engine sludge problem

koffinb · Post by **koffinb** » 06 Apr 2011, 22:09

is it true that the 01 t5 2.3l engines are notorious for sludge build-up??

Post by **JRL** » 07 Apr 2011, 06:11

Yes if the oil was not changed regularly and/or the car not driven on the highway much, nice and warmed up, and often

jda2000 · Post by **jda2000** » 07 Apr 2011, 08:28

JRL wrote:Yes if the oil was not changed regularly and/or the car not driven on the highway much, nice and warmed up, and often

It applies to all volvo 5 cyl white engines

koffinb · Post by **koffinb** » 07 Apr 2011, 10:02

what is the most effective way to clean sludge out of an engine?

Post by **EstVolvo** » 07 Apr 2011, 10:42

You could try Pennzoil Ultra full synthetic.

Post by **JDS60R** » 07 Apr 2011, 13:06

Clean using a high quality flush only such as:
http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/flsh.aspx

Most flushes do not do the job of holding the broken down sludge in suspension. If really bad after the first flush then flush it again at next oil change. us e a quality full synthetic oil that won't burn off or breakdown. Many motors can be run with great success after a flush but some are so far gone that the damage the sludge caused becomes clear. Excessive sludge, non maintained coolant and long term un repaired fuel ratio or ignition issues are markers of an early death for any engine.

koffinb · Post by **koffinb** » 07 Apr 2011, 16:33

I really hope i don't come across this sludge issue when i go to pick up my car, seems like everyone with the t5 engine has experienced early sludging

Post by **JDS60R** » 07 Apr 2011, 17:00

Only those that don't maintain it properly. Use it as a marker to show how the last owner took care of things. I just went to buy a 98 V70 XC for a friend but with black trans fluid and obvious sludge in the engine it was very easy to walk away.

Post by **jimmy57** » 07 Apr 2011, 17:18

There is no sludge "problem".
ALL engines with poor oil change history will have failed oil that degrades and leaves sludge.
That engine has oil spray jets under pistons to cool pistons but it also diminishes sludge from oil hitting hot piston crown underside.
I do not know of any make of vehicle that has an engine that does not have sludge issues from too long oil change interval for the usage or from extensive idling in cold weather.

Post by **JRL** » 08 Apr 2011, 06:05

Yes and no
I agree that almost any motor if not properly serviced will sludge up.
The problem is that many people thing that Volvos run forever and they can... for a very long time, but their oiling system requires a bit more servicing than the average modern engine.