Engine sludge problem

NAMAL

MEMBER
2002 TOYOTA COROLLA
2WD
AUTOMATIC
74,500 MILES

I recently purchased this car second hand it is the LX model. When I scanned the vehicle for troubleshoots, they informed me that the engine has developed the sludge problem. Further they advised to clean the engine mechanically by dismantling the engine or by a chemical flush. What should I choose? Is chemical flushing is bad for the engine?

Tuesday, January 24th, 2017 AT 4:41 AM

5 Replies

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
14,470 POSTS

Chemical flushing is not "bad" but in many cases it will not remove all of the crud and sludge. So you end up with areas where you still have sludge but now that sludge may be "loose" because the chemicals softened it. That could break free and plug a bearing oil feed or block oil flow to a camshaft.

Tearing it down takes more time and money but you can also check the parts, replace things like the timing belt or chain, water pump and gaskets. When it goes back together those parts that are "service items" are now done and you know the inside of the engine is clean.

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Tuesday, January 24th, 2017 AT 5:13 AM

NAMAL

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thanks a lot Steve. The problem is, in my area it is very hard to find a good mechanic who will carryout a good job in cleaning the engine mechanically. If I do a chemical flush and replace the engine oil some what frequently (at about 1500 km for couple of times), will it be a good decision?

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Tuesday, January 24th, 2017 AT 5:31 AM

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
14,470 POSTS

It should not hurt it. It depends on how dirty the engine is currently and where the deposits are. You could even do the flush run it a bit and do it again. I have always been a fan of, tear it down and clean it because there are areas (piston ring lands) where the flush does not reach very well. But then again I also wear a leather belt and attached suspenders for my pants, really do not like "mooning" the folks. :-)

Where are you located (country and city are fine) maybe someone on here knows of a good shop nearby or at least some to avoid.

Here is a write up on it.
http://www.toyoland.com/sludge.html

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Tuesday, January 24th, 2017 AT 7:15 AM

NAMAL