Engine Flush
This article will help you decide to use or not use engine flush on your vehicle
Engine oil is used to lubricate and protect moving parts of the engine, but poor maintenance and using oil over the recommended drain interval might cause the oil to burn which results in sludge formation inside the engine. Since the engine oil is circulated throughout the engine these debris can block the minute oil passages which in return causes oil starvation and also increases wear.
In case you overshoot your vehicle’s service by a couple of kilometres your mechanic may suggest you use an engine flush.
Now what is an engine flush?
An engine flush is a chemical mixture that contains kerosene, solvents, dispersants and detergents. They work together to break down the existing oil and thin it down which helps the oil to flow better and also carry the sludge and debris present in the engine.
While it may sound good engine flush can also be dangerous for your engine. It is not recommended to use engine flush on a really old vehicle with high kilometres as the sludge might be the only thing that is blocking the engine from leaking oil as the oil seals would become weak.
How to use an engine flush?
First, idle the engine till there is a rise in oil temperature as hot oil can help the flush dissolve the sludge easily.
Turn off the engine and wait for a minute before opening the oil filler cap. Now add the engine flush and let the engine idle for 10-15 minutes. Caution do not drive the vehicle while the flush is in as the engine oil is thinning down.
Turn off the car after 10-15 minutes and let it rest for a minute or 2 before opening the drain bolt. In the meantime also open the oil filter cap and remove the oil filter. Let the oil drain for 10 minutes until you see just small drops dripping.
Close the drain plug, fill in your new oil and install a new oil filter!
Is there any alternative to an engine flush? Yes
All fully synthetic oils nowadays have detergents in them, so using good quality engine oil with early oil changes will result in your engine being in its best shape possible.
Here are some of my recommended engine flush that I’ve used personally on my motorcycle and car. By purchasing through this link I get a small referral fee from Amazon that will help me run this site.
For Cars
1. Liquimoly proline engine flush
- Abro Motor flush
3. Mannol Motor Flush (tried on a friend's car)
For Motorcycles and Scooters
- Liquimoly engine shooter
