Additive for before oil change?

[D1andonlyantman]

Hi. I'm just about to do my first oil change since I bought the LCR and was wondering if it's a good or rather a bad idea to use one of them additives that supposedly cleans out all the crappy build up around the engine? You just stick it in the oil and leave it to idle for 15 mins before the change and apparently it gives it a good clean out. I know the guy who owns the shop that sells all that sort of stuff and he says he uses it every oil change in his range rover but that's obviously a very different vehicle. Any thoughts?

Thanks.

 

[stupot_1982]

Hi. I'm just about to do my first oil change since I bought the LCR and was wondering if it's a good or rather a bad idea to use one of them additives that supposedly cleans out all the crappy build up around the engine? You just stick it in the oil and leave it to idle for 15 mins before the change and apparently it gives it a good clean out. I know the guy who owns the shop that sells all that sort of stuff and he says he uses it every oil change in his range rover but that's obviously a very different vehicle. Any thoughts?

Thanks.

It adds 10bhp I think

It's Engine flush, I make sure I have a can in for when it's oil change time. Used it plenty of times. Couldn't say for sure if it does any good, I think of it as an extra preventative/precaution

 

[D1andonlyantman]

Ok cool. I was just slightly worried because I've heard these engines are a bit touchy about the oil you use so I wasn't sure throwing an additive in was a good idea.

Thanks.

 

[xDaNx]

On higher mileage engines they can do more harm than good apparently.

 

[D1andonlyantman]

Hrm. Really not sure now. Surely it can't do much harm seein as you leave the car at idle?? I guess it just breaks down the oil and sludge a bit which is why you shouldnt drive with it in??

 

[stupot_1982]

Hrm. Really not sure now. Surely it can't do much harm seein as you leave the car at idle?? I guess it just breaks down the oil and sludge a bit which is why you should drive with it in??

Aside from this you are flushing it out with barely a cap of oil left until you fill it again with fresh oil. Never heard they do more harm, can't see how to be honest, only if not done properly

 

[Sprogpole]

It’s all right until a piece of c**p comes loose and blocks something, maybe a gallery, maybe the oil pickup pipe, maybe turbo.
You can also create oil leaks, as built up deposits could be holding a dry old gasket together.

Oh and when you put your new oil in, there will still be some flush fluid left in the engine that’ll mix nice with your lovely, new, expensive oil for the next 10k miles.

If it’s been done every oil change since new, then fair enough you should have no problems, but on an older engine that has never had it, you could run into all sorts of problems.

If you want to get the insides as clean as reasonably possible, take the sump and pickup pipe off to clean them, and then clean the inside of the cam cover.



What are you trying to fix by doing this? Some things are best left alone!!

 

[xDaNx]

It’s all right until a piece of c**p comes loose and blocks something, maybe a gallery, maybe the oil pickup pipe, maybe turbo.
You can also create oil leaks, as built up deposits could be holding a dry old gasket together.

Oh and when you put your new oil in, there will still be some flush fluid left in the engine that’ll mix nice with your lovely, new, expensive oil for the next 10k miles.

If it’s been done every oil change since new, then fair enough you should have no problems, but on an older engine that has never had it, you could run into all sorts of problems.

If you want to get the insides as clean as reasonably possible, take the sump and pickup pipe off to clean them, and then clean the inside of the cam cover.



What are you trying to fix by doing this? Some things are best left alone!!

^ that's what I was getting at.

 

[D1andonlyantman]

Cheers for the pointers. That's what I wanted, examples of what problems it could cause. And I'm not trying to fix anything, just trying to find out what's good routine maintenance on a new car. I thought that was fairly obvious tbh

 

[xDaNx]

Rather than using oil additives alot of people buy a really cheap brand of oil from maybe Asda etc, use that to flush the engine out instead.

 

[D1andonlyantman]

I can kind of see the logic in that I guess but surely the oil I'm taking out would have already flushed anything that the cheap oil is going to flush if you see what I mean. Sounds like a bit of a waste of time and money if I'm honest. Each to their own I guess

 

[Sprogpole]

If you’re not sure of its oil change history, the first thing I’d do is clean/replace the oil pickup.
Then change the oil as often as you sensible can.
If it’s changed regularly with quality oil, then nothing else is needed to be done.

You’ll never have a problem with this routine.


Ah, the only reason I ask “What are you trying to fix by doing this?” is because some people expect to be able to put a magic fluid in there oil or fuel and suddenly gain an extra 50BHP.
The reality of course is mostly different.

 

[D1andonlyantman]

It's got a lot of history going back to around 2008 and there were a lot of services, so I don't doubt the cars been looked after. I'm not cheap though so if the oil pickup ain't too expensive I might get one anyway. Sorry for getting a bit arsey, I thought you were trying to play the 'pick on the newb' card and I weren't having that thanks for the help

 

[Greavesy]

One thing I found when I changed my oil pickup pipe last week was actually how much of the old oil was still left in the engine after removing the sump bolt. Plenty more oil came out when I took the oil pickup pipe off and due to the state of the bottom of the sump (baked on oil and crap) loads of oil seemed to stick inside.

If you're really keen on doing this I'd sack off the additive and use some cheap oil to flush through.

If I remember right the oil pickup pipe was about £15?? The sealant was about £10 both from a Seat dealer.

 

[stupot_1982]

Rather than using oil additives alot of people buy a really cheap brand of oil from maybe Asda etc, use that to flush the engine out instead.

Or buy the approved Texaco oil from Costco at 55 quid for 5 Gallons, and change it twice a year

 

[D1andonlyantman]

One thing I found when I changed my oil pickup pipe last week was actually how much of the old oil was still left in the engine after removing the sump bolt. Plenty more oil came out when I took the oil pickup pipe off and due to the state of the bottom of the sump (baked on oil and crap) loads of oil seemed to stick inside.

If you're really keen on doing this I'd sack off the additive and use some cheap oil to flush through.

If I remember right the oil pickup pipe was about £15?? The sealant was about £10 both from a Seat dealer.

I think I'll just get an oil change and the pickup done at the same time. My mate does all my work for me for a decent price so it's probably worth it. Cheers

 

[Uzzy-]

Bit off topic but how difficult is it to change the pickup pipe? Something that can be done at home or does it need to be done by the garage?

 

[D1andonlyantman]

The sump has gotta come off so I'm saying garage unless you've got a ramp at home.... It might be possible at home but I expect it would be extremely awkward

 

[brad_barker12]

The only thing that's meant to go in the oil cap is oil. Those oil additives will do more harm than good. They have the consistency of water so I can imagine they cause more wear and tear as you will get more friction while it's running I wouldn't touch them with a barge pole. Stick to a quality oil and change it regularly. If you want to do a flush then use a cheap oil run the car on it for a bit then drain and refill with decent stuff.

Cars which have had regular oil changes do not need this additive, and cars that have suffered with lack of changes shouldn't be run on it due to bits of sludge clogging the oil ways and pickups. Which could result in a seized engine.

Bottom line is don't bother stick with decent oil!

 

[Sprogpole]

The oil Pickup is easy enough to do at home on axle stands. There are plenty of guides on here.

TBH you could make your mind up when you see the old oil come out. If it’s got debris in it, or if it’s really thick and black, do the pickup. However if it comes out in good shape, you could leave the pickup for another occasion, but they are known for getting blocked and that’s a whole heap of trouble.