Engine Flush Products-- Have you used them?

[Brock94]

I've read other threads here warning about the bad things that could happen if you use Gunk Engine Flush (or some other engine flush product). I understand it's possible that these products could free up junk that is clogging up leaks, and I understand that they could release particles that clog up the oil pump screen or other small oil passages. All of that makes sense in theory, but I'm wondering what actual experiences others have had with these products.

If you have actually used one of these products, would you please report the results? I think it would be really useful to have some first-hand accounts.

It would be helpful if you could tell me the milage of your engine when you used it too.

Thanks for your help!

 

[Ru Dawg]

Try a search for "Sea Foam"
Lots have used that will satisying results.
Many have also used Chevron's additive w/ Thechron.

 

[Brock94]

Thanks for the reply. I am aware of "Sea Foam"-- guess I'd have to order that on the internet b/c I can't seem to find anyone around here that sells it.

I'm interested in an oil-system flush product, and I'm really wondering if the other products, like Gunk Engine Flush are as bad as their reputation-- most of the posts I see about them talk about why they would be bad, but don't seem to relay any actual experience-- in sifting through a bunch of posts about all the problems the product "could" cause, I found one guy that said he used it and it worked fine for him. That's why I'd like to see if anyone out there has used these products and have them tell me first-hand if they worked well or if they caused problems.

 

[jayhawkexplorer]

You shouldn't have to order it online. Most any hardware store will carry it since it is used often in lawnmowers and small engines, as well as cars.

 

[stubborn1]

I guess the question is, why do you need to run the cleaner through the engine? A well maintained engine that has had oil changes on a regular interval shouldn't need an oil flush treatment. If you bought the vehicle used and it has a questionable service history, the treatment might be worth a shot.

When I bought my X used at 80k miles, I had a lot of sludge drain out on the first oil change. This made me worry that the vehicle wasn't maintained. I changed the oil 3 times in the next 1500 miles and that got rid of the sludge. No oil flush used.

 

[TheJMan]

I used a product on my Explorer called Auto-Rx. www.auto-rx.com It is a very expensive oil additive at $20 per 12 oz bottle, but it far exceeded my expectations. On my 1993, the oil has been changed religiously every 3000 miles since new. I added this product to fresh oil, and ran it for about 1200 miles. I drained the oil, and it came out like tar. It seems to start up easier now and I'm getting slightly better mileage. I highly recommend it.

 

[N7XME]

I have used a product called Engine Restore in the last 2 oil changes. My gas mileage has gone up 2mpg and my oil leak went away. I have also noticed that my rpms are a bit lower, the temp is lower and the engine revs better as well. Also my stumble at initial startup went away about 2 weeks after adding the first can the first time. I won't say that it works for everyone, but my own vehicle noticed huge improvements after only 2 uses.

 

[aldive]

I would NEVER put anything in a crankcase except oil, synthetic oil that is.

 

[msmith65]

I have used Rislone per the directions on the can with no ill results. It freed up a stuck lifter on a Nissan, though the problem returned after a while.

Good question. It is important to separate the anecdotal (which my reply admittedly is) from the laboratory evidence, which seems to be lacking.

 

[Brock94]

I would NEVER put anything in a crankcase except oil, synthetic oil that is.

I saw your posts in the other threads about this and I agree its a really good idea to reason through what effect certain products could have and I can see how putting stuff other than engine oil in the crankcase could have ill effects, since those products were not in the design considerations. However, there should be real benefits to removing sludge and other build-up from inside an engine, so what I'm really looking for is whether people who have used engine-flush products have had good or bad experiences with them.

If a number of people say they've used these products and have not had any bad results, then it might be worth a try. If a few people had bad or disasterous results, I'd want to consider the risk.

 

[aldive]

there should be real benefits to removing sludge and other build-up from inside an engine,.

How many engines have you opened up and found "sludge"?

I have rebuilt quite a few and have never found any sludge in any one of them. However, they have all used a quiality oil and filter.

 

[Brock94]

I have used Rislone per the directions on the can with no ill results. It freed up a stuck lifter on a Nissan, though the problem returned after a while.

Good question. It is important to separate the anecdotal (which my reply admittedly is) from the laboratory evidence, which seems to be lacking.

Thanks for the response. Your last point is interesting-- My thinking has always been that enough "anecdotal evidence" from a good sample is a reasonable basis to make some working conclusions. That's just what I'm looking for here.

 

[kenr74]

I've been using Engine Restore also and it seems to work like they say it will. I can't say that I feel an increase in power but the MPGs go up a little.

 

[Brock94]

I have rebuilt quite a few and have never found any sludge in any one of them. However, they have all used a quiality oil and filter.

I bought my X at 105,000 miles so I don't know the quality of oil and filter for all those miles, so who knows what's in there?

Based on your advice and that of others on this board, I am now running synthetic, but the case for using synthetic is much better documented on the board than the case against engine flush products.-- e.g. glfredrick's experiments. It sounds like you have a lot of experience with engines, so I don't mean to simply discard your opinion. I just want to see if I can collect some "anecdotal evidence" one way or the other on these products.

So far there have not been any first-hand disaster stories, but I'd like to see more responses before jumping to conclusions.

 

[newbi]

I've used Seafoam in the gas, in the oil, and through the intake with no ill effects. Any benefits? Not that I could tell as the motor was strong before and after the treatment.