No One Wants Engine Sludge (I need help)

Corsair · Post by **Corsair** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 4:22 am

So I've been doing our oil changes (including filter) around every thousand miles but today when I changed our oil I noticed a LOT of build up on the small thimble like filter (attached to the drain plug). I mean a LOT. Also since moving to TX from MI it seems like the oil is breaking down faster and looking worse then it used to (maybe it's just my imagination?).

By the way, I've been using various brands of full synthetic 10w 40 and my air filter doesn't look like it's in need of cleaning or replacing. Any idea why I'm having this extra build up? Any tips on cleaning the engine without actually dismantling it?

Thanks for any tips.

Post by **ericalm** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 8:26 am

Sounds like the screen is doing its job! I've never had significant build up, but have you ever noticed anything there before?

What's your mileage? May be time to switch oil (I just paid $13 for premium Motul oil—we'll see if it's worth it!) and if you're close to a 4,000 mile maintenance, you may want to talk to your dealer and have them check your carb and engine.

Corsair · Post by **Corsair** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 12:28 pm

ericalm wrote:and if you're close to a 4,000 mile maintenance, you may want to talk to your dealer and have them check your carb and engine.

Actually, I'm about to hit 5K and I was just talking to lojical1 about bringing my scoot down to Urban Moto for a "check up". I was suppose to do that this past weekend but got caught up with Urban Vinyl, Monster Burritos, and planning strategies on the best ways to fight off Zombies ...lol (had to be there I guess). Anyway, I'll take it in this week and let you know what they report.

If you all have more suggestions please feel free to add in.

BuddyRaton · Post by **BuddyRaton** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 12:02 pm

It is generally not a good idea to keep switching and therefore mixing brands of oil. I would suggest choosing a good quality synthetic brand and sticking with it.

Now as far as the zombies:

nissanman · Post by **nissanman** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 1:05 pm

I'd agree, stick with one brand. And you may need a valve adjustment too. If all else fails blame the zombies

Corsair · Post by **Corsair** » Fri Jun 13, 2008 6:48 am

Hahaha... just to let everyone know that if zombies do attack please contact MadtoLive, she has a great plan of action in the works.

[Now back to your regularly schedule programming]

I guess I do need to find the brand of oil my Buddy likes best (any more suggestions?). I definitely need to get my valves checked out. Hopefully I can get it done tomorrow and still have time to ride.

also since I've brought back the discussion of oil I might as well plug the most thorough thread on the subject:
topic1375.html

thanks again.

nissanman · Post by **nissanman** » Fri Jun 13, 2008 1:05 pm

I run my 2t on Amsoil (for availability), but all my 4 stroke engines have Mobil1 in them. Lawmower, weedwacker, truck, SUV, tiller, snowthrower, generator... if I forgot one I'm sorry

If you can't find Mobil1 in the area that would be a shame.

Syd · Post by **Syd** » Fri Jun 13, 2008 11:40 pm

WooHoo!!! Oil Wars!!!

I've been putting Royal Purple in my SYM. I remembered reading somewhere that when it comes to oil, the term fully synthetic had been ruled by some activist judges (HAHAHAHA!) as a description of performance, not makeup, and that Royal Purple and some other, even more obscure name were the only oils left that were really, truly, 100% fully, ruling-free, synthetic.

But mostly, it's because the NAPA is closer than the AutoZone.

BuddyRaton · Post by **BuddyRaton** » Fri Jun 13, 2008 11:46 pm

For 2 stroke Klotz Rocks!
http://www.klotzlube.com/

For 4 stroke I think any of the major brands. In my opinion if thereis that much argument about them they can't be that much different.

lojical1 · Post by **lojical1** » Sun Jun 22, 2008 11:28 pm

Anyone else out there with info on the sludge and valve adjustments? We went to Urban Moto last week, but honestly it was like blah blah valve blah blah oil label blah scooter blah blah. Sorry I can't be more informative but I'm sure Corsair can say what the good mechanic said at the time. I do remember that he said parts are pretty much far and few in between because of the high demand for scooters this summer.

Unfortunately it seems as tho the sludge got to Corsair's scooter so we have to haul it up there this week and get it taken care of. SO I guess the moral of the story is get a valve adjustment and general check-up at 4000.