concentrations of these additives.
Good lubricants minimize sludge and varnish issues. How the equipment is used also has a bearing on the likelihood of sludge or varnish issues.
Stop-and-go driving, frequent/long-term idling (Severe Service) and operation in excessively hot or cold weather can all increase the likelihood of sludge and varnish, especially if using more volatile conventional oils.
Interestingly, most auto manufactures note in their owner’s manual that operation under any of the above conditions is considered severe service and requires more frequent oil changes. Are you changing your oil based on the severe service recommendations? From a mechanical standpoint, things like adding too much oil to the oil sump, antifreeze contamination, excessive soot loading, excessive oil foaming, poor engine combustion efficiency, excessive blow-by and emission-control-system issues can all lead to the formation of sludge and varnish in your engine.
By practicing good maintenance and using properly formulated, premium synthetic lubricants, like AMSOIL synthetic motor oil, your vehicle won’t succumb to the “black death.”
Learn what lubricants AMSOIL recommends for your vehicle to protect your investment for years to come
