Engine Sludge?!

[MWCole]

I just changed the oil on my 06 Corolla (99k on motor now), and when I was dumping the oil from the drain pan into a container, I was left with 2 long clumps of oil that looked like leaches (2 inches long and narrow). I've had the corolla since '07 when it had 20k on it, and I've changed the oil every 5k with mobile 1 (was doing it every 3k, but that got old and expensive). This particular oil change was a bit delayed, I went almost 6k due to excessive traveling.

Anyone with a similar issue?

I'll post again in 5k after the next oil change.

[dorman68]

I don't think sludge is a common issue with the 9th gen Corollas with reasonable maintenance intervals. Oil changes every 5-6k using mobil 1 should not cause any sludge issues, even using reg dino oil with a 5k interval should not cause sludge. I change my oil every 3-5k using dino oil depending when I remember or when it's convenient for me and have zero sludge issues. If I were you I would pull the valve cover and check for sludge just to put my mind at ease, also check your pcv valve, if it appears gummed up or stuck I would replace it.

[devinsdad]

The Toyota Sienna has a well documented sludge issue. That's why ours gets it done at the dealer. I do the oil in my Corolla just about the same as you do. Change and reset the oil change lite. When it gets to the point where it stays on, I reset the lite and go to the next time. After that, it's time for an oil change. I use Mobil 1 or Castrol Synthetic and Mobil 1 oil filters. Been working like a champ for 90K and I forsee no problem down the road.

[Tacobale]

It was probably from something that was in the container that held the old oil. Could of been from an invisible film on the container that reacted to the drained oil in it.

[invader]

Oil change interval was reduced from 7500 miles to 5000 miles in 2004, then oil capacity was increased by 1/2 quart in 2005 by raising the dipstick marks... Tacobale's point is highly probable.

[MWCole]

Thank you all for the feedback. Changed the oil again a few days ago, this time, no sludge detected. No noticeable oil consumption, 103.5k.