Should I use engine flush?

boristhespie · Post by **boristhespie** » 28 May 2016, 13:15

Getting my 136nhp C5 06 diesels oil and filters changed. The garage just asked me when Kbooked it in, if K would lile to have my engine flushed. I THINK IT IS forte. I just said yes, but I wondered immediately I put the phone downn if I needed this. I also seem to remeber some post saying it could do more harm than good. So should I get it done or not. Can you advise?

Post by **myglaren** » 28 May 2016, 13:46

Not likely to do any harm unless there are mountains of crap in there and if it has been serviced regularly then that is unlikely.

Post by **GiveMeABreak** » 28 May 2016, 14:42

Ditto above, Steve is right - Engine cleaners are designed to keep clean engines cleaner for longer. Not recommended for older engines that haven't been cleaned regularly as you'll just churn up all the crud in there and this could potentially cause you more severe problems.

Stickyfinger · Post by **Stickyfinger** » 28 May 2016, 14:48

I do and always have, on older engines it is no different than putting in a modern oil when considering the "crud" (but what is an older engine ?).

Post by **GiveMeABreak** » 28 May 2016, 15:19

No problem if you have a clean old engine! If you have always used flush then it won't be an issue - but to start using it on an older engine that hasn't been flushed isn't such a good idea.

Jaf · Post by **Jaf** » 28 May 2016, 16:41

Where I worked, a long time ago, they used to buy/ sell cars as well as being a garage. They would sometimes flush the engine with paraffin. Made me wince!

So no, I wouldn't flush it.

Post by **white exec** » 28 May 2016, 18:43

Modern engine oils are highly detergent, and so tend to keep things very clean anyway. I've been surprised how clean sumps and head tops have looked on even a diesel after best part of 200,000 miles. Last time I saw sludge of any kind was back in the 60s amd early 70s.

Bick · Post by **Bick** » 28 May 2016, 18:58

Yep no worries

boristhespie · Post by **boristhespie** » 29 May 2016, 08:43

It jasnt had an oil change for a year. Naughty of me. Up until then it had one maybe every 7 months or so. Never been flushed as far as I know.

Post by **white exec** » 29 May 2016, 10:45

Nothing wrong with an oil-change once a year, or at recommended intervals.

Post by **elma** » 29 May 2016, 10:50

I have no problem with flush but would be cautious with it. The reason I think this is I once had an apparently good engine, upon flushing it developed the symptoms of worn piston rings and did't last much longer. Now my method with a newly acquired engine is 3 oil changes 1000 miles apart then flush only if necessary and if all seems healthy. With a known healthy engine I think flush is good, it's just a case of being certain the engine isn't overly worn first.

Post by **GiveMeABreak** » 29 May 2016, 11:03

Agree - regular oil changes are much better, there are plenty of mechanics who warn against flushing, but your choice, as none of us here know the history or condition of your car.
Here's some general info on oil sludge and flushing from cr Bibles:
http://www.carbibles.com/engineoil_bible.html

The above article even warns against putting fuel additives in your tank - which IIRC the Citroen servicemanual also 'forbids'.

Stickyfinger · Post by **Stickyfinger** » 29 May 2016, 11:48

GiveMeABreak wrote: - which IIRC the Citroen servicemanual also 'forbids'.

It also recommends (instructs) stupidly long times between oil changes, which we know results in a failed turbo in the 1.6 because the filter in the feed gets blockd

Post by **GiveMeABreak** » 29 May 2016, 11:52

Never any harm in more frequent oil changes and probably a good idea. Another example of real world examples - especially as you say with regard to the 1.6.

Post by **myglaren** » 29 May 2016, 11:59

Only had it done once, on the Accord. Certainly did no harm even if it did no good.

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