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Dobby



Member Since: 23 May 2012
Location: East Seaxe
Posts: 187

Engine Oil Additives... Do they work?
Afternoon all,

I've on occasion used an oil additive that claims to clean out the sludge and gunge just prior to an enging oil change.. I'm wondering if they actually work and do anything to benefit the engine, or is it all just marketing?

Does anyone have any expertise they could share?

At muchly,
Dobs
Post #173393 5th Oct 2012 1:47pm
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K9F



Member Since: 12 Nov 2009
Location: Bournemouth
Posts: 9610

United Kingdom 2008 Defender 90 Puma 2.4 XS CSW Stornoway Grey
Dobby,

In my opinion and it is just that an opinion it really depends on the age and/or condition of the engine. I have heard on older engines using certain additives can do more harm than good where carbon build-up can counteract wear. I would rather use a flushing agent on an older engine oil change rather than an additive but that is personal preference.

Handfull or so of sawdust works wonders in the rear diff of a MK3 Cortina differential made a whining one sound as though it were straight off the production line....Not for long though.... Rolling with laughter If you go through life with your head in the sand....all people will see is an ar5e!!

Treat every day as if it is your last....one day you will be right!!


Last edited by K9F on 5th Oct 2012 2:24pm. Edited 1 time in total
Post #173395 5th Oct 2012 1:58pm
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wslr



Member Since: 18 Jul 2010
Location: Wellington, Somerset
Posts: 581

United Kingdom 
Oil flushes work, just prior to draining.
Post #173397 5th Oct 2012 2:00pm
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Dobby



Member Since: 23 May 2012
Location: East Seaxe
Posts: 187

wslr wrote:
Oil flushes work, just prior to draining.


Yes, it was flushes I meant really.. I've added one for a few miles before draining a TD5 on occasion.. Would they do more harm than good on something like a 2.5 NA Diesel, for example?

Ta,
Dobs
Post #173400 5th Oct 2012 2:43pm
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ajps72



Member Since: 08 Jan 2012
Location: Lima Peru
Posts: 105

2001 Defender 110 Td5 SW Chawton White
I rather make the oil changes often (say 5000km) and with the engine warm, the detergents on a good quality oils should be enough, if not sure then change it mor often. Augusto

Defender 110 TD5 2001
Discovery 4 TDV6
Post #173416 5th Oct 2012 3:58pm
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wslr



Member Since: 18 Jul 2010
Location: Wellington, Somerset
Posts: 581

United Kingdom 
Flushes should be OK with any engine. If you are worried though, add the flush and run the engine at fast idle for 10 minutes and then drain the oil, perhaps leaving the draining for an hour to make sure you get out as much as possible.

Then fill with new oil and run for a few thousand miles before repeating the drill above. Then keep to reasonable mileages between drains.

The JLR approved oils tend to be so good for modern engines that it isn't really worth reducing the factory drain periods by too much except for 'arduous' servicing where the vehicle has been used in abnormal environments. The Castrol Edge is amazing in terms of how it is designed for certain engines. Some engines (Jap) can produce more acidic particles, for example, and the oil should attach itself to these and remove them from the engine at service time. This is why it is important to use the Ford spec oils for the Puma as this oils is designed to deal with the pollutant that this engine has.

Just to add, using engine flush and fuel conditioner at service time is good practice according to Trading Standards. Most garages using this stuff can be accused of profiteering, but actually it is accepted as part of performing an acceptable service on a vehicle.
Post #173538 6th Oct 2012 9:12am
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Dobby



Member Since: 23 May 2012
Location: East Seaxe
Posts: 187

So here's the outcome. I added a can of Wynns Engine Flush to the engine as per their instructions. Wynns looks like its just kerosene really.

Drained the sump and left it to stand for half a day to drip out the maximum oil, even poured half a liter of clean oil in to help it along.

Fitted new filter and refilled sump with clean oil. Drive into town to get some air in the tyres, and decided to check the oil level.. And wouldn't you know, the oil nthe dipstick is a black as the stuff I'd drained out. Mind you this is a 2.5 naturally asmatic diesel though. TD5s seems to come out cleaner most times.

Rolling Eyes
Post #176365 16th Oct 2012 8:32pm
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kingofthesparks



Member Since: 06 Jan 2011
Location: Very close to Watford gap services , northants
Posts: 987

United Kingdom 2012 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 HT Fuji White
2 SO Thumbs Up
Post #176370 16th Oct 2012 8:44pm
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wslr



Member Since: 18 Jul 2010
Location: Wellington, Somerset
Posts: 581

United Kingdom 
What engine oil did you use, Dobby?
Post #176401 16th Oct 2012 10:09pm
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Dobby



Member Since: 23 May 2012
Location: East Seaxe
Posts: 187

wslr wrote:
What engine oil did you use, Dobby?


Don't know what came out, but I put 15w40 mineral back in..
Post #176478 17th Oct 2012 10:07am
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