How to check for sludge ?

[Tihol Tiholov]

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).
>

This is all good, just wonder how realistic.  Would you let someone poke
into your drain hole? ;o)  I mean, at least some lubricant should be
provided, like ... new oil.  Would you pour back the old oil?  Also, poking
into the oil pan can set free junk.  Seller must be pretty desperate to
allow all these interventions.


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

Yes.


> 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 ?
>

Mechanic in a bottle will be synthetic oil with viscosity range recommended
by VAG - at least 5W40, smaller in front and larger in rear of the W is OK,
though 0W is too thin for my taste.

I bought an 1.8T with 57K km on it.  Service records showed an oil change at
a chain lube shop.  I've used synth. oil since with no issues and put almost
100k km on the car.

Life is strange though, a friend bought an '88 5Ktq Avant with 240+km and
well over 300K km, when sold, using only dyno juice during his ownership.