Engine Flush.

[wobbly]

Im having my ML serviced next week, by my local indy specialist.

I have bought some engine flush, to give the engine a good clean.
It says on the tin, that you should run the engine for about 10 mins, after adding the contents to the engine.

So the question,should I give the tin to the garage, and ask them to flush the engine, or should I add the engine flush to the engine before the car is collected, and as the garage is about 10 mins away, it should do its business on the way to be serviced.

At least by adding it myself, I know it has been added. And if the car is left running for longer than 10 mins, is it likley to damage the engine.

 

[grasmere]

I believe engine flush is just clean very thin oil to literally 'flush' it through, so I would say yes, drain your old oil, fill with flush and drive to the garage, let them know whats in it so they can expect 'thin' oil to drain out.

 

[wobbly]

I believe engine flush is just clean very thin oil to literally 'flush' it through, so I would say yes, drain your old oil, fill with flush and drive to the garage, let them know whats in it so they can expect 'thin' oil to drain out.

The engine flush I have bought is a additive, which is added to the old oil, run for 10 mins then, the old oil and additive drained, and replaced with fresh oil.

 

[grasmere]

in that case just put it in yourself and give it the ten minutes use prior to getting there - still let them know so they dont flush it anyway and charge you

 

[Satch]

Really do not like these "engine flush in a can" efforts. If your engine is suffering from crud build up have the potential to cause problems as it can loosen sludge, carbon and particulates that with 10 minutes worth of work might only end up in the sump or, worst of all, just soften up only break loose later on after your oil change.If the filter catches it fine, but can block smaller oilways and cause problems after your oil change.

If you have been running on full synthetic oil should not need it anyway. If you think it does change the oil more frequently with a full synthetic and that will clear it out over time.

 

[Parrot of Doom]

If you're going to flush the engine oil, you might as well just change it yourself. Save yourself some money and tell the indie not to do it.

 

[grober]

I cant see how adding as small amount of chemical to already heavily contaminated oil will really help. If its a considerable amount to be added its going to "overfill" the engine (unless you drain some oil out first) not a good thing! Flushing oils generally have cleaning rather than lubricating functions so personally I wouldnt put any load on an engine(by driving on the road for example) while using it. Regular changing with a good synthetic will achieve the same end as has been suggested already. Millers fully synthetic oils seem to offer good performance without great expense. http://www.millersoils.net/index2.html

 

[Ian B Walker]

I cant see how adding as small amount of chemical to already heavily contaminated oil will really help. If its a considerable amount to be added its going to "overfill" the engine (unless you drain some oil out first) not a good thing! Flushing oils generally have cleaning rather than lubricating functions so personally I wouldnt put any load on an engine(by driving on the road for example) while using it. Regular changing with a good synthetic will achieve the same end as has been suggested already. Millers fully synthetic oils seem to offer good performance without great expense. http://www.millersoils.net/index2.html

I agree however I have, with my cars 100miles or so before an oil change thrown in 1/2 ltr of ATF. Keeps everything clean. No advers effects so far (now watch my engine blow up )

 

[GregE240]

I agree however I have, with my cars 100miles or so before an oil change thrown in 1/2 ltr of ATF. Keeps everything clean. No advers effects so far (now watch my engine blow up )

Well, at least you know a good mechanic eh Ian?!!!

 

[wobbly]

Thanks for all the replies.

The car is serviced regular,the engine runs fine. It was just a thought to add a engine flush, with the engine having done 93000 miles.

But following some of your replies, I dont think I will bother, it could just cause a problem.

Thanks for the advice

Wobbly

 

[oilman]

These products are agressive and normally paraffin based, not good at all.

Personally I would not flush it, use a decent synthetic oil which will contain the right amount of detergency to keep your engine clean.

Much kinder to your engine.

Cheers
Simon

 

[nickmann]

Hi Oilman, thanks for that input. Is is helpful to hear from someone like you who is knowledgeable. Do you think there is any benefit in Ian Walker's suggestion of using ATF before an oilchange?

 

[oilman]

I've never tired it and would guess that it would not hurt but I'm not sure if it has tangible benefits either.

Cheers
Simon