Thread: Engine Flush Additive. Yay or Nay

So I am skeptical of any type of additive going into my engine.
When I purchase a new car, i like to throw at least 3 oil changes into it in a month to give it a super good flush. So far I have done 2. I did it as soon as I got it, and took it for a long good drive.. 2 days later the oil was already black. So I did it again and now its staying relatively clean after a few days of driving. However, i'm still using a cheaper oil as i know it won't be in there long.
I'm going to give it another good drive up to Ottawa, and when I get back, check to see how dirty it is and if its still looking clean, I will give it one more oil change to the better high millage oil.

BUT, I am curious about that engine flush you add to your oil and run for 5 mins before doing the oil change. It makes me nervous about adding stuff like that, so i'm wondering if anyone has used it in the past and would you recommend it. I am thinking of doing it as they say its recommended to clean it all out fora superior flush.

It almost seems wrong adding a bottle of clear liquid to the engine oil. lol

Let me know what you guys think.

OK.. So When i was in the parts store, I saw a bunch, but read one and it said to add bottle and run for 5 mins before doing oil change. I didn't read others so I assume thats usually how a flush is done.
So I guess my question is, if its safe to do, which brand would be good to get.. I want something that won't be in there long. I have looked for seafoam before in my area but you can't find it. I have never seen it in Canada.

Edit - I do not recall the brand of it. I guess I just want to know if adding a bottle of clear stiff to the engine is truely safe.

Dump a quart of transmission fluid in if you want to flush and clean the engine. ATF is a similar viscosity to engine oil, so you don't have to worry about thinning the oil, and it is also loaded in detergents, so it will clean everything up good.

Originally Posted by stealthee

Dump a quart of transmission fluid in if you want to flush and clean the engine. ATF is a similar viscosity to engine oil, so you don't have to worry about thinning the oil, and it is also loaded in detergents, so it will clean everything up good.

Word. That's exactly what I use.

I have used motor flushes before and never had a problem , and it was one of the 5min flush ( silver can w/red writing ) forgot the name.don't think they would sell it if it was bad for the engine. What ever you use just do yourself a favor and add lucas to the oil ( great stuff )

The only things you need to worry about when running additives in crankcase before a fluid change are: viscosity change and fluid level. So long as you don't run the additives much more than a few miles and these two factors are in check, you'll be fine.

ok.. sounds promising.

PALMCASTER GT1 - I wish the market was like that but there is a radiator additive to help stop leaks.. When you add it, it also blocks many other things and causes big problems with engines, especially a water pump.

Lucas is great.. I have used Lucas oil stabilizer many of times. Its great, but its also not designed to be an engine flush. I'm talkign about the additive that cleans and releases any sludge in a crankcase.
So another concern I would have, is say I use the additive, and it does release a load of sludge and crap.. is that going to get into things i don't want it too?

I'm curious about the Tranny fluid idea. Detergents is exactly what you need to clean the internals. This is why I was thinking of running Diesel Oil for a for miles. My dads non diesel car from new has been using 15W50 Diesel oil, and his internals still look brand new. Super clean. Our car says to use only 5W40.