Hi everyone! My first post so forgive me if I have posted in the wrong section ( or any other screw-ups :-). A guy told me that if I add a quart of diesel fuel to my oil and let it run til it warms up. Then change the oil. That it helps clean the motor. Is this ok, good , bad or is there something better to do?

Thanks,
jim

 

Why are you wanting to flush the oiling system? It can cause all kinds of problems or none. There are a few old school ways to clean the oil system but if you are to try this get a product off the shelf and follow the directions closely.

 

I am just trying to be good to my engine. If this isn't necessary than I wont bother.

thanks

 

If the motor has seen regular oil changes, you probably don't really need to clean the engine.

If the engine is full of sludge, you might have bigger problems than a quart of diesel can cure. But if you want to give your engine a more gentle cleaning, run a couple shorter oil changes and add some Marvel Mystery Oil per instructions on the bottle.

Some guys run MMO every oil change for prevention. Occasionally, I'll pour some in ~500 miles before my next change for a little cleaning action (truck usually needs oil added at that time anyway).

In my opinion, I'd stay away from any strong solvents in motor oil, unless you have a worst case scenario on your hands.

 

1 qt of Rislone engine treatment in place of a qt of oil every oil change.

 

I have real issues putting ANY kind of solvent into the crankcase.... it breaks down the oil, and tends to do rude things to the bearings. I have seen several that came away from such treatment with Rod knock......

Using a high detergent oil, and changing it a bit more often is safer, and more effective in any event.

 

Not Rislone.

 

If you have been using good oil and changing it regularly, the oil will keep the crankcase clean. Otherwise if it loosens up gunk it can spin a bearing, or just as badly clog a lifter.

 

Forget the snake oil treatments and like HeyYou and beginningjockey pointed out, just use a quality name brand oil, conventional or synthetic, and it will clean the engine. API SN, ILSAC GF 5 motor oils are much more advanced than they were even just 10 years ago concerning their "cleaning" abilities. Change it at regular intervals, 3k-5k miles for conventional or 7k -10k miles for synthetic and you'll never need to worry about keeping your engine clean.

 

+1 best way to go.