16/08/2019
DEATH BY SLUDGE
Why fuel system maintenance is vital.
There’s an automotive equivalent to coronary disease in humans. Just like the fatty plaque that builds up inside the heart’s blood vessels and can prove fatal, engine sludge can cause premature death of vehicle engines.
This black sludge, similar to heavy grease or tar, results from oxidation and thickening of the engine oil. It can block up the engine’s lubricating system and internal oil passages preventing proper oil flow and, in the worst case, cause engine seizure. In many cases, the problem will go undetected until the engine develops a major problem and the engine is then dismantled for assessment.
The most common cause is related to inadequate servicing such as missed or extended (past the maker’s schedule) oil change intervals.
Poor quality oil or inappropriate oil (i.e. oils that don’t meet or exceed the maker’s specification) can also be a major factor.
Have the oil serviced as scheduled based on time or distance travelled, whichever occurs first, and only use good quality oil and filters.
The proverbial ounce of prevention really is better than the pound of cure.
