What Are The Smelly Sticks In Oil?

What are the smelly sticks in oil?

The smelly sticks in oil, also known as oil sludge or black sludge, refer to the thick, gel-like deposits that can build up inside an engine’s oil system over time. Oil sludge is made up of oxidized oil, fuel, water and particles from normal engine wear that have broken down and coagulated into sludgy deposits [1].

Oil sludge forms when oil breaks down due to extended oil change intervals, short trips, stop-and-go driving, and other operating conditions that don’t allow the oil to reach optimal temperature. This leads to incomplete combustion byproducts and moisture accumulating in the oil. The deposits stick to engine parts and clog oil circulation, potentially causing serious damage if left untreated.

On the dipstick, oil sludge may look like black or brown specks mixed in with the oil. The sludge can also collect along the bottom of the oil pan and other crevices, taking on a thick, mayonnaise-like texture. Addressing sludge buildup quickly is important to save the engine from expensive repairs down the road.

Causes of Smelly Sticks

There are a few common causes of smelly sticks in engine oil:

Worn out oil – As oil is used in the engine, it breaks down and oxidizes. This causes it to lose its lubricating properties and give off a burnt smell. Oil that has been used for too long will start to smell bad.[1]

Unburnt fuel – Fuel that doesn’t get fully combusted can leak into the oil, causing a gasoline-like smell.

Oxidized oil – Hot oil oxidizes faster, and oxidized oil gives off a rancid, burnt odor. Short trips and frequent cold starts can cause oil oxidation.[2]

Dirt/debris – Built up grime, sludge, and contaminants in old oil can produce foul smells.

Signs of Smelly Sticks

There are a few key signs that indicate smelly sticks have formed in your oil:

• Oil darkens prematurely – Oil that should still be clear or light amber in color has turned dark brown or nearly black before the recommended oil change interval.
• Smell of burnt toast – The oil gives off a distinct burnt smell, similar to burnt toast.
• Sludge buildup – Thick, tar-like deposits have formed on internal engine components and accumulated in the oil.

These symptoms mean combustion byproducts and soot have contaminated the oil. The contaminants polymerize and solidify into smelly sticky deposits over time as the oil oxidizes under heat and pressure inside the engine. This leads to oil thickening and fouling of engine parts.

Sources: https://www.poison.org/articles/reed-diffusers-potential-household-risk, https://www.quora.com/Why-does-my-essential-oil-diffuser-release-a-weird-burnt-plastic-fishy-smell-when-I-turn-it-on

Effects on Engine

When smelly sticks accumulate in the oil over time, they can lead to some concerning effects on the engine. The most problematic consequences include increased friction, strain on the oil pump, and clogged passages.

As smelly sticks build up, they can start to rub and scrape against engine components that depend on the oil for lubrication and cooling. This increased friction causes excessive wear and can lead to overheating. According to Why Your Car Has Smelly Exhaust Fumes & How To Fix, this imbalance in the engine can produce a strong exhaust smell.

The sticks can also clog vital oil passages in the engine. When oil cannot properly circulate, components are deprived of lubrication and cooling. The oil pump may strain to push viscous oil through restricted channels. Left unchecked, smelly sticks can eventually lead to seized and damaged components.

Signs of engine strain include rough idling, loss of power, and difficulty starting. Preventing buildup of smelly sticks through regular oil changes is key to avoiding unnecessary engine wear and potential breakdowns.

When to Change Oil

Most auto manufacturers recommend changing your vehicle’s motor oil every 3,000-5,000 miles or every 3-6 months, whichever comes first (https://www.scentaustraliahome.com.au/blogs/news/a-guide-to-how-often-to-change-your-diffuser-s-reeds). This frequency accounts for oil becoming contaminated and breaking down over time. However, newer engines and full-synthetic oils allow for longer oil change intervals. Always check your owner’s manual for the recommended oil change frequency, as this can vary by make and model.

The most reliable way to determine if it’s time for an oil change is to have your oil analyzed regularly. Some signs visible upon inspection that indicate the need for an oil change include:

• Dark, smelly oil
• Sludge or debris in the oil
• High mileage or time since last oil change

Changing your oil regularly as recommended prevents contaminated oil from causing internal engine damage over time. Using high quality oils and filters also allows you to safely go longer between oil changes without risking harmful buildup inside your engine.

How to Remove Smelly Sticks

There are a few methods to help remove smelly sticks from engine oil:

Oil flush – An oil flush is a solvent designed to clean out sludge, varnish, and deposits from inside the engine. Using an oil flush can help remove contaminants contributing to smelly sticks. Follow the product instructions for proper use and oil change intervals when using a flush.

Oil filter change – Replacing the oil filter removes particles and deposits trapped inside. Using a new high-quality oil filter can capture more contaminants during the next oil change interval. Be sure to properly dispose of used oil filters.

Switch to synthetic oil – Synthetic oils are more resistant to breaking down and creating smelly sticks. Synthetic oils typically allow for longer drain intervals as well. When switching to synthetic oil, be sure to use the manufacturer’s recommended weight and change intervals.

Performing more frequent oil changes can also help reduce smelly stick buildup over time. Be sure to use the manufacturer’s recommended oil weight and change intervals for your vehicle.

Prevention Tips

To help prevent smelly sticks from forming in your engine oil, follow these tips:

• Perform regular oil changes according to the recommendations in your owner’s manual. Allowing the oil to become excessively dirty can lead to more sludge buildup.^[1]
• Use high-quality oil with the proper viscosity for your vehicle and climate. Higher quality oils are designed to resist breakdown and sludge formation.^[2]
• Avoid aggressive driving habits like rapid acceleration and braking. This can shear and thermally break down the oil, contributing to deposits.^[1]
• Fix any oil leaks promptly, as this allows dirt into the engine and promotes sludge.^[3]
• Check the PCV valve to ensure blow-by gases are vented properly and not promoting moisture and sludge.^[4]

^[1] https://www.harlemcandlecompany.com/blogs/journal/how-to-use-reed-diffusers-everything-you-need-to-know
^[2] https://www.mojocandleco.com.au/pages/how-to-properly-care-for-your-reed-diffuser
^[3] https://www.harlemcandlecompany.com/blogs/journal/how-to-use-reed-diffusers-everything-you-need-to-know
^[4] https://www.mojocandleco.com.au/pages/how-to-properly-care-for-your-reed-diffuser

Signs of Engine Damage

There are several warning signs that indicate potential engine damage from smelly sticks in oil. Some key signs to look out for include:

Loss of power – One of the most common symptoms of engine damage is a significant loss of power when accelerating or climbing hills. This occurs as smelly deposits restrict oil flow, increase friction, and prevent the engine from operating efficiently.

Oil leaks – Smelly sludge can damage oil seals and gaskets, leading to external oil leaks. You may notice oil spots on the ground under your vehicle or smell burning oil from leaks hitting hot engine components.

Check engine light – Engine sensors can detect issues like low oil pressure or misfires caused by smelly stick buildup. This will trigger the check engine light on your dashboard. Diagnostic testing can help identify the underlying issue.

Not addressing these warning signs risks allowing more severe damage to engine components like bearings, pistons, and cylinders. Seeking professional diagnosis and repairs quickly is advised if you notice these symptoms after smelly sticks have formed in your oil.

When to Seek Repair

If you notice any of the following symptoms, it’s a sign that the dirty oil and sludge buildup is causing serious engine problems and you should seek professional repair right away:

• Diagnose oil leaks – Keep an eye out for oil leaks under your vehicle. This could mean sludge is clogging oil passages and causing seals and gaskets to fail.
• Engine knocking – Listen for any loud knocking or pinging sounds from the engine. This indicates possible wear and damage.
• Loss of compression – Have a mechanic test for loss of compression in your cylinders. Sludge can prevent proper sealing, leading to compression loss.

According to GEICO, if you notice any unusual smells coming from your engine, you should have your car inspected right away before the problem gets worse. Don’t ignore symptoms like oil leaks, knocking sounds, or loss of power. These all indicate potentially serious issues that will only get more expensive to repair if left untreated.

Summary

The presence of smelly sticks in engine oil can be alarming for vehicle owners. Smelly sticks refer to sludge or gunk that builds up in oil and emits a burnt, ashy odor. This sludge is usually caused by extended oil change intervals, stop-and-go driving, hauling heavy loads, or engine issues that allow oil to overheat. These contaminants thicken the oil and reduce its lubricating ability, which can lead to accelerated engine wear, deposits on internal components, oil starvation, and even complete failure.

Some signs of smelly sticks include a pungent burnt odor when checking the oil, dark black color, thick texture, and noticeable debris or chunks in the oil. Drivers should not ignore these red flags and should have a mechanic inspect the vehicle. To prevent smelly sticks from forming, experts recommend regular oil changes every 5,000-7,500 miles with the specified viscosity grade, frequent inspections, addressing any mechanical issues promptly, allowing the engine to reach operating temperature before hard acceleration, and avoiding excessive idling. Keeping oil fresh, clean and cool is key to engine longevity.

In summary, smelly sticks signal contaminated oil that can quickly damage internal components. By practicing preventive maintenance, drivers can keep oil free of smelly buildup and protect their investment.