Sludge Explanation from Pat Goss' Garage (Motorweek)

[SFBayQ45]

There is a known problem with the VW 1.9 liter DEISEL engine. According to Goss, the cause and repair are as follows:

"The 1.9 have a problem with sludge that build up in the intake as a result of the exhaust gas recirculation system. It can hamper performance...it can actually make the engine so it won't start. Well this has been a problem to clean up, but BG Products has come up with a system that uses chemicals that can be injected into the engine and an olga that can be run in here to clean the sludge up, 'cause this stuff really clogs up in there. It does a great job. If your 1.9 has poor performance, a loss of fuel economy or anything like that, you want to look for this system."

Now the big question. Does EGR problems associate with GASOLINE engines have similar affects/results such as sludge, poor performance, and loss of economy? If so, I wonder if the demise of Wes' crimson met it's fate because he didn't fix/address his known EGR problem in time. If the cause and affect are directly correlated, this could be the answer why so many G50s have poor fuel economy.

Any thoughts anyone?

[elwesso]

I doubt it... The exhaust on diesel engines has a lot more soot in there, and thus would really start to clog, especially once it clogs a little, it would just keep piling up.....

Something doesnt seem right though..... Sludge in the intake is basically just carbon... Sludge in the internal parts of the engine is due to the oil breaking down, this is from the EGR...

The amount of crap that is in the exhaust in diesel engines and gas engines is a lot different... Ever wonder why theres that black stuff comingout of diesels exhaust..... Thats whats clogging up the intake, apparently....

This is seen on a lesser scale on all other cars... Thats why you have to clean your throttle body, plenum and ALL that fun stuff!

[maxnix]

"Well this has been a problem to clean up, but BG Products has come up with a system that uses chemicals that can be injected into the engine and an olga that can be run in here to clean the sludge up, 'cause this stuff really clogs up in there. "

Any thoughts anyone?

What's an "olga"? She must be quite small.

[HeavyDuty]

LOL @ Brian,