Engine Flush... (for changing car oil) - ??

Galeeno

When changing the car oil, a can of engine flush can be used, and inserted in the engine... before you drive the car.

You insert it, and let the engine run for 20 minutes....

~Question
If you drive around for that 20 minutes with the engine flush in, and in between the 20 minutes (say at 10 minutes) you have a 3 minute break, and then carry on driving for another 10 minutes..... then should this effect the process?

-that the car engine will be stopped for 2 minutes while the engine flush is in.. ? and then driven for 10 more minutes.

and then after that 2nd 10 minutes the engine oil is changed (drained and new oil put in).

Paradigm

With modern engines & oils there should be no need to use an engine flushing oil.
Why do you think yours needs one?

To answer the question, I wouldn't have the 3 minute "rest" but do the 20 mins driving in one hit.... whether it makes any difference though?

Retrogamer

I disagree with the modern engines not needing one.

When cars have the oil changed often (say every 5k) then the cleaning agents of the oil will still be doing their job.

Modern cars stretch the service intervals so that by the time a car needs an oil change, the cleaning properties have usually broken down.
Coupled with modern cars generally having thinner oil ways and turbochargers you want to keep it as clean as possible inside.

If you don't know the car's service history though i wouldn't do it. Sometimes it can dislodge large bits of carbon or sooty deposits that can get into other areas and cause oil blockages.

If you do use it though, just keep an eye on the engine temp, leave it in neutral and hold the revs to 2000rpm for about the same time as it says you should be driving. It's only to get the oil warm and loosen up any crud.

Strider590

Retrogamer wrote: »

I disagree with the modern engines not needing one.

When cars have the oil changed often (say every 5k) then the cleaning agents of the oil will still be doing their job.

I agree with this, we have a combination of garages that don't do the actual work and owners who think because they do 5000 miles a year, they only have to get it serviced every 10 years. Modern cars suffer fare more "abuse through ignorance/laziness" than cars 30 years ago.

scotsbob

The important thing is to have the engine running hot it will help the oil to drain. Ideally you would let the oil drain out overnight, although I appreciate that if you aren't doing it yourself that may not be possible.

Weird_Nev

You shouldn't drive the car when the engine flush is in. Just leave it idling for about 10 minutes, to get the engine up to temp and let it loosen the gunk and flush through properly, then drain immediately whilst all the rubbish is in suspension.

I too use engine flush, as it was recommended by a mate who is a very experienced mechanic who services and repairs everything from Porsches to Lamborghinis and ancient classics worth millions.

atrixblue.-MFR-.

some manufacturers will not endorse the use of engine flush and if found to have presence of the flush in there under a warranty claim you'd be stuffed for not adhering to the manufacturers specifications.

it has been known for people to use engine flush and discover later that a crank seal is pouring oil out and down the drive.

i only use flush when a oil grade is being changed or a headgasket has caused milking or fuel is present within the oil system and shouldnt be done with every oil change.

forgotmyname

If its an older petrol or diesel engine (non turbo) then a flush can be used.

But with something with tighter tolerances or a turbo, Don't use flushes.

The lower lubricating properties they provide can take years off the life of an engine.

Use a good quality oil, Not the dearest. And change the oil very very often if its been neglected previously.
Although you should run away from cars that have been neglected with the servicing.

londonTiger

scotsbob wrote: »

The important thing is to have the engine running hot it will help the oil to drain. Ideally you would let the oil drain out overnight, although I appreciate that if you aren't doing it yourself that may not be possible.

why drain overnight? it will never all come out, some oil will be trapped in other areas of the engine nowhere near the sump, so it cannot drain down.

I would not let a car drain overnight, metal gets cold. cold objects atract moisture and condenstation. you do not want to have the sump plug off and insides exposed to the external air. it will attract moisture.

Strider590

This ^^, you'll never get it all out.....
The best way is to get the engine right up to running temp, leave it for 10mins then carefully removed the sump plug with a good pair of gloves. This will drain as much as possible, but be warned it'll come out hot and fast.

mcjordi

i wouldnt use engine flush.. regular oil changes are best..
i used soe engine flush on my fiesta, and it started using loads more oil.. i vowed never to use that poop again