Hi guys in this post we will be taking a quick look at a process called engine flushing.
Let’s bring you up to speed on what engine flushing is, when it is necessary, engine flush products and what to do vs. not do, and why it’s necessary.
The first thing to remember is engine flushing is intended to help remove sludge and heavy deposits that may have built up in the engine from the oil. So they’re going to remove those deposits from the areas that the lubricating oil touches, not the fuel system.
There are quite a number of engine flush products that can be used, engine flush is an oil product, not a fuel additive. Virtually all engine flush products are aftermarket solvent packages, and the majority of them are easy to use.
They’re added to the engine oil (through the oil-filler port), then the engine is idled for 10 to 15 minutes. This gives time for the flush to mix with the oil, travel with the oil to the places where the deposits are, and dissolve and clean them. The oil is then drained along with (hopefully) much of the oil sludge that the flush was able to dissolve. You change the oil and replace the oil filter after that, and you’re done.
Driving in harsh conditions, oil sludge may form and accumulate in certain areas, restricting oil flow to the areas that need it, such as the upper valve train. That’s not good for the engine, by any means.
What Are Conditions necessary for engine flush?
- Short trip:
Taking a lot of short trips and stop and go driving is surprisingly hard on the lubricating oil because moisture that builds up in the oil during the previous rest period won’t have time to evaporate and leave the oil. Hot and dusty environments are also hard on the engine oil.
Today’s modern oils already come with detergent and dispersant packages that do a great job of cleaning lubricated surfaces and keeping sludge deposits away from them. But these additives only last for so long. If you don’t change your oil as often as you should, that, too, can lead to oil sludge making its way to places you don’t want.
In these situations, it may be worthwhile to use an engine flush to remove that and help the engine get back to the condition it was when it ran at its peak performance.
- Engine flush issues
One of the biggest objections that car enthusiasts may have with engine flushes is the fear that an engine flush will dislodge chunks of deposit from critical areas, causing them to shift to other, worse places where they can do great damage. Granted, that’s a worthwhile fear. Using an engine flush is supposed to extend the life of the engine, not end it.
Here is where it’s important to use an engine flush treatment that contains enough detergency to dissolve the sludge, not just break it up. An engine flush has to be able to dissolve or solvate the deposits. If the engine flush treatment is “underpowered” or isn’t given enough time to work, then some of the larger areas of sludge deposition may not get fully dissolved. And so you could have a situation where chunks or parts of that deposit get carried away to lodge in a more-damaging place.
So you want to make sure you use an engine flush that has the right amount of detergency power to do what it’s supposed to do.
How Often to Use an Engine Flush?
Engine flushes are only needed to be used on a periodic basis. Ideally, you’d be changing your oil and taking proper care of the engine such that you wouldn’t have oil sludge building up regularly. You don’t need to use engine flushes with every oil change. Instead, consider using them once or twice a year, depending on how many short trips you take and whether you drive primarily in hot or dusty climates.
Engine sludge can be a very serious problem. Drivers whose cars develop engine sludge will often spend hundreds of dollars on costly repairs. Before you learn how to remove engine sludge, you need to know exactly what it is. Engine sludge develops on and around your vehicle’s motor when oil begins to break down and collects on the engine. When engine sludge is present, oil is not able to properly lubricate the moving parts of your vehicle’s motor. Some of the main causes for the buildup of engine sludge are stop and go driving and short commutes. This kind of oil sludge is a huge contributor to internal combustion engine problems, and will require the engine to be replaced.
No matter what type of vehicle you drive or what your driving habits are, it is important to perform routine maintenance on your vehicle to prevent engine sludge. If you suspect that your vehicle has developed engine sludge, there are several simple tests that will help you make that determination.
Steps to Identify Engine Sludge
- Crank your vehicle.
Check your dashboard to see if your check engine light is on. Also check for your oil change notification light. Either of these lights could be signals of engine sludge.
- Turn off your vehicle and pop the hood.
Walk to the front of your vehicle, open the hood and properly support it so that you can look at your vehicle’s engine.
First, look for any signs of oil splatter or engine sludge on the outside of your vehicle. Engine sludge looks like thick, dark oil and generally appears in small clumps. If you see engine sludge on the exterior of your engine, it is highly likely that you have an engine sludge problem.
- Next, take a look inside your oil pan.
Remove the oil cap from your oil pan and peer inside. You may need a flashlight to be able to see clearly. The contents of your oil pan should appear clean. Although the walls and parts will be covered in oil, they should still appear metallic silver underneath. Any sign of engine sludge in the oil pan is an indicator of high levels of engine sludge in your motor. By administering these simple tests, you should be able to determine if your car has engine sludge. If you found any sign of sludge during the above tests, you will need to ensure that the sludge is removed from your vehicle as soon as possible. The cost of having engine sludge removed from your vehicle will depend on the severity of the problem. In cases where engine sludge has developed to the point that a car no longer runs, the entire engine will have to be replaced. There are several things you can do at home to prevent costly repairs due to engine sludge.
Extra Tips to Prevent Engine Sludge
- Make sure that you change your oil and oil filter on a regular basis. The development of engine sludge is directly related to how often you change your oil. Whether you change your oil yourself or take your vehicle to a mechanic, make sure that your engine’s oil is replaced according to the mileage increments suggested in your owner’s manual. This is what can happen if you neglect this advice:
- Try to prevent stop and go driving.
Walk or bike to work or school if you live only a short distance away. Short commutes are strenuous on your vehicle’s engine and can contribute to the buildup of engine sludge.
- Purchase an engine sludge remover.
Mechanics and car owners have varying opinions on the usefulness of these products but many individuals claim that they can help remove sludge. Engine sludge removers are available at most auto parts stores and can be used by following the simple instructions printed on the back of the bottle.