Anybody use an engine flush?

[dbaplayer]

Is it worth using an engine flush before oil changes? thanks

 

[silver_star]

I wouldn't unless you have a specific requirement to use one. They can cause more harm than good.

 

[Deleted member 65149]

Only used it on very old engines that have gone way past their recommended scheduled oil change. Helps to remove contaminants that can build after an excessive period. Generally not needed though.

 

[brigadier]

i've heard that, if the engine has too much sludge build up, you risk blocking oil passages when sludge comes off.

 

[martyz]

Would avoid,ok to use mineral oil as a flush if it needs it.

 

[millo777]

I've just flushed the engine on my w124 as at the previous oil change the oil looked very contaminated very quickly. Can of Wyn's in the old oil, followed by a full flush with car lube flushing oil. Have done the same on many old cars and never had a problem.

The normal objection to an oil flush is that it'll remove all the baked on varnish that was preventing the engine from leaking, and when removed all the crispy old seals will urinate oil all over your driveway. I've never had this problem, and would prefer to get the crud and sludge out of the engine and replace any seals as required.

A more general consensus is that a good quality synthetic or semi synthetic oil has enough additives to hold any carbon deposits in suspension and will effectively keep the engine clean. Hence flushing shouldn't be needed. Using a good quality oil filter should go without saying.

You pays yer money and takes your choice.

 

[Olivier]

I use a bit of diesel to flush it. It work fine.

 

[WG M-B]

We generally use engine flush on B services on diesel engines. Also on vehicles that are well past their oil change date.
Don't know where the anti flush thing comes from. We use only forte flush and have used wurth flush as well in the past.
Probably used flushing agents close to a 1000 times with no issues.
If the flushing agent is good quality it will do no harm

 

[Comcastle]

This subject always seems to polarise opinions, I've been on some forums where the masses say flushing an engine is the worst thing you can possibly do, and will certainly definately kill your engine and all those around you at the time.

I've done a few flushes in the past using Wynns stuff, and not had any problems.

I think the general worry is that you'll loosen gunk inside the engine that will move around and block things up, causing issues.

A specialist I used to use would flush an engine a few times using an oil/diesel mix before putting in the proper oil. Claimed it left the engine sparkling inside.

 

[markjay]

I used to flush engines many years ago with no ill effect, but my understanding is that current wisdom says that regular oil changes is all the engine needs.