Hello everyone,

In a few threads I have found some helpful suggestions here and there regarding the prevention of that infamous engine sludge. Most of the time it's after the fact, with posters distraught over their gummed up engine.

I recently swapped out the engine and turbo on my 2001 s40 because of a sludge disaster, and I don't want the same thing to happen again.
I know the basics:

A. Use a high quality synthetic oil 10w30
B. Change oil sooner than recommended (like every 3000 mi for turbo models)

But questions remain, namely:

1. What else should I add to my maintenance list to prevent sludge?
2. What should I be wary of with an engine of which I do not know the history?
3. Should I do a chemical flush on the engine? (It is sludge free as far as I can tell)
4. What is the best brand of synthetic oil I should use, price being no object.

As you may have guessed, I'm somewhat paranoid about this sludge thing! Please help me set my mind at ease.

Best
-Stephen

 

One tip. First oil change at about 1000 miles. Some sludge (Chrysler 2.7L was a classic example) is due to machining shavings left over. Overwhelms oil filter quickly and opens the bypass so it circulates shavings inside the engine. Not good.

 

Great tip, Thanks!