My car is at 61,000 miles now. I have been doing my own oil changes since 25,000. I've noticed over the miles that each oil change seems to drain longer and accept less new oil. When I put in 3.9 quarts now, the dipstick is over the mark and up to the next neck in the dipstick. It didn't use to do that.
So I'm wondering, sludge buildup despite using Synpower 5w40 since 35,000 miles? Sludge is not a good thing. The engine also is not as smooth as it once was. I can feel it stumbling very slightly while idling at a red light. I am thinking that the solution may be to just remove the oil pan and clean it out. Having never been inside there before I have no idea if this is a good idea or not. Anyone ever done anything like that?
There is also a sludge cleaning solvent recommended by bobistheoilguy.com, but the process involves several thousand miles and 3 oil changes. Sounds like it would be easier for me to clean the oil pan once at my next service. Any ideas?
So I'm wondering, sludge buildup despite using Synpower 5w40 since 35,000 miles? Sludge is not a good thing. The engine also is not as smooth as it once was. I can feel it stumbling very slightly while idling at a red light. I am thinking that the solution may be to just remove the oil pan and clean it out. Having never been inside there before I have no idea if this is a good idea or not. Anyone ever done anything like that?
There is also a sludge cleaning solvent recommended by bobistheoilguy.com, but the process involves several thousand miles and 3 oil changes. Sounds like it would be easier for me to clean the oil pan once at my next service. Any ideas?