engine flushes are harmful??
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 241
Likes: 0
engine flushes are harmful??
At my last oil change I used some of that Gunk 5-minute motor flush,It overfilled it by a quart of course but it doesnt say to drain off any oil;it just says to make sure that oil is up to safe level.I used it exactly as directed but wonder if these flushes are safe to use? Could it have caused any seal leakage? It didnt occur to me to use Rislone,MMO or ATF.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 773
Likes: 0
From: VA/USA
engine flushes are harmful??
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 23-Sep-02 AT 02:24 AM (EST)]You probably didn't cause any leaks - as long as you didn't put any "load" on the engine, you know, increase RPM's or race the motor. But unless you have very high mileage, bought the vehicle "used" with substantial mileage and had no record of how it was previously maintained or haven't changed the oil at most\least every 3-5,000 or so miles with a good quality detergent oil (which you probably have) - you probably don't need to do it. Knowing more about which engine you have, mileage, history and type of driving as well as conditions you drive in would all be better indicators of the necessity of a flush - in addition there are better, though probably not any less expensive (time-wise as well as $) ways to flush an engine. I used that stuff a couple times - years ago - but would not do it again unless some of the criteria mentioned above applied. And then only if I was in a hurry to do it and\or was tight on $ (which I usually am these days!) Just my opinion. 
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 7,298
Likes: 45
From: Southern California
engine flushes are harmful??
The detergent and dispersant additives in motor oil the past 20 years or more have pretty much eliminated any real or imagined need for engine flushes.
Whether it's harmful or not depends on how you feel about thinning out your engine oil with solvent.
In the case of very old engines or engines that were improperly maintained and do have baked on emulsions and sludge: I would consider it safer where it is than to have it suddenly broken loose and circulating through the engine. (assuming engine flushes actually work that good)
Whether it's harmful or not depends on how you feel about thinning out your engine oil with solvent.
In the case of very old engines or engines that were improperly maintained and do have baked on emulsions and sludge: I would consider it safer where it is than to have it suddenly broken loose and circulating through the engine. (assuming engine flushes actually work that good)
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 351
Likes: 0
From: Delaware
engine flushes are harmful??
I agree with Horsepuller, use a good grade of detergent oil and forget the flushes. Even if there is sludge buildup in your engine, better to leave it where it is. Just my .02.
Bru
2002 F150 Super Crew
Black 4X4 Lariat
5.4 Engine Ford Chrome Bars
Ford Bedliner
1979 Bronco 351M 75K orig.
Postmaster
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 3,028
Likes: 1
From: Annapolis, Maryland
engine flushes are harmful??
I've heard that those harsh kerosene flushes dry up the engine seals, causing them to crack much sooner than under normal conditions.
I agree with everyone else - use a good brand of oil, change it often, don't reuse the old filter (they're $3, there's no reason not to change it).
XXL
I agree with everyone else - use a good brand of oil, change it often, don't reuse the old filter (they're $3, there's no reason not to change it).
XXL
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 241
Likes: 0
engine flushes are harmful??
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 25-Sep-02 AT 00:33 AM (EST)]Well I dont think I hurt anything this one time,but I wont be using flushes anymore because they are probably unnecessary.I do know of one guy who uses these flushes at each 6000 mile oil change.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
