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How Engine Sludge Forms. And How To Prevent It.

How Engine Sludge Forms. And How To Prevent It.

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.”

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Outboard Synthetic 2-Stroke Oil Keeps 1974 Evinrude Running Str

Outboard Synthetic 2-Stroke Oil Keeps 1974 Evinrude Running Str

So many variables determine the life expectancy of an outboard motor that it’s hard to predict with any accuracy how long an outboard motor will run.

But almost anyone would agree that a 1974 Evinrude that is still performing well in 2017 is unusual. If you’re the guy who got it for free, you’re thrilled.

Dealer Mark Neibuhr of Sequim, Wash. has a 1974 Evinrude Silver Starflite 135 hp outboard that he still uses. “I acquired this boat around ‘93 or ‘94, (totally stripped and gutted) and was given the outboard, which needed rebuilding,” Neibuhr said.

It was 2001 when he had the boat seaworthy and the Evinrude rebuilt, he said.

He used the boat in Louisiana before he installed AMSOIL products, Neibuhr said. He had installed the AMSOIL 100:1 oil when he was in Wisconsin, where the boat was used almost exclusively for water skiing in Lake Nebagamon, a small lake in the northern part of the state. Since 2012, he’s used the boat for salmon fishing and crabbing in the salt water of Washington’s Puget sound.

“After many years and hundreds of hours of use in Louisiana and Wisconsin, I moved west to Washington in 2012, where I continue using the boat in the salt water,” Neibuhr said. “It’s still going very strong, like-new compression readings and super smooth running and plenty of power still.”

Sometime in 2006 or 2007, Niebuhr started using AMSOIL Outboard Synthetic 2-Stroke Oil. “I immediately noticed a big reduction in smoke, especially at idle speeds …,” he said.

“The engine has never had any problems whatsoever while running AMSOIL 100:1 oil,” Neibuhr said. “I recently had to open up the powerhead due to a water problem. Upon disassembly, I was amazed at the internal condition of the bearings, cylinder liners, piston and rings, and the overall cleanliness of the internal parts. Most impressive was the complete absence of carbon deposits on the piston tops and ring grooves. I was amazed that after almost 10 years of using AMSOIL the engine looked as good as it did when I rebuilt it in 2001.”

Recently, he decided the boat and engine were overdue for painting and restoration.

“I did considerable research into the original colors and marking of the engine as it was in 1974, and the picture is as close as I could get,” Neibuhr said. “The only difference was a small decal that had ‘Silver Starflite’ affixed to the mid section of the outboard. So I improvised and thought the people at AMSOIL would appreciate my ‘creativity.’”