Engine flush useful

My local Saturn dealer suggested that I have an engine flush due to
buildup. What exactly is this. Probably a waste of $ but I thought
I'd ask. Maybe I could do it myself if I really need it.

 

I think the "excessive buildup" that the dealer referenced is probably in
your wallet! That said, I'm fairly certain that the procedure they are
recommending will indeed accomplish the desired goal.

Seriously, if this is an engine oil flush, then you should not need it if
you have properly maintained the vehicle and changed the oil and filter
every 3K miles/3 months. I have used the "oil flush in a can" (basically a
quart of kerosene that gets added to the 4 quarts already in there) prior to
changing oil on a couple of vehicles I purchased with >100K miles and
unknown or poor maintenance histories. They did succeed in improving the
oil color so I presume they did reduced the number of deposits/sludge in the
oil pan (never dropped the pan to check). But, I'd hesitate to use this
type of additive with any frequency since it reduces the engine lubrication
while it is in the crankcase. I'd also recommend not letting it idle more
than 5 or so minutes (and do not drive it) while the flush is in the
crankcase.

If it is an engine coolant (engine block/radiator/core) flush you are
describing, then yes, this is desirable, but you can most certainly do this
yourself fairly easily. But, it would have been best done when the weather
was warmer last Fall unless you have a heated garage or live in a warm
climate.

Bob

 

FWIW I once used a can of engine flush stuff in a high
mileage V8. About 8,000 miles later my oil pressure low
light came on while at idle. We dropped the oil pan and
found globs of sludge blocking the screen to the oil pump.
We then cleaned out the pan and engine areas that were
accessible. About 4,000 miles later the same thing happened
again. I got rid of the car. Moral of the story? Don't
try to desludge your engine.

 

My local Saturn dealer suggested that I have an engine

I went to a Saturn Dealership for the last time for a problem with a coolant
sensor.
They said my car needed an engine flush do to sludge build up. At that time I
only had 30k miles on it. I said no, of course.
Seems everyone I know that has a Saturn has had the dealer tell them this.
Load of crap if you ask me and also a load off of your wallet. I have had my
oil and oil filter changed every 3 months. The engine inside is clean as a
whistle.
I have seen engines where the build up
of sludge is terrible..........my sisters car, for one. She would have the
oil changed.....like almost never. There would be almost not enough oil to
take a reading off of the oil dipstick......and if you could get a reading it
would be so black and thick it was ridiculous. Then I would take off the oil
cap and look inside and it was of couse
totally black and full of sludge. She actually had two engines replaced
because she never changed the oil.
This is not a knock on women........in general........just my sister.
Also these were older cars when they didn`t have computers in them. You
remember them days.....you had to check the timing via the timing light and
also had to check the dwell of the points with a little meter. Man I wish I
had my ole `70 Pontiac GTO back. One belt to drive the water pump and
alternator.
Dan.

 

....and your '70 GTO would be worth quite a bit today!

 

I've still got the '72 Dodge Demon 340 I had as a senior in high
school. I figure I might be able to have it back on the road by 2015,
after I get both of my kids through college! :+)

Ken

 

I've still got the '72 Dodge Demon 340 I had as a senior in high

Thats cool, what kind of shape is it in?

 

Wish I would have kept the Challenger and the Mustang - who knew?!?!

 

Kinda rough. It's going to need an end-to-end restoration. I haven't
driven it for 20 years.

 

Wish I would have kept the Challenger and the Mustang - who knew?!?!

So true......who knew? I wanted to keep my `69 GTO but was just starting out
in life. Just moved out of the nest at 19 yrs. old. First real job at minimum
pay. Had an apt. that cost $289 a month. That was huge back in 1977. No extra
$ to keep the
GTO. Now 27 years later........I have my own home, a new car, my job is now
paying great. Hey I could go out and buy a GTO now. Am going to E-bay now to
check on the prices and what is out there.
Dan.

 

Has it been started in 20 years? (referring to your last line)
Al

 

No. Motor was in need of a rebuild when I quit driving it. Then came
college, marriage, kids, and a mortgage. :+)

 

Kinda rough. It's going to need an end-to-end restoration. I haven't

Sounds like a fun project!