How to Prevent Oil Sludge
Information provided by Cummins
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When oil additives break down,
they can solidify and turn into
sludge.
| January 18, 2010 – Additives blended
into your engine oil keep it from becoming acidic, prevent foaming and limit
oxidation, which are all good things. Waiting too long to change your oil or
overheating your engine can cause the additives to separate from the oil and
turn into the dreaded oil sludge. When oil additives break down, they tend to
solidify and turn into sludge. A buildup of oil sludge in your engine can lead
to a number of problems, including significant damage to the rod and main
bearings, crankshaft, and turbocharger. Sludge can even cause engine failure.
What makes oil sludge even worse is that engine failures caused by sludge are
not covered under your engine’s warranty.
But there are
simple ways you can prevent oil sludge from forming. Read on for a list of tips.
First, follow the
maintenance procedures in your owner’s manual. Change your oil as indicated in
your owner’s manual or when you are notified by your Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC). Always use approved engine oil (Mopar products or equivalent) with an API CJ-4
classification. API is the American Petroleum Institute, which sets the
performance standards for engine oils. API CJ-4 oils are specially formulated
for improved protection from thermal and oxidation breakdown. Developed for use
in 2007 engines, they are backward compatible, so you can use them on any
model-year Cummins Turbo Diesel engine with
no change in oil drain intervals. In addition, make sure you change your oil
filter as recommended with a Mopar or equivalent oil filter.
Second, avoid
overheating. Overheating can cause your engine oil to oxidize, which can lead to
the accumulation of oil sludge. Pay close attention to your gauges and repair
any cooling-system issues that can lead to high operating temperatures. Some
up-rate kits will cause a Cummins Turbo Diesel to run hotter than normal, which
can increase the buildup of baked-on oil deposits that turn into oil sludge.
Third, if you’re
using biodiesel, make sure it is a B5 blend (95 percent diesel and 5 percent
biodiesel) and meets the American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM) standards.
B20 fuel may be used only in approved fleets that meet certain requirements.
Check with your local dealer for appropriate applications. Using non-approved
biodiesel fuels can contribute to the formation of oil sludge.
Preventing oil
sludge is simple. Following these steps will help ensure that your
high-performance Cummins Turbo Diesel engine is never stalled by oil
sludge.
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