Hi

I am on the 2 year servicing scheme. About 4 months ago the oil warning (yellow) light came on, I put a litre of oil in to top her up.

I was suprised when the same light came back on today, as I have only done about 3k miles since.

Is this normal for these engines? (now on 50k)

It is not leaking anywhere, and there is no blue smoke.

There was a lot of sludge on the oil filler cap though. I think I am going to get her in for a service and go back to fixed.

My local independant only wanted

I have had 2 variable services at 19k mileages ish each from new - never had to top up at all. Rs with 1.8T 180bhp

These engines are allowed to use upto 1Litre/600Kms a lot depends on the driving style and distances driven. Are you using the correct oil ???? this also has an effect -- you'd be amazed the number of cars that come to us with the wrong type of oil being used for top up!

There was a lot of sludge on the oil filler cap though.

When you say sludge, do you mean a black tar like substance or does it look more like a pale yellow mayonnaise?

What oil did you top up with?

Thanks for the replys, only just got chance to check here.

The sludge was thick black with a hint of mayo on top.

I topped it up with the oil that my local Skoda garage recomended. I can't remember the grade but it was £15 for on litre!

To be honest they did not seem sure what oil it should be, even though I told them it was on variable servicing.

I am going to take it to a local specialist tomorrow and see what he says.

Cheers

Mark

When was the last service done?

21 months ago

Black sludge is generally (but not always) an indication that the oil has been pushed beyond it's useful life, due to overheating or most likely too many miles between changes.

The 1.8T engine has a reputation in the USA (in Audi & VW applications) as being a 'Sludge Monster.'

The 1.8T engine has a reputation in the USA (in Audi & VW applications) as being a 'Sludge Monster.'

But not in Europe where different oil and service intervals are specified.

21 months ago

As you are concerned about the colour of the oil, have it serviced now. It will be due in the next 3 months at the latest.

But not in Europe where different oil and service intervals are specified.

but i have seen a certain uk 4x4 with this problem...

and the Baron could toasdt its oil in about 4k.....

does sound like the oil is dead... is your car remapped.. It is always worth changing the oil more often if the car is chipped / driven hard....

THIS APPLYS TO FABIA'S TOO

long life servicing is designed for normal use.

The Barons Turbo could get to glowing red hot like F1 exhausts we all see on the tinterweb. Any remapped car should be looked after appropriatly - allow the turbo to cool and change the oil regularly.

long life servicing is designed for normal use.

Agreed. Neither of the 1.8Ts mentioned above was standard in spec or use. And anyone who doesn't check their car's oil level regularly is asking for trouble. Oil which isn't there can't lubricate the engine - as the saying goes. :(

Thanks guys.

Had it serviced yesterday for £66, so can't grumble.

The mechanic said the oil was ok, just black and very low.

Having driven Japanese cars for the last 6 years I had got out of the habit of checking the oil every few months (like the good old days ) My civic and Impreza never used a drop.

I have gone back to semi synthetic oil and will change it yearly. I can't see the point in having long life oil if you get through 3 litres a year. It is bl**dy expensive stuff and it doesn't seem to have much of a long "life" in my engine anyway.

LongLife oil has increased resistance to ageing and high temperatures - the latter particularly relevant for turbo engines; has superior lubrication properties compared with semi-synthetic and ordinary oils; and fuel consumption is lower too when it is used. But it does come at a cost. Had you checked the oil level regularly as advised in the Owner's Manual, the level wouldn't have been low nor would the oil have been as dirty as it was. BTW, the oil change service is required every 15,000 km (rounded to 10,000 miles) or after 1 year - whichever comes first - on fixed service intervals.

I only do 8K a year so that is fine.

My car is not chipped and spends most of its time stuck in traffic :(

With only 150 bhp I doubt I will notice much difference, but you never know!

Note to self - must read handbook. It took me 4 months to figure out how to get the fog lights to come on, Doh!