Sludge inside the engine?

NANCY ROGERS SANDERS

MEMBER
2019 NISSAN PATHFINDER
6 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
80,000 MILES

Had my oil changed recently and was told I had sludge in my engine and that I needed to add an oil additive in my car before the next oil change and should have it changed every 1,000 miles. I've heard conflicting opinions about the additive, but I'm concerned about the engine. It smokes white smoke periodically usually upon startup. What are your suggestions on the best thing to do to preserve the engine? Still have 3 years before car is even paid off.

1 Reply

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,526 POSTS

On the white smoke part this can be normal, are you losing coolant? Also can you remove the oil cap and upload a picture of the bottom of the cap, that way I can tell if you have a blown head gasket causing the problems witht he white smoke and the engine oil. This guide can help as well

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/head-gasket-blown-test

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/recognizing-the-symptoms-understanding-a-blown-head-gasket-in-your-vehicle

Here is what is said about the engine sludge problem:

Adding an oil additive can help clean up the sludge, but the effectiveness of such additives is debatable, and not all of them are safe for your engine. Some additives can cause more harm than good, especially if they contain harsh chemicals or detergents that can damage engine seals and gaskets.

In addition to using an oil additive, there are several other things you can do to help keep your engine running smoothly and prevent further sludge buildup:

Change your oil and oil filter regularly: This is the most critical step in preventing sludge buildup. Your car's owner's manual should provide guidelines on how often you should change your oil and filter. However, if you have an older car or frequently drive in stop-and-go traffic, you may need to change your oil more frequently.

Use high-quality oil: Use the recommended grade and type of oil for your car, and choose a high-quality brand that meets the necessary performance standards.

Drive your car regularly: If you let your car sit for extended periods, the oil can become contaminated with moisture and other contaminants, which can contribute to sludge buildup.

Avoid short trips: Short trips, especially in cold weather, don't allow your engine to warm up fully, which can lead to condensation and sludge buildup.

Regarding the white smoke from your engine, it could be a sign of several issues, including a leaking head gasket, a damaged engine block, or a coolant leak.

Let us know what happens and please upload pictures or videos of the problem so we can see what's going on.