Engine Flush

[jaybyrd]

I've never done this and not sure I ever would however a friend did this to an older ford pickup F150 with the 5.0L and said he really saw a big difference. I've heard mixed things about it actually causing problems by cleaning out too much junk from seals and such and creating leaks on gaskets etc... But it's kind of funny how every drive thru oil joint wants to offer this as a great fixer upper because your mileage is getting high, blah blah blah....

 

What are your thoughts on this? I think its really not worthwhile, but open to hear other interpretations.

[2500HD 8.1]

I don't do the flush. I just pull the lower radiator hose, drain the fluid, and add new coolant.

 

I re-read your post, and I don't think you are talking about a coolant flush. An engine flush? I would avoid that. Just change your engine oil every 3000 miles and use a quality oil and filter.

[C & A s Dad]

I see no reason for a flush in a late model engine that has been properly maintained and it running well. I am one of those guys that feels there are many chemicals out there to sell but only a few made to use.

[jaybyrd]

I agree entirely with both posts, I'm just kind of fishing for someone to say something that they have proof positive evidence that an engine flush is indeed a good thing. I've always been a 5000km oil change kind of guy, but every once in a while something revolutionary comes out. I remember the Dura-Lube commercials and how it was supposed to let your motor run dry and be the next best thing since sliced bread.... How many people are using it today? At any rate maybe on older vehicles the engine flush is something to consider, but IHO newer vehicles just need regular oil changes and dilligent preventative maintenance to last the test of time, after all most motor oils aside from some synthetics contain enough detergents to keep everything in good working order. I was kind of tempted by that Lucas oil additive though, especially after seeing the little crankcase at a local Crappy Tire store that you could crank around and see the difference between it and regular oil.

[svensk]

I agree entirely with both posts, I'm just kind of fishing for someone to say something that they have proof positive evidence that an engine flush is indeed a good thing. I've always been a 5000km oil change kind of guy, but every once in a while something revolutionary comes out. I remember the Dura-Lube commercials and how it was supposed to let your motor run dry and be the next best thing since sliced bread.... How many people are using it today? At any rate maybe on older vehicles the engine flush is something to consider, but IHO newer vehicles just need regular oil changes and dilligent preventative maintenance to last the test of time, after all most motor oils aside from some synthetics contain enough detergents to keep everything in good working order. I was kind of tempted by that Lucas oil additive though, especially after seeing the little crankcase at a local Crappy Tire store that you could crank around and see the difference between it and regular oil.

Those are fun. I like to spin them as fast as I can then it flew off the counter and I put it back and casually walked away...

[asepgrad98]

the problem with an engine flush is it could cause the sludge you knocked loose to clog up your oil passages.

[VMax2007]

the problem with an engine flush is it could cause the sludge you knocked loose to clog up your oil passages.

 

Kinda like giving your engine a stroke? (This is what killed my father, following a surgery to clear blocked arteries in his leg.)

[cmoore74]

I recall reading one post about a reduction in metal in the oil after one of these flushes based on oil analysis. I think the product was AutoRx. If you do a search on AutoRx you might be able to find something. You also might want to check the forum on the "Bob Is The Oil Guy" site.

 

But I agree that if you're using a quality oil and filter and changing it as scheduled I don't think a flush does much for you.

[desrtrat]

on a motor that has a good maint. done on it a flush is not needed. if you have a older one that you do not know the history on, then use some delo 400 in it and then change the filter and oil at about 1500 mi. should clean it out pretty good.

 

but one thing that will NEVER hurt is a dose of MARVILL MYSTERY OIL every other oil change. it's been around for about 80 yrs. and it will DO what it claims to do...