Mission Viejo's Experts Share the Most Common Engine Sludge Symptoms in Bentley The engine combustion problems are caused due to the formation of sludge. When the engine oil gets oxidized and solidifies. This leads to a coating on the cylinders and there is more heat buildup. So, being a Bentley owner, you must try to avoid the occurrence of sludge. Engine sludge is one of the most destructive substances that can happen in your Bentley. The sludge occurs due to the contamination of the engine oil and can adversely affect your car's performance and may also lead to total engine failure. So, being a Bentley owner, you must have all the information regarding engine sludge.
Formation of engine sludge All the moving parts in the engine need to be properly lubricated to work correctly to power the motor. The engine oil is the main lubricant that flows to keep all these parts lubricated and free from damage due to friction. Over time, the oil will become oxidized and starts to break down. Also due to the addition of other contaminants like water, dirt, coolant, the thin oil starts to turn into a thick gel. The sludge traps the heat and leads to a rise in the temperature of the engine. The sludge will also coat the gears and other moving parts, forcing them to work harder. Because of the increase in stress, your Bentley engine will show signs of loss of power and efficiency.
Signs of engine oil sludge When you find any of the following symptoms of sludge in your engine, take your Bentley for a quick inspection otherwise the semi-solid gunk will also result in costly auto repairs in the future.
Low oil pressure There will be low oil pressure as the sludge causes the oil to slow down and restricts its rate of circulation. As a result, the oil loses its pressure and oil light will come up on your Bentley dashboard. The engine gets overheated as it does not get the oil where it is needed. Due to low oil pressure, the oil filter might also get clogged as the sludge gets deposited. So, if your car is showing a decrease in performance and the engine is becoming hot more often, get it checked by Bentley professionals. Removing the sludge on time will help to prevent more damage to your engine.
Clicking sounds from the tappet The tappets in the Bentley engine control the movement of the air intake and exhaust valves. They move up and down very quickly, which is why most of the mud can be seen near the tappet. The oil breaks down quickly because there is a lot of heat and mixing. Generally, the sludge is visible just below the head near the tappet area of your Bentley. The sludge causes clicking sounds from the tappets and their hydraulic jacks. The reason for this clicking or ticking sound is not enough oil to lubricate the springs and
the arms. When the engine sludge is removed, the sound disappears and the tappets start to work smoothly.
Illuminated check engine light Your Bentley consists of a computer that controls all the complex functions. The computer communicates with different gauges that will help identify when something is not right. The first signs of a problem will come from your onboard warning system on the dashboard. The check engine light will illuminate when the engine starts to face problems due to sludge. If sludge is identified in the oil pan when draining the oil, it's an indicator of very high levels of sludge in your engine. Having the "check engine" light turns on in your Bentley can be an unsettling experience. It could indicate a major problem that requires stopping the vehicle immediately to avoid costly engine repair.
Greasy oil filter While changing the engine oil, always check the oil filter and if you find a greasy or oily substance, be sure that sludge is present. You will also notice that the draining of engine oil is slow and oil is stickier. Over time, the engine oil will encounter heat, dirt and other debris. The contaminants get deposited on the oil filter and make it difficult for the already thick engine oil to pass through. The contaminants in the oil will stick and begin to clog your Bentley’s filter. Because of sludge, your oil will lose its ability to tolerate heat and cause damage to your vehicle's components.