Just purchased this truck and was concerned after reading about sludge build up. I pulled the oil cap and it looks varnished but not so much sludge.

I just changed the oil but was wondering if there are any recommendations on using additives to remove any sludge that I can not see?

I have seen a few post about Sea Foam, but would like input.

Also I pulled the dipstick and the dipstick itself looks clean and so does the oil.

Is there any way to determine if sludge has built up on the top end as I have read that is where the problem is.

geedubcpa

 

pull the valve covers off or drop the oil pan but personally I wouldn't worry about it just keep the oil changed every 3k and you shouldn't have any problems. is there something that is making you think its sludged up?

 

Did you take your finger under the valve cover and see if you can feel sludge?

 

you're sig says you use all synthetics, so why tell this guy to change his oil every 3000 miles? the only reason we did that in the past is because oil went bad. newer, better, synthetic oils (amsoil, mobil 1, RP, whatever) last 5 times as long. plus synthetic oil has less of a sludge problem and protects the engine better

amsoil sells an engine flush that will clean out the engine, recommended before you put amsoil in.

going with some of the other suggestions, you would have to take the valve covers off to check for sludge there

 

I use synblend and still change mine every 3,500 miles.

 

that i understand, blends are only about 30% synthetic, but even still you can do used oil analysis to see if your oil is still good. you can get a pump and bottles from a lab, send them 4 ounces of oil and they tell you if your oil is still good. it costs about the same as doing a standard oil change but you dont have to waste the oil if you dont have to or change it. just food for thought. i use amsoil 12 month/25k mile oil and filter and change it once a year, in my charger i have to use 6 month/7500 mile oil but i can still go farther than what the manual says to change it (6month/6k miles)

 

I use synthetic but he didn't ask if he should change to that nor did I say do synthetic every 3k, I was just speaking generally I suppose. I still change mine every 4-5k just because filters still need to be changed before 7500-15000 miles like some companies claim for their oil and its only $35-40 every 3-4 months so its just less of a hassle to me to change it all while i'm under there than only do a filter every month or two and add 3/4-1 quart of oil everytime especially since I have no where flat to check if I got it filled back up right.

 

well thats true, he didnt ask. sometimes convenience is the better way to go

 

You have the 4.7 - its my understanding from others on this forum that the 4.7 does not have the same sludge issues the 5.2 & 5.8 have. Those older design engines have a gasket surface that will fail over time & allow contamination that will literally cause inches of sludge to build up in the engine.

The 4.7 is a 'modern' engine of an entirely different design & does not have this issue.

Just keep the oil changed & you will have a long life.