SI18.00-P-0010A
Service Information: oil sludge
26.3.01
ENGINE
111 in MODELS 124, 163, 170, 202, 203, 208, 210
ENGINE
112 in MODELS 129, 163, 170, 202, 203, 208, 210, 220
ENGINE
112, 113 in MODEL 463
ENGINE
113 in MODELS 129, 163, 202, 208, 210, 215, 220
ENGINE
137 in MODEL 215, 220
ENGINE
166 in MODEL 168
Oil sludging in gasoline engines with ASSYST maintenance
system
Recently we have determined that time and time again oil
sludging occurs in gasoline engines with an ASSYST maintenance
system.
Oil sludging can lead to the following complaints:
D
engine oil consumption
D
engine smoke (white/blue)
D
influencing of oil level indicator
D
clogged oil filter, engine oil thickened like jelly
D
Check engine lamp illuminated
D
oil sludge visible during assembly job, e.g. in oil filter, in cylinder
head covers, condensation sludging
(engine 166) etc.
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The following list of causes may lead individually or as a combination
to engine oil sludging:
D
Crankcase ventilation inoperable, function orifices, bores,
passages in cylinder head cover, cylinder head, crankcase etc.
are mechanically sealed. A nonfunctioning crankcase
ventilation boosts loads on the engine oil through organic
nitrates. The risk of oil sludging increases.
The mechanical condition of the engine is always to be
checked, i.e. all engine oil drain orifices on the cylinder head
and crankcase and all crankcase ventilation ducts must be free
of obstacles. Crankcase breather lines may not be kinked.
Check the ventilation bores in the cylinder head covers.
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D
The engine oil used does not comply with the specifications in
Sheet 229.1 or 229.3 of the Specifications for Service Products.
The additive process, e.g. dirt-carrying capability, neutralization
capability and oxidation resistance as well as the quality of the
base stock influence sludging time.
Use of engine oils with best possible resistance to formation of
sludge, i.e. use only tested and approved engine oils (from
Sheet 229.1 or 229.3). The best protection is afforded by the
engine oils on Sheet 229.3, which fulfill more stringent
specifications with regard to preventing sludge and deposits
(see Sheet 221.0, page 11). These oils have a distinctly better
anti-sludge characteristic than other engine oils.
D
Sludging after adding a fuel or engine oil special additive.
Do not use fuel or engine oil special additives. More information
hereto is available on Sheet 219.0 of the Specifications for
Service products. Reference to customer not to use special
additives.
D
Engine oil change not performed according to ASSYST
specifications. At driven distances
exceeding > approx. 3000 km, engine oil sludging may occur.
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Comply with engine oil and filter change as under ASSYST
specifications. Observe remaining distance.
D
Fuel grade lies outside standard (regionally contingent). If
contaminated, deficient fuel is used, then engine oil sludging
may occur even where approved engine oil is used.
Operation with fuel, e.g. as under DIN EN 228. Clarify refueling
behavior of customer. If engine operation regional, is
temporarily possible with deficient oil only, then the startup
distance has to be individually reduced, i.e. the oil change
temporarily performed at an interval of, e.g. 10,000 km.
D
Radiator antifreeze penetration into engine oil, e.g. through an
internal engine leak (cylinder head gasket, casting porosity).
The engine oil sludges within a short period. The crankcase
ventilation clogs up and stops functioning. Condensation
sludging clogs up the oil separator cells
(engine 166).
Rectify coolant leakage. Clean all sludged engine parts, in
particular the crankcase ventilation parts. If the occurrence
repeats, and casting porosity is suspected, e.g. replace
crankcase.
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Copyright DaimlerChrysler AG 20.05.2006 CD-Ausgabe G/10/04 . This WIS print-out will not be recorde
d by Modification services.
Page 1
Measures for slightly sludged engine:
Oil and filter change. Purge engine, i.e. normal engine operation
in neutral, or while driving, using oil from Sheet 229.3, 228.3, or
228.5. Drain off scavenging oil after purging process (approx. 1
hour). Repeat purging process if necessary. Refill using engine oil
from Sheet 229.3, or 229.1. The first oil change after clearing the
sludge should be performed after approx. 10,000 km or beforehand;
when doing so use engine oil from Sheet 229.3.
Measures for severely sludged engine:
Engines with severe oil sludging and caking onto engine parts
and into bores have to be dismantled and mechanically cleaned.
Tough sludge residue must not enter the clean side of the oil circuit,
as otherwise, e.g. the piston oil spray and the hydraulic
compensation elements may have their functionality impaired. Refill
using engine oil from Sheet 229.3, or 229.1.
The first oil change after sludging should be performed after approx.
10,000 km; when doing so use engine oil from
Sheet 229.3.
Warranty/goodwill regulations
If in combination with engine oil sludging a warranty/goodwill claim is
submitted, then a regular documentation of maintenance must be
presented. The ASSYST printout is to be filed carefully for further
reference.
Oil sludging in combination with an exceeded oil change interval, or
because of special additives in the fuel/engine oil are costs to be
borne by the customer.
Copyright DaimlerChrysler AG 20.05.2006 CD-Ausgabe G/10/04 . This WIS print-out will not be recorde
d by Modification services.
Page 2
