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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 15:18

	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
	
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633.1CSC32::J_KALINOWSKIForget NAM?....NEVER!Wed Apr 02 1997 15:558
    
        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
633.2not neededZEKE::BURTONJim Burton, DTN 381-6470Wed Apr 02 1997 16:3510
>>	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 
633.3SYOMV::FOLEYInstant Gratification takes too longWed Apr 02 1997 17:177
    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.
633.4VMSNET::M_MACIOLEKFour54 Camaro/Only way to flyWed Apr 02 1997 18:029
    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 
633.5STARCH::HAGERMANFlames to /dev/nullWed Apr 02 1997 18:483
    "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."
633.6SYOMV::FOLEYInstant Gratification takes too longThu Apr 03 1997 00:424
    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.
633.7keroseneBIGQ::HOWLANDThu Apr 03 1997 11:438
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
633.8You can really flush your cooling system, but oil?LEDDEV::DELMONICOJim --<Philippians 4:4-7>--Thu Apr 03 1997 16:0212
    
    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.
    
633.9USCTR1::RIDGESteve Ridge @297-6529Tue Apr 08 1997 22:213
    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.