Is there any way to check a 1.8t for sludge in the top end without pulling the valve cover?
The FAQ mentions that 1.8ts tend to get build up when not used with sythetic, but I can't think of a way to check for it while shopping for a car.

 

Take the oil filler cap off and feel the valve cover with a finger.
The engine should be cold.

 

one of those fiber optic cables should help also. But the valve cover isnt that hard to remove.

 

I don't know if if I'm comfortable enough to awkwardly remove a valve cover at a dealership. Is it a reusable rubber gasket?

If I'd be able to get my finger down there and feel around, I'll just see what comes out on it.
Wow, that sounded sick.

 

take the valve cover off is easier than change oil. you should not have any problem to doing it.

get your gaskets first. I'll do it, ones I fixed my other problems

 

The mechanics of it isn't the uncomfortableness. I'm looking to buy a car, and would be uncomfortable doing anything like removing the valve cover before I buy it. I'd also be uncomfortable buying a gasket set for a vehicle that I may not purchase.

What are the fiber optic cables that were mentioned?

 

fiber optics are used on CAN BUS ( fly by wire ) is there still such a thing as sludge?? if a car was using synthetic oil as they say then this will never happen and an old story ( synthetic oil does not sludge ) unless you did 3 times the specs on change

 

some good shops use them to diognose engine problems without opening the engine. If you call around to shops, one might be able to do it for you and check over the rest of the car before you buy it.

 

when some people take it to the dealer and they use to use a normal 1.8t filter w/ dino oil, you will get sludge due to the oil type added to thelack of oil. Also most manuals (any car manuf.) will say oil changes at ~10k mile intervals.

 

It sounds like you're talking about a pre-buy car inspection? I would take the car to a mechanic (unaffiliated with the dealership whre the car is for sale) and get a complete inspection. They will can remove the valve cover and check for you. I did this before I bought my audi. I think it cost $150 or so, but could be worth it in the long run.

What year? Check the cam seals (back of engine), rear wheel bearings, and see if the timing belts been done already, those are all common 1.8t problems.