Engine Flushes

[HTC63]

I was just curious about engine flushes. I've gotten in the habit of changing my oil every 3 or 4 thousand miles, but before I drain the oil I will pour in some engine flush, let the van run for about 10 min and then I'll drain the old stuff. Now I've heard both the pro's and con's concerning the use of engine flushes. I would like to know what you guys think and if you use the stuff.

[ggcatt]

I've not done this on any of my vehicles, just regular oil/filter changes with quality oil and filters. I wouldn't put anything in the engine crankcase other than fresh, quality oil.

['97ventureowner]

I agree. I've owned close to 20 vehicles in the last 20 years,and do the oil changes myself. I've never used an engine flush before. If you religiously change your oil in the intervals you say you do, then you shouldn't worry too much about sludge or other build ups. The fresh oil has additives which help remove these deposits,and keep them suspended until they get to the filter. Make sure you use a quality filter when you change your oil, and replace it each time. I cannot believe how many people I talk to that didn't know you should change your filter each time. And I remember reading in some owners manuals from the '60 & '70s which said to replace the filter every other oil change! Companies that produce engine oils are constantly "upping the ante" to stay ahead of their competitors,as a result the oil produced today is much better than even 10 years ago. Additives have been put in to protect vital internal engine parts, remove contaminants, and prevent oil breakdown. Plus adding an engine flush just adds extra costs to your oil changes.

[Kevcules]

You got some good answers there HTC63. I agree , regular oil changes with filter , is all the engine needs. It's most likely a money gimmick. I'm not saying it doesn't work, just not necessary.
Kevin

[bnerbas]

I recently flushed the engine on my 2000 Venture (105000 Km). Bought it about 10,000 Km ago, and started running synthetic oil. After a while I had a bad lifter tick that came and went. The last 1000 or so, the tick was constant. Suspected dirt or carbon that the synthetic loosened up and maybe plugged a lifter oil port, or something. Anyways, decided to change the oil sooner than normally required, but ran the flush. When I removed the filter, I was amazed to see it was about 2/3 full of sludge. So, the flush seemed to have done something, all right. Haven't had the lifter tick since. Still, I might do a flush again the next oil change. For $5, it was worth it.

[cdru]

While it may free up some sludge, engine flushes may also do more harm then good if the sludge plugs up a oil line or losens up sludge that was helping seal a small leak. If you do regular oil changes, a flush will do nothing. If you don't do regular changes, start.

[DRW1000]

Ialso want to add that an engine flush is a solvent which is not much of a lubricant. You actually have significantly less lubrication during the 10 minutes you run the engine without it this is the reason why it states on the bottle not to put the engine under load.

[jrmandy]

i did a flush 1 time on a 84 cavalier...3 weeks later i spun a rod bearing...i would not recommend a flush..i only did it because it had sludge in the valve cover when i changed the gasket. the engine was runnin fine..needless to say ill never make that mistake again..