I see there's a couple of threads flying around about engine oil at the moment, and they've reminded me that it's nearly time for an oil change on my 94 TD.
What are your thoughts on flushing oil, and is it something that's worth doing, particularly if the car hasn't been <i>too</i> well looked after in its past?
Also, what's the general procedure with the flushing oils?
Only one other question, and it's the standard "is it different for diesels" one
Flushing oils
Moderator: RichardW
Don't bother flushing in my experience, (2.0 sierra) it removes carbon build up around the piston rings and tiny grooves in the bores before flushing the car did'nt use any oil at all, I thought it couldn't do any harm, followed the instructions to the letter, drained and refilled with my usual oil, Castrol semi synthetic which I had used for 60k miles plus in this car without any problems, A month later it was below minimum on the dipstick, and used about a litre every 150-180 miles. I stress that this car was very maintained (oil change every 5000 miles) it used uoil like crazy till i sadly got rid of it 6 months later. so my advice dont risk it, do what I do with a new car now is change tthe oil every 2000 miles to give it little clean through. Do this a couple of times then change it at normal intervals. good quality diesel oil is best as it stays cleaner for a bit longer.
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I used to have a mondeo TD and i used to use comma engine flush which is in a green can and you drain the oil and then half fill with this flush, run it up for about 15mins drain and refill with fresh oil.
I found that this was exellant stuff to use and I would recomend this to anyone.
When I first used it I was a bit worried about the turbo but there was no need as it did not harm it at all and I used it at every oil change.
cheers edd
I found that this was exellant stuff to use and I would recomend this to anyone.
When I first used it I was a bit worried about the turbo but there was no need as it did not harm it at all and I used it at every oil change.
cheers edd
Is there any point - you hear of mega mileages on this board and I've never yet heard of anyone attributing them to flushing. My own TD BX uses negligible oil at 192K (could have been clocked for all I know) as I'd be surprised if it has ever been flushed or for that matter the oil changed at the recommended intervals.
jeremy
jeremy
I used to work at a Citroen Dealership, and at that time they took on the franchise for Forte products, and the engine flush was included in the service unless the customer specified otherwise. We were all told what a great idea the engine flush was.
Anyway, one lunchtime, one of the other guys was servicing a Sukuki SJ Jeep thing for his girlfriend and clearly the oil had not been changed for years, it was like tar. Clearly a case for the engine flush.
Anyway, the said product was poured in, and the engine was left at tickover as per the instructions. Quite soon it started making this terrible noise and then seized right up.
Consensus on the shop floor was that said flushing agent had disturbed scum that made its way around the engine, until it "picked up" and seized.
If the oil is really old and looks like its been ages without a change, then just get some cheapo oil and drain the oil and refill with the cheap stuff, drain that off after a bit of running and change oil and filter for good quality kit.
Handy tip for cleaning a petrol engine, run it on Diesel oil for 1000 miles, the detergents clean it up without damaging it. Diesel owners, how did you let it become so bad?
Anyway, one lunchtime, one of the other guys was servicing a Sukuki SJ Jeep thing for his girlfriend and clearly the oil had not been changed for years, it was like tar. Clearly a case for the engine flush.
Anyway, the said product was poured in, and the engine was left at tickover as per the instructions. Quite soon it started making this terrible noise and then seized right up.
Consensus on the shop floor was that said flushing agent had disturbed scum that made its way around the engine, until it "picked up" and seized.
If the oil is really old and looks like its been ages without a change, then just get some cheapo oil and drain the oil and refill with the cheap stuff, drain that off after a bit of running and change oil and filter for good quality kit.
Handy tip for cleaning a petrol engine, run it on Diesel oil for 1000 miles, the detergents clean it up without damaging it. Diesel owners, how did you let it become so bad?
>>If the oil is really old and looks like its been ages without a change, then just get some cheapo oil and drain the oil and refill with the cheap stuff, drain that off after a bit of running and change oil and filter for good quality kit.
Jon is spot on here. When I get a new (to me) vehicle I often change the oil and filter and just leave it 100-500 miles before doing again.
I regard this as a way of getting the oil to pick up dirt but without getting so old it starts to deposit it back in the engine again. For this I will use a particular oil which is a Ford 10-30 that was used for the early Zetec engines when they had problems with sticking hydraulic tappets. Our local garage sells it for £5.95 and you know you have top quality protection and a very gentle "flush".
David
Jon is spot on here. When I get a new (to me) vehicle I often change the oil and filter and just leave it 100-500 miles before doing again.
I regard this as a way of getting the oil to pick up dirt but without getting so old it starts to deposit it back in the engine again. For this I will use a particular oil which is a Ford 10-30 that was used for the early Zetec engines when they had problems with sticking hydraulic tappets. Our local garage sells it for £5.95 and you know you have top quality protection and a very gentle "flush".
David