# Oil sludge

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> Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oil_sludge
> Source revision: 1330826717
> License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/)

**Oil sludge** or **black sludge** is a [gel](/source/Gel)-like or semi-solid deposit inside an [internal combustion engine](/source/Internal_combustion_engine), that can create a catastrophic buildup. It is often the result of contaminated [engine oil](/source/Engine_oil) and occurs when moisture and/or high heat is introduced to engine oil.

## Causes

Oil sludge may occur due to a variety of different factors. Some of the most common causes are:

- Defective [crankcase ventilation system](/source/Crankcase_ventilation_system)
- Oil/coolant contamination
- Neglecting oil changes
- Low oil level
- Poor engine design

## Precautions

Oil sludge is generally preventable through frequent oil changes at manufacturer specified intervals, however, while uncommon, some engines do have a tendency to build up more sludge than others.

## External links

- [burn oil sludge utilization](https://www.energy-saving-technology.com/en/trga_sluge_en.html)
- [Installation for saving of heavy fuel on boilers, utilization of condensate water and heavy residuals of fuel in tankfarm](https://www.energy-saving-technology.com/documentation/test_odessa_full_en.pdf) [waste oil](/source/Waste_oil) residues and oiled condensate water in ports and tank farms
- [sludge - dispersion and utilisation as fuel](https://www.energy-saving-technology.com/en/trga_mixf_en.html)

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Oil sludge](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oil_sludge) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oil_sludge?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.