[Search for users] [Overall Top Noters] [List of all Conferences] [Download this site]

Conference vmsnet::car$note:carbuffs

Title:	Carbuffs

Moderator:	DASXPS::NASEAM::READIO

Created:	Tue Dec 13 1988
Last Modified:	Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:	Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:	632
Total number of notes:	88145

633.0. "Engine Oil Flush?" by SSDEVO::LAURENCE () Wed Apr 02 1997 12:18

	The Mazda dealer here in Colorado Springs has a new machine and
	procedure to extract more money from their customers.  They have
	a setup to "power flush" the engine, it supposed to remove all
        "deposits" from	the inside of the engine; apparently it is connected
	thru the oil filter port.  They are not very specific about what
	type of fluid is used for the flushing.  They charge over $100.00
	for this procedure.   

	I have serious doubts about the usefullness of this procedure,
	especially when I change the oil and filter every 3000 miles
	anyway.  

	Anyone have any comments or experiences with this?

	Dennis

T.R	Title	User	Personal Name	Date	Lines
633.1		CSC32::J_KALINOWSKI	Forget NAM?....NEVER!	`Wed Apr 02 1997 12:55`	8
	Its the same damn machine thats been around for 50 years to flush automatic transmissions. Same company builds it too. It simply has a different label on it. If you have the kind of crud in your engine that needs to be flushed out...you really need a new engine. -john
633.2	not needed	ZEKE::BURTON	Jim Burton, DTN 381-6470	`Wed Apr 02 1997 13:35`	10
	>> I have serious doubts about the usefullness of this procedure, >> especially when I change the oil and filter every 3000 miles >> anyway. To answer your question, 3000 mile oil and filter changes since new will keep oil sludge from ever forming in your engine. Oil changes every 3000 miles on an engine that already has oil sludge will gradually (and safely) remove most of the sludge over time. Jim
633.3		SYOMV::FOLEY	Instant Gratification takes too long	`Wed Apr 02 1997 14:17`	7
	How about the kerosene smelling stuff that my neighbor uses? He'll dump a can (quart) in and let it idle for 5-10 minutes while he's setting up the ramps and getting his act together, and then change the oil. Opinions? .mike.
633.4		VMSNET::M_MACIOLEK	Four54 Camaro/Only way to fly	`Wed Apr 02 1997 15:02`	9
	Rislone? If the engine doesn't have any sludge, this should be unnecessary. If you neglect an engine and then try and clean it out via using this stuff... it may be ok. Cheaper than the $100 magic flush regardless. If your engine is in good shape, I wouldn't do this. MadMike
633.5		STARCH::HAGERMAN	Flames to /dev/null	`Wed Apr 02 1997 15:48`	3
	"Kerosine-like stuff" nothing! The Ford shop in Castle Rock used to literally put a quart of kerosine in my boss's trucks A WEEK before changing the oil. "To flush out the sludge."
633.6		SYOMV::FOLEY	Instant Gratification takes too long	`Wed Apr 02 1997 21:42`	4
	I guess I'll save my bucks then, I wondered about the wisdom of it on a 'well maintained' engine like mine, and now I know. :-) .mike.
633.7	kerosene	BIGQ::HOWLAND	Kskamiwi Kwen� Tewkw�k	`Thu Apr 03 1997 08:43`	8
	Kerosene is an old stunt. It dissolves the oil that remains so it drains easily. I've always been a bit leerie of this procedure. I've heard recommendations of pouring it in, cranking the motor a few times WITHOUT spark (coild disconnected) to actually idling the motor for about 5 minutes so the kerosene can get around the guts to clean it out. I've never done it, I guess I'm a bit afraid of igniting the stuff somehow. Jim
633.8	You can really flush your cooling system, but oil?	LEDDEV::DELMONICO	Jim --<Philippians 4:4-7>--	`Thu Apr 03 1997 13:02`	12
	RE: Kerosene or other oil flush... The whole idea scares me a little. The engine retains some quantity of oil (oil passages, pump, lifters, cooler?) after you drain the pan and remove the filter. The new oil mixes with that. I'd rather run mostly new oil with some old oil, than run my engine for 3000 miles with some fraction of kerosene or engine flush pretending to be lubricant.
633.9		USCTR1::RIDGE	Steve Ridge @297-6529	`Tue Apr 08 1997 19:21`	3
	I've heard of this being done with something called Mystery Oil. It is a red oil. Run it in the engine for awhile then drain and replace with regular oil. I've never done it.