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How Engine Sludge Forms. And How To Prevent It.

Written by Charleen
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How Engine Sludge Forms. And How To Prevent It.

Ed Newman|

It’s ugly. It’s sludge.

Sludge.

It’s a disgusting phenomenon. Even the word sounds gross, like the thing it’s describing. The word for this is onomatopoeia, a strange word that many of us learned in high school English class. Splash. Grunt. Whoosh. Swish. Hiss. Frumpy. You know what I’m talking about.

What is sludge?

Sludge is a black gelatinous goo that renders equipment inoperable if not dealt with. And long before the engine’s demise, sludge can foul its sensors and interfere with performance. Some mechanics call it the “black death.”

How does motor oil, which is fluid, become a semi-solid paste or gel inside an engine?

How engine sludge forms

Essentially the formation of engine sludge is the result of a series of chemical reactions. The lubricant itself degrades as it is exposed to oxygen and elevated temperatures. The higher the temperature, the more rapid the rate of degradation. The by-products of this reaction 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 sludge. What begins as a thin film of lacquer or varnish deposits on hot or cold metal surfaces eventually bakes into an expensive mess.

Synthetic base oils help prevent sludge

Fortunately, sludge and varnish deposits are something we oil manufacturers 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.

So do high-quality additives

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 motor oil formulation. They help promote the suspension of contaminants within the oil and keep them from agglomerating. Detergents, which are also alkaline in nature, assist in neutralizing acids that are generated in the sludge-building process. Anti-oxidant, dispersant and detergent additives are consumed during use. To achieve maximum life expectancy, use an oil with high concentrations of these additives.

Severe service invites sludge

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 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. 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.

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.”

LOOK UP MY VEHICE

 

All ADVANCED AMSOIL products are available NOW in Sioux Falls at your full time AMSOIL store: The Synthetic Warehouse at 4610 W. 12th St. Sioux Falls, SD 57107

Just 1 block west of I29! 605-274-2580

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Over Stocked Sale!!

Written by Ches Cain
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Once per year we have a over stocked sale when we stock up from our yearly AMSOIL HQ visit..

Amsoil HQ in Superior

This is for the Sioux Falls store. Mark-ups are very minimal here so every added discount is rare but significant. Some items at or near cost. Also check out our clearance shelf for an added 5% off!!

Come in now for added savings on any item. Enjoy added percentages off from each AMSOIL product or case of oil.

The best savings is today through Thursday morning (20th). We will close at noon.  Then when we open back on Tuesday the 25th there will be more deals over the next 10 days!!

Jet Ski Oil

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AMSOIL Helps Motorcyclist Set Guinness World Record

Written by Charleen
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AMSOIL Helps Motorcyclist Set Guinness World Record

Sioux Falls Note: Yours truly tipped AMSOIL off on this story!! And it’s a great one! Consider your own adventure whether it’s on the pavement such as a coast to coast run or a single track off road advanture. Just be sure to use AMSOIL as it will hold up when all others sheer out. Over-built to take the abuse!

Ed Newman|

Danell Lynn hoists her GWR certificate while seated on her bike, Amelia.

A few weeks back I heard an exciting story about a woman who set a Guinness World Record on her motorcycle. The official designation was as follows: The longest journey by motorcycle in a single country is 78,214.118 km (48,600 miles) and was achieved by Danell Lynn (USA), who rode throughout the United States of America from 19 September 2014 to 29 August 2015. During this journey, Danell rode through all 48 of the continental United States.

When I learned she was an AMSOIL user, it only seemed natural to reach out and hear more. Her awards are too numerous to list in this brief introduction, so I encourage you to visit her website.

AMSOIL: How long have you been riding a motorcycle? And what was your first bike?
Danell Lynn: I was first on a bike in utero riding along with my mom and dad. But then we did not have bikes for many years and about 15 years ago I got into pillion riding again and then about six or seven years ago decided I wanted to drive and take journeys on my own!

When I bought my first bike I wanted to purchase a Bonneville, but was told from all my family of riders that you do not start with your dream bike because you will drop it – you will go down – which I have learned even after 50,000+ miles. Sometimes you still just drop it! I had three drops (tip-overs) during my year on the road. So I bought a great starter for just $1,200 and learned my wrenching and riding skills on that 1982 Virago and then bought my dream bike – the bike I would take for a year on the road – my Triumph Bonneville.

On the rim of the Arctic Circle, Danell stands at the top of the world.

AMSOIL:  Tell us about your motorcycle travel experience.
DL: Pre-trip I had ridden in Costa Rica, Cuba and the U.S. (Arizona, California, Utah and Colorado) as a solo rider. Pillion motorcycle trips included Chile and Argentina. Post-trip, I now have all 50 states and three provinces in Canada solo-riding added to the roster. During the journey I also took a pause to do a dirt bike documentary in Cambodia.

AMSOIL:  Overseas, too? Tell us about your travel abroad.
DL: Most of my life I have traveled and, at 34-years-old, I have traveled to over 45 countries. I spent part of my youth growing up in England and traveling through lots of Europe, but even as a child in the U.S. we traveled every summer break.

Capable mechanical skills are useful while on the road.

AMSOIL: With what kind of bike did you set the Guinness world record?
DL: When selecting my choice bike for such a trip, I simply went to where my heart was and selected a 2006 Triumph Bonneville, named her “Amelia” and took off to ride around my native country and into Canada, ensuring a great experience and adventure!

 

AMSOIL: What do you like about long-haul riding?
DL: I always struggled as a commuter rider. I always want to keep going by the time I reach work. Although I completed a couple different Iron Butts along my journey I am not sure I love that type of push ride as much as I do just riding the open road. I have always enjoyed a good road trip no matter if it’s on four wheels or two. Travel and long haul, I guess one could say I was born into the life of wanderlust.

Map showing Danell Lynn’s travels across the continent.

There is something to be said for the openness of a motorcycle. Not just to nature, but society in general. When you remove the windows and doors you experience the journey at an entirely new level.

AMSOIL: It’s very unusual to do such a long journey by yourself. Did you ever feel like giving up? What was the low point? The high point?
DL: People often ask for my worst experience, or scariest time on this journey, and I really don’t have one. If the weather was bad and re-routed me it always led to a unique experience I would not have had otherwise.

My biggest lows were at the start of the trip. In the first two days I had a swarm of emotions from wondering “what the hell am I doing,” to the thrill of taking off on an adventure, to body aches and pains and forgetting my backpack at a gas station on day two with my wallet, camera and all the important stuff for the trip! (I did go back and recover it.) It was a whirlwind that put me in tears at my second stop, breaking down into the arms of a friend. As she let me cry, I worked through the bag setup and got rid of the backpack, putting all necessary stuff right on the bike and my water pack directly into my jacket, which helped get rid of my back pain. A good cry, a deep breath, a hug of hope and I was off again.

This was the closest I got to giving up, but I never doubted that I would complete it – just the momentary breakdowns that you rise from stronger.

I guess the biggest danger I faced was before I threw my leg over the bike on day one. I was more fearful of not going than anything that might occur out on the road. Before I departed I wrote a blog on that exact subject: I am scared of living the typical nine-to-five life because it is what you are supposed to do! I fear the monotony of routines to just get the j.o.b. done. I am scared to not live life to the fullest!

Everyone’s life to the fullest is different. For me, if I ask myself, “Will I regret not going?” the answer is always ‘yes,’ so I always must go! I don’t believe in regrets, and I do believe in trusting your gut. If I feel nervous fear (this is the good fear – fight or flight), then I walk away from situations. If I go to camp and the woods in that spot are creeping me out, then I drive on until the next great spot.

On day two it was fitting to pass through Why, Ariz., but then continuing my days on through Nice, Calif., New Hope, Ariz., Many, La., and Goodnight, Texas and seeing the signs for cities like Whynot, Miss., You Bet, Calif., and Hope, La. one cannot help but pull out the inspiration from the road itself standing behind you and cheering you on!

An unexpected shock was the rush of decomposing animal that got stuck inside my helmet with no warning. Often you may catch me dancing a little on the bike as I weave and sing to the tunes playing in my helmet. Usually when I see a dead animal I am able to hold my breath and ride by. But when they are in a gulley or hidden in a bush with no warning and my mouth is open singing – it is always during a deep inhale between verses – the nausea hit and a quick flip of the shield to let the smell out was all I could do. This had been unexpected and quite disgusting every time it occurred. I guess that could be my worst memory, my low point, of the journey.

It was within happenstance moments like these that life taught its lessons, unexpected and at times lifesaving, featuring both the low and high points into one. For example, when I crashed at slow speed on the ice, this gave me a chance to meet a driver coming around the corner to warn me about the blind curve ahead that met a steep downward hill with no guardrail and was covered in sheet ice. I would take my mini-crash over the possibilities of that hill any day. Three moments like this occurred during my year and became my most profound, even in their simplicity, because they taught me there is more out there in the universe and it will take care of you if you are open to it! I cannot think of a better word but to say at times this trip was magical in so many ways.

AMSOIL: How long have you been using AMSOIL products? How did you first come to choose AMSOIL for your bike and this trip?
DL: I had heard of AMSOIL previously, but just ran a non-synthetic in my bikes (I was pretty much was one of those who would buy a good oil, but one on sale for my oil changes), but that all changed during one fateful dealership stop during my first month on the road. It was after a fateful flat tire and a needed stop for service in California. I was chatting about my journey with some of the shop guys and a man approached. This is when I met John Madri, independent AMSOIL Dealer, from Roseville and a new love affair with synthetics began!

He happened to be at the shop that day and let the shop know that he was supporting my journey by providing me AMSOIL at my service, and I noticed a difference those first weeks after in the bike and the ride. This was how I chose AMSOIL and Amelia loved it, so we were hooked. She ran smoother, I could go longer between oil changes and could do an oil and chain change at the same time (which makes a huge difference when you are on a long haul).

# # # #

Danell’s record for the Longest Journey by Motorcycle in Single Country surpassed the previous record by nearly 25,000 miles (24,839 to be exact). She is the first solo-woman motorcyclist to hold this record. Thank you, Danell, for sharing your story and bringing us along for the ride.

Follow Danell on Twitter / Instagram: @DanellLynn

If you, too, were born for the open road, AMSOIL has a wide selection of motorcycle products for whatever you ride.

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Exploring Causes of Motor Oil Consumption

Written by Ches Cain

What Causes Motor Oil Consumption?

amsoil marketing ed newmanEd Newman|

 

Everyone who owns a vehicle knows you need to regularly check the oil level. (Note: If you do not know this, you’d better go check your oil. and Check your tires too!!

Sioux Falls drivers check often for signs of oil consumptionA certain amount of oil loss is normal due to motor oil volatility – that is, boil-off due to the high-heat conditions inside an engine. I once attended two days of training at a quick lube (part of a major oil company chain) wherein they showed how their conventional oil lost up to 30 percent of its weight and their synthetic only 12 percent in a volatility test. It drove home the message I’d already adopted that synthetics were more resistant to oil consumption than conventional oils. AMSOIL synthetic motor oils are even more resistant to volatility. (Read about AMSOIL performance in the NOACK Volatility Test.)

Volatility isn’t the only reason you need to replenish your oil supply now and then. The problem of abnormal oil usage is far more complicated and, in fact, most of the causes are mechanical, not lubricant-related at all.

One of the major causes is engine leaks. An AMSOIL technical service bulletin titled “The Reasons for Motor Oil Consumption” says:

Some of the many points where external oil leaks may occur include oil lines, crankcase drain plug, oil-pan gasket, valve-cover gaskets, oil-pump gasket, fuel-pump gasket, timing case cover and camshaft bearing seal. No possible source of leakage should be neglected because even a very small leak can cause extremely high oil consumption. For example, it has been estimated that a leak of one drop of oil every 20 feet is approximately equal to a loss of one quart of oil every 100 miles. One way to check for external leaks is to road test the vehicle with a large piece of light-colored cloth tied under the engine. Oil on the cloth will indicate a leak, which should be traced to its source.

I recently burned a lot of cash trying to get an oil leak fixed. The first task is accurately locating the source of the leak. The problem may be front or rear main bearing seals, worn or damaged main bearings, worn or damaged connecting rod bearings, worn or damaged camshaft bearings, worn crankshaft journals, distorted cylinders, worn ring grooves, cracked or broken ring lands, problems with the wrist pins, clogged oil passages or even unequal tightening of bolts.

Sometimes a defective cooling system can cause engine overheating, which may result in localized hot spots in some of the cylinders that can lead to scuffing and scoring of cylinders, pistons and rings, resulting in high oil consumption.

If you really want to sink your teeth into it, causes for oil consumption can include too much oil in the crankcase, worn or broken piston rings, improper valve timing, incorrect oil pressure, piston slap, an internal gasket intake breach, spark knock, aftermarket performance chips and modifications, lugging engines, inappropriate operation of overdrive, leaking turbocharger seals, a restricted air intake and fuel dilution.

In short, few things are as simple as they might initially appear. When all is said and done, however, even though there may be multiple reasons for oil loss, in a mechanically sound engine it boils down to one: oil volatility. In this matter, synthetic motor oil provides better resistance to oil consumption. If you have a mechanically sound engine, you should be using synthetic oil to reduce oil consumption and to protect your investment. In addition to reduced oil usage, synthetics can reduce emissions and improve fuel economy.

During my three decades of writing about oil, I’ve always recommended a synthetic solution.

Local note: From our Sioux Falls store staff we hope you enjoy Ed’s blog. We will be posting more from his decades in the industry. It’s our quest to serve and inform Sioux Falls drivers and auto enthusiasts to the highest degree and always provide products which not only out perform but solve problems just the same.

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Engine Flush – Most Overlooked AMSOIL Product

Written by Ches Cain
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Product Overview: AMSOIL Engine Flush

One of my top sellers of course is the AMSOIL Engine Flush but when you take a look at the number of oil changes we sell really only about 15% are adding the flush to their order. In reality at least 75% of all the oil changes that are using AMSOIL for the first time with over 25,000 miles should use it.
Among the many reasons to use a walk-in customer had the following to say:
“My truck  (Ford F-150 non-ecoboost) was using about a quart of oil every 4000 miles or about at 3-months. I used the flush on the last oil change per your recommendation on using it to neutralize acids in order to help the oil’s detergent last longer and low and behold it also stopped from then on using oil!”
AMSOIL Engine Flush – Recommended for any engine with over 25,000 miles (Order FLSH-CN)
Well then this low cost product actually ensures our detergents will last longer by neutralizing the acids which are caused by deposits. It’s designed for all modern seals and gaskets. So it helps you get more out of the AMSOIL motor oils. The flush is also non-solvent based – Non-flammable meaning it’s not harsh on engines and contains nothing different that what is already in our oil – essentially a concentrated form of the detergents and depressants. That also makes it more environmental friendly. The flush helps reduce lifter noise, increases mileage by improving compression. Effectively addresses deposits around piston rings which rob power and cause blow-by. Helps the motor control temperatures. And as we learned – lessons blow-by aiding in better crankcase ventilation.
You want to take care of any deposits early and the volatility of non-synthetics or competitor’s synthetics which are likely to be of the Group III nature can potentially leave deposits in engines which run under severe service. In most applications you only need to use it once but on higher mileage engines which you may not know the history you may find two applications are necessary – meaning one at the time of each subsequent oil change. I can personally attest to that need in my 83 Eagle which was sludged up when I bought it. Slowly using our HDD 5W-30 (high detergent Heavy Duty Diesel & Gasoline Synthetic), flush and our bypass kit (BMK-21), I have improved mileage and oil consumption significantly.
Any car with more than 50,000 it’s a must. Customers do notice a difference. Use approximately one bottle for every 10 quarts of oil.
Amsoil Engine FlushAnd a note on the conditions which will create the need to flush – Sioux Falls winters especially – every time you cut that engine off and the crankcase drops below 60 degrees you are building up moisture in the crankcase. This eventually creates a condition resulting in wear is the motor is not warmed up properly but subsequently deposits as well so we urge you be aware of this and avoid running the engine for less than 10 minutes after the motor is fully warmed on days below 30 degrees. You need to get the moisture out of the crankcase as often as possible.
So if you are not interested in AMSOIL Synthetic Motor oils, still this makes a reason to visit our store. Our flush is unique – it’s not harsh like popular solvent based ones as it contains no flammables. It is mild enough to be used as a transmission flush as well and quite effective. Full instructions are located on the bottle.
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