Engine Flush

DDC · Post by **DDC** » Thu Sep 24, 2009 5:27 pm

Recently I have been doing some of the servicing on our Terrano Extreme 2.4i 4x4. Mainly fluids and filters. I have only got the oil change left to do and I bought a can of engine flush to add prior to the oil change. I have actually used this product years ago but after a quick google search today I noticed there is some negative information on the use of engine flush.

Has anyone on UHM got any words of wisdom on this?

The 4 x 4 is relatively new to us so I am unsure on its previous maintenance regime or even quality of engine oil.

Post by **ultimatehandyman** » Thu Sep 24, 2009 8:32 pm

Has anyone on UHM got any words of wisdom on this?

don't use it

They are not necessary and can do more harm than good. A simple oil change will suffice

Raf · Post by **Raf** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 11:41 am

its fine to use but that doesnt mean im endorsing all these snake oils.... the general problem with flush is that if oil doesnt get changed often enough it thickens up and forms a sort of sludge; on normal oil changes this sludge wont come out; with flush it breaks this down HOWEVER problems arise if the sludge gets stuck in an oil well and partially blocks it.

in real life for sludge to form to this consistency i would say you'd need to do about 60-70k without an oil change (but remember a car will have been topped up over this mileage). modern oils are quite good so generally not needed but if you do use flush it it wont do any harm unless the car has never seen a service bay. Even then you could flush it a few times and be confident its all out more or less.