Sludge in Rotella T5

[Raised on a Deere]

Make sure your engine is operating with a working thermostat. Engine running too cool especially one that makes lots of cold starts with short work time.

 

[davesl708]

Make sure your engine is operating with a working thermostat. Engine running too cool especially one that makes lots of cold starts with short work time.

Thermostat was change 200hrs back. Usually starts and operates for an hour or more each time.

 

[mguitas]

I just changed the engine oil after 100 hrs. I used Rotella T5. I found clumps of sludge in the drain pan afterwards.
I use Kubota filters. The tractor has 1380hrs on it.

Has anyone found this in their oil? I have not found sludge before using other oils in any of my equipment or vehicles.

I use t5 , no issue on oil.

 

[GManBart]

I think I will get an analysis on the oil. I use OEM filters and the original owner did too. Just don't think he did it timely.
When I had the valve cover off for valve adjustment the top was clean with no build up or lacquer.

Thanks for the input.

The top end being clean is a good sign, and the oil analysis isn't a bad idea at all. This is why I like to do an engine oil/filter change immediately with any used machine, run it for maybe 20 hours, then do another oil/filter change....hopefully that gets any old deposits out.

 

[davesl708]

The top end being clean is a good sign, and the oil analysis isn't a bad idea at all. This is why I like to do an engine oil/filter change immediately with any used machine, run it for maybe 20 hours, then do another oil/filter change....hopefully that gets any old deposits out.

This is why I am perplexed. The engine has had three oil changes in 210hrs. This is the first sludge I have seen. Maybe just took awhile to break loose.
I cut the filter open and no sign of metal or plugging of the filter media.
Next oil change will get sent in for analysis.

 

[Soundguy]

On a new to me machine that isn't going to be an immediate teardown, I do a full service, then after working it, and on it a bit, another change. You never know what the prev owner put in or how they used it. I've bought working antiques, that I'm guessing still had antique oil in them that maybee got topped off as it got low, including finding vintage OEM filters stacked solid...

 

[GManBart]

This is why I am perplexed. The engine has had three oil changes in 210hrs. This is the first sludge I have seen. Maybe just took awhile to break loose.
I cut the filter open and no sign of metal or plugging of the filter media.
Next oil change will get sent in for analysis.

I'd bet your idea that it took a while to break loose is most likely. Since the filter and the top end all looked good, I wouldn't be too worried, but it's certainly worth doing the analysis to be sure. Still, it does make you wonder how other people take care of their machines!

 

[big bubba]

might also during engine operation keep a close eye on oil pressure gauge on the small chance something broken loose has not restricted oil flow. bet you're fine though