How to check for sludge ?

[Louis-Alain Richard]

Ok then, 

After asking for maintenance records, one should look at the oil cap and
dipstick, poke a bent rod in the pan via the drain hole and last remove the
valve cover (if still in doubt).

It means that sludge (if existent) will be everywhere in the engine, not
just in the pan ?

Next question is : if present, is it "repairable" with engine flush (or any
other mechanic-in-a-bottle...) or one will have to rebuilt the engine ?

Louis-Alain




-----Message d'origine-----

Wasn't the OP  vehicle about 40K in mileage?

What did the oil look like at inspection (dip stick) or oil change?

Records would help in theory but then again you could get records like this:

http://www.quattro123.com/A4TurboEngineWarrantyExtension.htm

Scroll down and check the photos about the "service records"

I'd go synthetic after a few dino flushes of about 2K with filter change to
try and dissolve what's in there if you think its sludge filled.

I'd run it hot but do a long cool down too............

My 2 centavos, YMMV.
-Scott by BOSTON