Due an oil change - any flush?

Dave L · 12 Dec 2010 at 18:36

Nick1881 said:
My dad is a mechanic and uses Forte Motor flush, I have used to too.

Just stick it in the engine and let it fast idle for 15 mins or so, then pull the sump plug while its still warm so the oil is thinner and drains nicely out, leave it till the last drops are coming out add new filter and oil, job done.

He has never had any problems and has being doing it for years.

Yes - that is good stuff and like your father, I'd used it for years in the trade with no ill-effects.

James_200sx · 12 Dec 2010 at 19:32

Would'nt personally use flush as on my car at least then theres lots of things it can block.

andy_mk3 · 12 Dec 2010 at 19:36

Nick1881 said:
My dad is a mechanic and uses Forte Motor flush, I have used to too.

Just stick it in the engine and let it fast idle for 15 mins or so, then pull the sump plug while its still warm so the oil is thinner and drains nicely out, leave it till the last drops are coming out add new filter and oil, job done.

He has never had any problems and has being doing it for years.

Exactly how myself and everyone at work does it. Engine flush has never ever caused a problem on the 1000's of cars serviced over the years.

Gaijin · 12 Dec 2010 at 19:41

I've read that engine flush shouldnt be used in pretty much any modern engine. Something about it being so thin it knackers bearings. No idea as to the reality of it though.

Mine won't see flush ever. It's oil is changed every 4500 miles anyway and neither the manufacturer or tuner recommends it.

Simon · 12 Dec 2010 at 19:48

Flushes either do nothing or dislodge crap in the engine causing more issues.

An old engine with a poor service history is a disaster waiting to happen if you use a flush

Abyss · 13 Dec 2010 at 01:01

I just drain thoroughly then run 0.5l of new oil through and let that drain.

Simon · 13 Dec 2010 at 01:06

Why? Waste of oil

MikeHiow · 13 Dec 2010 at 01:22

When I've got old cars with uncertain history (Like the ACS 325), then I'll usually run the car for 50-100 miles with mineral oil before putting the expensive stuff in.

B@Th*nG · 13 Dec 2010 at 09:35

as most have said, it's more trouble than it's worth. At best do the mineral oil suggestion.

B@

Simon · 13 Dec 2010 at 09:51

We do this sort of thing all the time. Run field trials on old engines with new oils. Before we start though we will run a few changes and do as many miles as it takes on a thick high detergent oil to clean it up and stabilise the engine. Sometimes 1000 miles.

Admetos · 13 Dec 2010 at 15:59

It depends what engine oil you have been running.

The modern diesel engine oils are low ash, and are loaded with detergents. If your running on these a flush will be pointless.

Simon · 13 Dec 2010 at 16:02

Detergents are metal based, low ash are typically lower in detergent than high SAPs oils.

Main issue is flushing an engine thats been badly treated without regularly oil changes.

Abyss · 17 Dec 2010 at 13:53

Simon said:
Why? Waste of oil

It helps ensure all the old oil is out, and given that it's very rare I can buy a quantity of oil that exactly matches the amount required I am only using some of the excess that would be stored in the garage and forgotten about.

Simon · 17 Dec 2010 at 14:22

It doesn't clean much of the oil from the engine though. Just a tiny amount from the sump

Gamefreak501 · 17 Dec 2010 at 15:02

My Old Spitfire 1500 had Engine Flush, but I never bothered on my current Corsa; just drained it all off, stuck in some 10w40 and installed a new Oil filter.

I always dip the rubber ring on the Oil Filter in old oil before installation and the Copper Washer on the Sump Plug always gets renewed as well.