The engine is one of the main components of all types of vehicles, without which the operation of the machine is impossible. Over time, its parts gradually wear out and also fail. To maintain their performance and extend the operational life of the elements, it is necessary to provide high-quality care. To do this, experts recommend using special means of soft flushing of the engine cooling system.

Why is it necessary to flush the engine cooling system?

Gentle flushing of the engine cooling system is a substance that is used to thoroughly flush the radiators for heating and cooling the vehicle interior, as well as other components of the cooling system. With its help, they are quite easily cleaned of dirt and dust particles that accumulate during the active operation of this mechanism.

To date, soft washing is used quite widely. This is due to the fact that the product effectively and very quickly dissolves scale and other types of pollution, turning them into colloidal particles. Thus, the substance helps to prevent clogging of the radiator with cleaning products. In addition, it does not have a destructive effect on sealants and gaskets, and also does not interact with various coolants, so they do not need to be replaced.

Gentle flushing of the cooling system, with regular and proper use, has the following effect:

1. Intensively increases the performance of the heating radiator of the car interior;
2. Helps to enhance the heat dissipation of the engine, preventing it from overheating;
3. Prevents the development of the effect of incandescent ignition;
4. Significantly slows down the corrosion destruction of metal parts;
5. Prevents the appearance of microcracks;
6. Keeps the cooling system almost perfectly clean.

In what cases is it necessary to do a soft flush of the cooling system?

During the active operation of the vehicle, its cooling system is constantly exposed to corrosion destruction as a result of the fact that decomposition products of the antifreeze used, as well as corrosion products, scale and other foreign particles, are gradually deposited on the walls of this mechanism. As a consequence of this, there is a significant decrease in heat removal from the combustion chamber and the occurrence of the effect of glow ignition, which leads to detonation, a decrease in engine power and a significant overrun of the engine. Due to the deterioration of heat transfer, a sharp violation of the temperature regime of the device is observed, causing overheating and even engine failure.

This composition can be used at all stages of antifreeze application. In addition, on vehicles with a rather heavily contaminated cooling system, a soft flush must be applied approximately 2000 km before the coolant is changed.

In most cases, using such a tool, the device is processed every 50-60 thousand km. the passage of the car before pouring new antifreeze.

How is soft washing different from others?

Soft Rinse is a unique solution developed using the latest technology. It effectively restores the efficiency of the engine cooling system directly in the process of using the vehicle. Due to this, its service life is increased.

The drug differs from other similar products in that it dissolves scale and accumulated dirt at the molecular level, so colloidal particles do not clog the tubes of the heating and cooling radiators. In addition, soft washing provides a pronounced passivation effect, slowing down the formation of microcracks on the surface of the metal parts of the mechanism.

In addition to cleaning, the product helps to keep the equipment completely clean for a long period of time, protecting it from corrosion. Another advantage of the drug is that it can be combined with a wide variety of coolants.

The process of performing a soft flush of the engine cooling system

It is necessary to process the device with this substance according to the following instructions:

1. Open the radiator cap on a pre-cooled engine, and then pump out 200 ml of antifreeze with a syringe;
2. Shake the container with soft flush and pour it into the radiator, screw the cap back on;
3. It is necessary to turn on the engine and start operating the machine;
4. After about 1500 km of run follows:
5. Completely drain the antifreeze without letting the engine cool down;
6. Let the antifreeze stand for several hours, and then pour 90% of the liquid back into the radiator, adding new antifreeze (if the liquid is very dirty, then it must be completely changed).

A mild flush is a great way to keep your car's cooling system running smoothly. To obtain an excellent cleaning result, only high quality solutions should be used. Otherwise, you can damage the engine, which will lead to additional costs for equipment repairs.

Therefore, it is necessary to carefully choose the substance, paying attention to all the characteristics of the solution.

The debate about whether or not to flush the engine oil system during the engine oil change procedure does not subside. The idea of ​​the need for flushing has both supporters and opponents, not only in the camp of car owners, but also among professionals. We will not list the arguments and sides. The test of the AvtoDela magazine, conducted jointly with Liqui Moly specialists, made it possible to wash 180 grams of oil deposits from the engine walls, which already allows us to take an optimistic look at the need for the procedure itself.

Other studies also point to the need to flush the engine during an oil change. In the winter period of 2012-2013 in the Moscow region, a large number (about 400) of engine failures were noted in the form of the impossibility of starting them in cold weather. Moreover, the “epidemic” affected fairly new cars that are still under warranty repair. Everyone began to sin on the quality of engine oil and began to make claims to manufacturers of engine oils. Shell conducted research and found that the wax deposits in the engine turned out to be hydrocarbons that were not contained in the original oil composition. This suggested that fuel was the cause of the deposits. This fact caused a great discussion in the professional community. This fact allows us to look at the question of the need to flush the oil system during the engine oil change procedure from another angle.

So if you are one of those skeptics who believe that it is not necessary to flush the internal combustion engine during an oil change, you can read no further. Our experiment convinced us of the need for such a procedure. The matter remains small: you need to purchase a flushing of the engine oil system and use it. That's just the question - which one?

A search on the website of one of the auto shops found 160 items of oil system flushes, the price of which ranged from 55 to 745 rubles. The difference is 13 times, so there is a choice between cheap or expensive products. In order to understand what is actually poured into a bottle with a beautiful label, we tried to compare the features of the product declared by the manufacturer and its chemical composition, which was evaluated in the laboratory of MIC Fuel and Lubricants and published in the blog of one of the LiveJournal users. Let us take the trouble to explain what is written in the laboratory protocols and how it compares with what the manufacturer himself claims about the product.

Why know this?

Before taking any pill or medicine, a reasonable person goes to the doctor and asks what kind of medicine it is. In extreme cases, each package of tablets contains an insert describing the chemical composition of the drug and its mechanism of action. In a car shop, no one bothers to write the chemical composition of an additive or cleaner in the instructions. Everything is limited to laudatory words that the buyer is acquiring a super tool that will make the engine perfectly clean. But no one is going to explain the cleaning mechanism, composition and possible complications if used incorrectly.

What can be in the bank?

There are three options for what cleaning additives are made from.

The first option is "five minutes".

These are additives based on an organic solvent, its task is to wash away accumulated deposits. As a rule, many “five-minutes” consist of a solvent. The Achilles' heel of such compositions is the dissolution, together with deposits of an oil film from rubbing pairs. That is why they can only be used when the engine is idling. If it is loaded while solvent is introduced into the oil, scoring may occur on unlubricated parts.

The second option is soft washes.

These are flushes that are added to the oil 100-300 km before the replacement procedure. They contain detergent-dispersant additives based on calcium sulfonates.

The third option is symbiosis.

Accordingly, it is possible to make a "compote" of washings of various types by adding a solvent and detergent-dispersant compositions to the extreme pressure additives.

Thus, knowing what is contained in the oil system flushing agent, one can draw conclusions about the effectiveness and safety of its use.

Probably everyone has heard about the old-fashioned way to clean the engine: add a solvent to the oil. Acetone is a good cleaner. But only the time of this procedure must be counted with a stopwatch, so as not to overdo it and not ruin the engine. Therefore, the use of washes based on solvents (though not acetone) is very limited in time. The only question is: what deposits can they wash off in 5 minutes of application? The answer suggests itself: only superficial. And God forbid, during the procedure, rev up - you can kill the engine ...

Manufacturers are looking for more complex compounds to wash off deposits and not damage the engine. As the most interesting in terms of the composition of the five-minute flushing agent, Liqui Moly preparations can be cited. In addition to the solvent, the manufacturer adds an extreme pressure additive based on phosphorus and zinc (it reduces the likelihood of damaging the engine during the procedure), plus a detergent-dispersant additive based on calcium sulfonate. This additive package will not only complement the actions of the solvent and compensate for the shortcomings, but also minimize the poisoning of fresh oil with waste residues.

Such products are the safest and most effective, but, unfortunately, the composition of the engine flush is not written on the packaging, and you can find out what is mixed there only after laboratory tests. Our readers, based on the knowledge obtained from the article about the chemical composition of a particular flush, will be able to choose a worthy drug for their car.

Summary table of additive concentrations in engine oil system flushers

A drug	Additives
		extreme pressure
	Calcium Ca, mg/kg	Zinc Zn, mg/kg	Phosphorus P, mg/kg
FENOM synthetic
Liqui Moly Oil-Schlamm-Spulung
Hi-Gear Motor Flush HG2214
GUNK Motor Flush MF15ER
Liqui Moly Engine Flush
FENOM complex
LAVR Motor Flush Soft 200 km
ER PROFESSIONAL motor Flush P023RU
Liqui Moly Pro-Line Motor Spulung
Hi-Gear Motor Flush HG2204
LAVR Motor Flush Seven minutes
COMMA Petrol Engine
Hi-Gear Engine Tune-up HG2202
AMALIE Engine Flush
EL TRANS Cleaner Oil System
Bardahl Oil System Cleaner

CONCLUSIONS

The presented diagram clearly shows what the engine oil system flushing agent consists of.

But evaluating their effectiveness is not an easy task. Let's figure it out.

Let's start with the biggest "stick" with the adaptive engine flush RESURS. In it, we observe the highest concentration of antiwear additive, but it is not entirely clear why the manufacturer did not add a detergent-dispersant package? At the same time, the manufacturer himself declares that solvents are not used in the composition. Due to what then the agent achieves a special cleansing effect remains a mystery. Yes, and a high concentration of phosphorus can adversely affect the operation of the catalyst.

Next richest flush COMMA Petrol Engine. An unusual flush, which, according to the manufacturer, can be used both as a five-minute and as a long flush of the engine. From which we can conclude that organic solvents are not used in it, and the effect is achieved through the use of a shock dose of a detergent-dispersant additive. The use of such a package for a long time is dangerous in contaminated engines, as the oil system may not cope with exfoliated deposits and become clogged.

Next comes Liqui Moly Oil-Schlamm-Spulung- it is declared by the manufacturer as a long-acting flush, which is also confirmed by laboratory tests. In it, the detergent and anti-wear package does not greatly exceed the concentration of new oil, and adding it to the engine 100-200 km away can really lead to a good result with minimal risks.

In lineups Liqui Moly Engine Flush and Liqui Moly Pro-Line Motor Spulung detergents and anti-seize additives are also present, but with an emphasis on protecting the engine during flushing. This is due to the fact that an organic solvent is introduced into the composition. As a result, we have a balanced composition with a solvent, protective and washing component.

Preparations Hi-Gear Motor Flush HG2214, ER PROFESSIONAL motor Flush P023EN, Hi-Gear Motor Flush HG2204 and EL TRANS Cleaner Oil System the test showed the presence of only a detergent-dispersant additive. Such a composition can hardly be called balanced. The manufacturer is clearly not concerned about the protection of engine parts during the flushing procedure.

Formulas that do not contain detergents or EP additives consist of a single solvent. Their use can lead to increased wear of the engine in friction pairs due to the dissolution of the oil film by the engine flushing agent.

Comments by Liqui Moly technical specialist Dmitry Rudakov

“The main part of any engine flush additive is the solvent. The task of the solvent is to thin the engine oil for better circulation and penetration into thin gaps. Also, the solvent removes some of the deposits in the engine. Most manufacturing companies believe that this is enough, forgetting that flushing must be both effective and safe. The effectiveness of solvents alone is not enough to fully remove deposits, so eminent auto chemical companies add a detergent-dispersant additive package, similar to that used in modern motor oils. It is possible to determine whether such a complex is added or the manufacturer “saved” on the basis of laboratory analysis, which was done in this test. The presence of alkali and alkaline earth metals (ex: sodium or calcium) in the washing clearly indicates additional detergent additives and brings the product under study into the category of highly effective ones.

About safety: it is clear that the solvent in the flushing composition dilutes the oil, this leads to a thinning of the oil film and the risk of damage to modern high-powered engines (seizures and sticking). Responsible manufacturers solve this problem by adding EP additives, again closely related to the complex used in standard additive packages of modern motor oils. The same lab analysis, for elevated zinc and phosphorus levels, concludes that anti-seize components have been added and the flush is safe.

It is clear that the cheapest washes are those consisting of pure solvent. A full-fledged complex of detergent-dispersant and anti-seize additives increases the cost of the product, but gives the consumer confidence in the safety of the engine flush procedure, and sometimes one cannot do without flushing the oil system.

As a postscript

We added this paragraph for those who believe that the engine does not need to be washed, but still read the introduction. More recently, the magazine "Behind the Rulem" conducted a demonstrative test, in which it evaluated such an effect as poisoning fresh oil with the remnants of the old one after the replacement procedure.

A motor test showed that the use of engine flushing agents allows not only to reduce deposits in the engine, but also to reduce the change in the physico-chemical parameters of fresh engine oil due to mixing with waste that is not drained from the engine.

FENOM synthetic - engine lubrication system cleaner, test

CLAIMED FEATURES

The manufacturer claims that FENOM synthetic engine oil additive is a 100% synthetic product that is designed to effectively clean high and low temperature deposits in the lubrication system and internal parts of gasoline and diesel engines that use synthetic engine oils. Significantly increases the detergent and dispersant properties of the engine oil to be changed. Provides improved mobility of piston rings. Restores engine power. Safe for catalytic converters, oil seals and gaskets.

MODE OF APPLICATION

TEST RESULTS

A laboratory study showed that microelements are present in the FENOM Synthetic oil additive: calcium Ca - 22 mg/kg, magnesium Mg - 0 mg/kg, boron B 0 mg/kg, zinc Zn - 1 mg/kg and phosphorus P - 4 mg/kg.

The composition of trace elements indicates that traces of calcium are present in "FENOM synthetic". Thus, we have an organic solvent. It is difficult to explain why it improves engine performance in such a comprehensive way, as the manufacturer claims.

Liqui Moly Oil-Schlamm-Spulung - oil sludge flush test

CLAIMED FEATURES

Flushing from oil sludge Liqui Moly Oil-Schlamm-Spulung penetrates deep into the most inaccessible places and cleans all internal hydraulic drives in the engine: hydraulic compensators, hydraulic tensioners, VVT-i, V-TEC, VANOS. Thoroughly dissolves sludge and old dirt. Flushing is universal for diesel and gasoline engines. Safely, gently cleanses in layers. Does not clog the channels and ducts of the oil system. No residue is removed from the system. Does not impair the properties of the new oil. Forms a protective layer that reduces friction.

Liqui Moly Oil-Schlamm-Spulung is recommended for old engine contamination with oil sludge; when water enters the oil system; with prolonged use of low-grade oils and fuels; with constant or prolonged overheating of the engine; in the presence of visible sludge deposits; at the beginning of the operation of a car from the secondary market or after a long period of inactivity; with the sound of hydraulic lifters.

APPLICATION FEATURES

300 ml of Liqui Moly Oil-Schlamm-Spulung are intended for 5 liters of engine oil. The composition must be added to the old oil 100-300 km before the planned change date and the car should be operated as usual, not exceeding 2/3 of the engine power. Then drain the old oil, replace the oil filter and refill with new oil.

TEST RESULTS

A laboratory study showed that microelements are present in the washing of Liqui Moly Oil-Schlamm-Spulung: calcium Ca - 2399 mg / kg, magnesium Mg - 0 mg / kg, boron B - 4 mg / kg, zinc Zn - 1946 mg / kg and phosphorus P - 2050 mg/kg.

The composition of the elements in the Liqui Moly Oil-Schlamm-Spulung additive is identical to the package included in fresh commercial oil. The addition of an additive “refreshes” the used engine oil, thereby activating the self-cleaning process. The presence of calcium indicates a powerful package of detergent additives, the concentration of which is 15-20% higher than the standard values. The presence of zinc and phosphorus indicates the presence of anti-wear components. Adding such a package to an engine 100-200 km away can really lead to a good result with minimal risks.

Hi-Gear Motor Flush HG2214 - 10-minute engine flush test

CLAIMED FEATURES

10-minute engine flush Hi-Gear Motor Flush with ER HG2214 (444 ml) for 4-cylinder engines gently and safely cleans the engine, provides conditions for reliable oil supply to rubbing parts.

Hi-Gear flushing removes carbon deposits from the lubrication system channels and internal engine cavities, improves oil circulation and heat dissipation from parts. It also restores the mobility of oil scraper and compression rings, adapts the lubrication system to the subsequent use of metal conditioners. Safe for rubber seals, oil seals and valve stem seals. Contains ER (Energy Release) - "friction winner". HG2214 is compatible with all types of oils and engines, including turbocharged ones. Before use, warm up and turn off the engine, then pour flushing into the oil filler neck, start the engine and let it idle for 10 minutes. Shut down, drain the oil, replace the filter and refill with fresh oil. This package is designed for a lubrication system with a volume of 4-5 liters.

TEST RESULTS

A laboratory study showed that microelements are present in the Hi-Gear Motor Flush HG2214 10-minute wash: calcium Ca - 2247 mg / kg, magnesium Mg - 6 mg / kg, boron B - 0 mg / kg, zinc Zn - 2 mg / kg and phosphorus P - 5 mg/kg.

The presence and concentration of calcium in the Hi-Gear Motor Flush HG2214 10-minute engine wash indicates the presence of a detergent package of additives.

GUNK Motor Flush MF15ER Super Concentrated 5 Minute Engine Flush Test

CLAIMED FEATURES

GUNK Motor Flush additive is a mixture of petroleum distillates and special cleaning components designed to quickly clean the engine oil system. Guaranteed to remove carbon deposits from the channels of the lubrication system and the internal cavities of the engine. Safe for oil seals, seals and valve stem seals. Effective against all types of motor oils.

MODE OF APPLICATION

The manufacturer recommends pouring GUNK Motor Flush into the engine before changing the oil and filter. After that, you need to start the engine and leave it to idle for 5 minutes. GUNK Motor Flush will circulate throughout the engine lubrication system, removing sludge, tar and varnish deposits from engine parts and oil sump, eliminating valve and ring sticking.

Do not drive the vehicle during the engine flush procedure. After the procedure, it is necessary to drain the oil and remove the oil filter. It is not recommended to store the container with GUNK Motor Flush open.

TEST RESULTS

A laboratory study showed that the GUNK Motor Flush oil additive contains trace elements: calcium Ca - 1 mg/kg, magnesium Mg - 0 mg/kg, boron B - 0 mg/kg, zinc Zn - 0 mg/kg and phosphorus P - 4 mg/kg.

Such a set indicates that there are no microelements specific to oil additive packages in GUNK Motor Flush. Thus, we have an organic solvent. It is not clear why it improves engine performance so comprehensively, as the manufacturer claims.

Liqui Moly Engine Flush - 5-minute engine flush, test

CLAIMED FEATURES

Flushing the Liqui Moly Engine Flush oil system gently removes common contaminants. The composition is universal for diesel and gasoline engines. Safely, gently, in layers cleans the engine. Does not clog the channels and ducts of the oil system. Evaporates immediately after use. No residue is removed from the system. Does not impair the properties of the new oil. Forms a protective layer that reduces friction.

APPLICATION FEATURES

The composition of Liqui Moly Engine Flush must be added to the warmed oil before changing it, start the engine and let it idle for 5-10 minutes. Drain the oil, replace the oil filter and refill with fresh high quality oil. 300 ml of additive is sufficient for 5 liters of engine oil.

TEST RESULTS

A laboratory study showed that there are trace elements in the Liqui Moly Engine Flush: calcium Ca - 772 mg / kg, magnesium Mg - 0 mg / kg, boron B - 0 mg / kg, zinc Zn - 1980 mg / kg and phosphorus P - 1978 mg/kg.

The presence of calcium indicates the introduction of a detergent package of additives into the Liqui Moly Engine Flush, and fluorine and zinc demonstrate the presence of an antiwear additive in the formulation.

It turns out that both detergent and anti-seize additives are present in the Liqui Moly Engine Flush, but with an emphasis on protecting the engine during flushing. This is due to the fact that an organic solvent is introduced into the composition. As a result, we have a balanced composition with a solvent, protective and washing component.

FENOM complex - engine lubrication system cleaner, test

CLAIMED FEATURES

According to the manufacturer, "FENOM complex" is designed for deep cleaning of the lubrication system and internal parts of gasoline and diesel engines from carbon deposits in normal operation. Contains highly effective washing components and metal conditioner FENOM. Restores compression in the cylinders. Provides normalization of work of hydraulic compensators.

MODE OF APPLICATION

Warm up and shut off the engine before changing the engine oil. After that, it is necessary to pour the drug into the oil neck (1 pack per 3-5 liters of oil), start the engine and let it idle for 15 minutes. Stop the engine, drain the old oil, change the oil filter. Then pour in fresh oil.

TEST RESULTS

A laboratory study showed that the additive in the FENOM complex oil contains trace elements: calcium Ca - 5 mg / kg, magnesium Mg - 0 mg / kg, boron B - 0 mg / kg, zinc Zn - 3 mg / kg and phosphorus P - 41 mg/kg.

The composition of trace elements indicates that there are traces of calcium and traces of anti-wear additive in "FENOM complex". In general, we have an organic solvent.

LAVR Motor Flush Soft 200 km – detergent additive for oil, test

CLAIMED FEATURES

Detergent additive LAVR Motor Flush Soft 200 km (LAVR soft flush) is poured into the engine oil system 150-200 kilometers before changing the oil. One package of the drug is designed to flush the engine oil system with a volume of 4-6 liters. According to the manufacturer, the additive removes varnish, bituminous and greasy deposits in the engine oil system as carefully as possible. At the same time, thanks to dispersants, it protects the engine from premature wear and prevents clogging of channels and filters. The additive rejuvenates rubber cuffs and gaskets and is compatible with all types of engine oils.

APPLICATION FEATURES

Before using a detergent additive in LAVR Motor Flush Soft 200 km oil (LAVR soft flush), it is necessary to warm up the engine to operating temperature. After that, pour the additive into the oil filler neck and start the engine. Let it idle for 5 minutes, then start driving. After 150-200 kilometers, replace the oil filter and fill in new oil.

TEST RESULTS

A laboratory study showed that the LAVR Motor Flush Soft 200 km oil additive contains trace elements: calcium Ca - 24 mg / kg, magnesium Mg - 0 mg / kg, boron B - 1 mg / kg, zinc Zn - 10 mg/kg and phosphorus P 12 mg/kg.

In the composition of the additive in the LAVR Motor Flush Soft 200 km oil, only traces of additive elements were found, but not the additives themselves. From the result obtained, we can conclude that we have an organic solvent in front of us, and it is desirable to drive 150-200 km after adding it to the engine at idle.

ER PROFESSIONAL motor Flush P023RU - five-minute flushing of the engine lubrication system, test

CLAIMED FEATURES

The manufacturer claims that the flush contains Energy Release (ER) metal conditioner. It is claimed to be one of the most popular products distributed by AGA. More than ten permanent years on the front of the fight against friction and wear, many letters, calls and e-mails with thanks - that's what adorns the "work" book of a well-deserved veteran who can be trusted.

ER has been in the engines of more than three million Russian cars, participated in a variety of independent tests, during which the effect of a number of drugs was compared, and an extensive group of ER adherents who use it on their cars, so to speak, from scratch, managed to drive VAZs for 300 thousand kilometers without engine overhaul.

APPLICATION FEATURES

Apply immediately before changing engine oil. Quickly cleans the surfaces of parts of the engine lubrication system and the cylinder-piston group from carbon deposits, carbon deposits, sludge, varnish and wear products. Cleans oil channels, restores pressure, improves oil circulation in the engine lubrication system. Restores compression.

TEST RESULTS

A laboratory study showed that ER PROFESSIONAL motor Flush contains trace elements: calcium Ca - 1772 mg / kg, magnesium Mg - 6 mg / kg, boron B - 1 mg / kg, zinc Zn - 2 mg / kg and phosphorus P - 8 mg/kg.

The composition of trace elements (calcium) in the sample suggests that we have a product with a package of detergent additives, similar to that added to oil in an average concentration. Thus, ER PROFESSIONAL motor Flush contains a detergent additive, due to which the engine is cleaned.

Liqui Moly Pro-Line Motor Spulung - engine flush, test

CLAIMED FEATURES

Liqui Moly Pro-Line Motor Spulung Engine Flush removes carbon deposits on the piston crown. Frees stuck rings and oil pump relief valve. Provides deep cleaning of the oil system in layers, completely dissolving any kind of contamination of the oil system. Removes insoluble particles and engine wear products. The additive completely evaporates after application, increasing the life of the new oil. Suitable for flushing manual transmissions. Does not clog the channels and ducts of the oil system. Forms a protective layer that reduces friction.

APPLICATION FEATURES

Liqui Moly Pro-Line Motor Spulung engine flush must be added to warm oil before changing, start the engine and let it idle for exactly 10 minutes. Drain the oil, replace the oil filter and refill with fresh high quality oil. 500 ml of additive is sufficient for 5 liters of engine oil.

TEST RESULTS

A laboratory study revealed that the Liqui Moly Pro-Line Motor Spulung engine wash contains trace elements: calcium Ca - 780 mg / kg, magnesium Mg - 0 mg / kg, boron B - 0 mg / kg, zinc Zn - 2181 mg / kg and phosphorus P - 2179 mg/kg.

Analysis of the microelement composition shows that the additive contains an anti-wear package based on zinc and phosphorus, as well as a detergent package of additives, as indicated by calcium. The manufacturer also reports the presence of an organic solvent in the composition of the additive. The picture of the use of a flushing additive will be supplemented by a test conducted by the publication, according to the results of which it was possible to wash out of the engine.

Hi-Gear Motor Flush HG2204 - High Mileage 5 Minute Engine Flush Test

CLAIMED FEATURES

The website of the manufacturer of the Hi-Gear Motor Flush HG2204 not only talks about what the flush consists of, but also conducts an educational program on why it is needed: “Specialists have found that the use of even high-quality oils does not prevent the formation of harmful carbon deposits on the internal surfaces of the engine and in the channels of the lubrication system. When changing oil without flushing, most of the contaminants remain in the engine. This is especially true for engines with high mileage, where the action of fresh oil detergents is much faster due to the presence of strong contaminants. As a result, active formation of oxidation and wear products occurs, which clog the oil channels, are deposited on the internal surfaces, which reduces heat dissipation, impairs the lubrication of parts, and causes coking of the piston rings. All this leads to an increase in wear of parts, a decrease in power and a deterioration in the fuel efficiency of the engine.”

It is claimed that the high-performance formula used in the Hi-Gear HG2204 flush is designed specifically for high-mileage engines with heavy contamination, and allows you to remove most of them, including from the engine sump. This helps to maintain the working properties of the oil for a longer time and extend the life of the engine as a whole. The use of this flush at an oil change removes most of the dirt, oil decomposition products and carbon deposits (including from the engine sump). As a result of the use of this additive, fresh oil and a new oil filter work more efficiently. The oil retains its properties longer, which leads to an extension of the life of the engine as a whole.

The following distinctive features of the composition of Hi-Gear HG2204 are given

· Hi-Gear HG2204 is a special flush formula designed for heavily contaminated engines. The use of this engine flush allows you to remove most of all characteristic contaminants.

· Flushing engine Hi-Gear HG2204 effectively removes old deposits, carbon deposits, slag, oxidation products from the channels of the lubrication system and the internal cavities of the engine.

· Hi-Gear 5-minute engine flush for vehicles with high mileage helps to clean the surface of the pistons from varnish deposits.

Eliminates coking of oil scraper and compression rings, restores their mobility, thereby increasing compression, reducing gas breakthrough into the engine crankcase and oil oxidation.

· Eliminates the need for flushing oils. With regular use, it helps to restore engine performance, reduce wear of its parts and increase service life.

· Safe for rubber seals, oil seals, valve stem seals.

Compatible with all mineral and synthetic motor oils.

APPLICATION FEATURES

Before applying the Hi-Gear Motor Flush HG2204 5-minute engine flush, the engine must first be warmed up to operating temperature and then shut off. Then the jar with the additive must be shaken several times and its contents poured into the oil filler neck of the car. Start the engine and let it idle for 5-7 minutes. It is not recommended to exceed the crankshaft speed above 2000 rpm. It is forbidden to drive a car with a flooded flush. After the set time has passed, it is necessary to drain the old oil, remove the old oil filter, install a new filter and fill in new oil. The packaging is designed for a lubrication system with a volume of 4-5 liters. For a larger volume lubrication system, it is recommended to use a larger amount of product.

TEST RESULTS

A laboratory study has shown that microelements are present in a five-minute wash of the Hi-Gear Motor Flush HG2204: calcium Ca - 1682 mg / kg, magnesium Mg - 6 mg / kg, boron B - 0 mg / kg, zinc Zn - 0 mg / kg and phosphorus P - 7 mg/kg.

A five-minute Hi-Gear Motor Flush HG2204 found only a detergent additive, as indicated by the calcium content. And what is most unusual: the concentration of detergent in the preparation is lower than in a 10-minute engine flush of the same manufacturer.

RESURS - adaptive engine flush, test

CLAIMED FEATURES

Adaptive engine flush RESURS is designed for internal flushing of the lubrication system of gasoline and diesel engines, removing carbon deposits, sludge, films, resin deposits while maintaining engine performance.

The RESURS additive is intended for deep cleaning of the engine oil system. Ideal when switching from mineral to synthetic oil and vice versa or to another brand of oil. Contains special components Aktiv Subs, adapting one type of oil to another. Recommended for all types of engines. With maximum effect, cleans the internal surfaces of the engine from hard-to-remove sludge and varnish deposits.

Does not contain acids, acetone or kerosene, other similar solvents that lead to scuffing.

RESURS adaptive engine flush includes refined mineral oils, detergent-dispersant, anti-corrosion, neutralizing and anti-wear agents that restore parts and save the engine during flushing.

APPLICATION FEATURES

The manufacturer recommends using the RESURS adaptive flush for worn engines that “eat” a lot of oil and whose walls are covered with heavy deposits. And he also suggests adding RESURS adaptive flush to pure oil at the rate of 1 bottle per 3-5 liters of oil and then use it as a flush oil.

To use, it is necessary to pour the RESURS engine flush into the oil filler neck of the engine warmed up to operating temperature. Start the engine and let it idle for 5-10 minutes, then drain the flush with the oil and replace the oil filter.

WARNING: do not operate the vehicle when the RESURS engine flush is in the system.

TEST RESULTS

A laboratory study showed that the RESURS adaptive engine wash contains trace elements: calcium Ca - 11 mg/kg, magnesium Mg - 0 mg/kg, boron B - 1 mg/kg, zinc Zn - 6093 mg/kg and phosphorus P - 6044 mg /kg.

Thus, this flush contains a powerful anti-wear package and the question immediately arises, where are the detergent components? Why did the manufacturer not add detergent-dispersant additives to the formulation, the task of which is to wash the engine and remove all the sludge from it? At the same time, their presence is declared in the composition, but is absent in fact. In addition, experts immediately asked themselves what would happen to the catalyst if phosphorus entered it at a concentration much higher than the requirements of European standards. For this drug, the test revealed more questions than answers.

LAVR Motor Flush Seven minutes - engine flush, test

CLAIMED FEATURES

The manufacturer claims that LAVR Motor Flush Seven minutes (LAVR 7-minute flush) is a professional preparation for flushing the oil system of passenger car engines. Recommended for all types of gasoline and diesel engines of passenger cars, including turbocharged engines. One package of the drug is designed to flush the engine oil system with a volume of 4-5 liters.

It is also said that the effectiveness of LAVR Motor Flush Seven minutes (LAVR 7-minute flush) is achieved due to the increased content of detergent components and dispersants, which actively affect contaminants and remove them from the engine oil system as safely as possible.

The use of LAVR Motor Flush Seven minutes prevents coking of piston rings and increases the service life of new oil, and also prevents sticking of hydraulic compensators and hydraulic tensioners, rejuvenates rubber cuffs and gaskets.

The product is claimed to be ideal for flushing turbocharged engines, as well as lubrication systems that have not been flushed for a long period.

TEST RESULTS

Laboratory study found that the following trace elements are present in the "LAVR 7-minute rinse": calcium Ca - 0 mg/kg, magnesium Mg - 0 mg/kg, boron B - 0 mg/kg, zinc Zn - 1 mg/kg and phosphorus P - 8 mg/kg.

A similar composition indicates that the LAVR Motor Flush Seven minutes engine flush consists of an oil deposit solvent.

COMMA Petrol Engine - engine oil cleaner, test

CLAIMED FEATURES

Synthetically enhanced COMMA Petrol Engine oil additive designed to quickly flush the oil system of a passenger car or van engine before changing the oil. Eliminates harmful deposits and sludge. Neutralizes harmful acids. Cleans the engine, allowing new oil to circulate freely in the engine. Helps release sticky valves and piston rings.

APPLICATION FEATURES

The manufacturer offers two ways to apply the COMMA Petrol Engine additive. Quick - pour the composition before changing the engine oil and let the engine run for 10 minutes, after which the oil should be changed. And the second way is to fill in the additive a week before changing the oil.

TEST RESULTS

A laboratory study showed that the COMMA Petrol Engine engine oil additive contains trace elements: calcium Ca - 3509 mg / kg, magnesium Mg - 8 mg / kg, boron B - 116 mg / kg, zinc Zn - 2572 mg / kg, phosphorus P - 2611 mg/kg and silicon Si - 13 mg/kg.

According to the data obtained, the COMMA Petrol Engine engine oil additive contains a package of detergent additives, as evidenced by the presence of calcium, and an anti-wear package (zinc, phosphorus), and an anti-friction additive is also possible. The concentration of the package is almost twice as high as in engine oil. The pitfalls lie elsewhere and open upon careful reading of the instructions. It turns out that the same remedy can be used both as a standard five-minute and as a long-term additive. A reasonable question arises: how did the manufacturer manage to combine the efficiency of cleaning with a quick flush in the service and the possibility of long-term operation in the engine? After all, for the first one, it is necessary to introduce solvents into the composition to increase efficiency, and for the second method of application, solvents cannot be used, since it thins the oil film and, when a load occurs, leads to scuffing in friction pairs.

Judging by the results of chemical analysis, in order to achieve the declared features, COMMA Petrol Engine does not use organic solvents, but cleaning is carried out due to a powerful detergent-dispersant additive package. The peculiarity of his work is not dissolution, but exfoliation of oil deposits, which begin to drift through the system and must be captured by the filter. In systems with a small amount of deposits, this is acceptable, but for heavily contaminated engines it is fraught with clogging of the oil channels. Therefore, in the case of using the additive on a contaminated engine, we would recommend limiting it to a 10 minute flush cycle.

Hi-Gear Engine Tune-up HG2202 - soft engine cleaner, test

CLAIMED FEATURES

Soft engine cleaner Hi-Gear Engine Tune-up HG2202 is designed to restore engine factory parameters. Classic, time-tested formula. Effectively cleans the engine lubrication system, restores the performance of the PCV valve and cleans the crankcase ventilation system of modern cars. Releases stuck valve lifters, eliminating their knocking. Cleans piston rings from deposits, restores their mobility and fit. The Hi-Gear Engine Tune-up HG2202 cleaner is especially effective for engines with medium to high mileage.

APPLICATION FEATURES

It is added to fresh oil after each oil change. For older engines with high oil burnout, it is recommended to additionally apply this composition 100-200 km before changing the oil.

TEST RESULTS

A laboratory study showed that the soft engine cleaner Hi-Gear Engine Tune-up HG2202 contains trace elements: calcium Ca - 1 mg / kg, magnesium Mg - 0 mg / kg, boron B - 0 mg / kg, zinc Zn - 0 mg / kg, phosphorus P - 7 mg/kg, and silicon Si - 18 mg/kg.

As part of this cleaner, which the manufacturer recommends pouring into new oil, there are no detergents or extreme pressure additives. There are traces of hydrosilicates, but how they can help the engine in homeopathic doses is not clear.

AMALIE Engine Flush - flushing fluid, test

CLAIMED FEATURES

Amalie Engine Flush engine oil system flushing fluid is a service product for effective cleaning of the engine oil system from varnish formations, soot, carbon deposits in technological channels. Significantly improves heat transfer and restores piston ring mobility. Absolutely safe for rubber and polymer products.

APPLICATION FEATURES

It is added to the engine in used engine oil before service replacement for 5 minutes. Not recommended for heavily worn engines.

TEST RESULTS

A laboratory study showed that Amalie Engine Flush contains trace elements: calcium Ca - 19 mg / kg, magnesium Mg - 8 mg / kg, boron B - 0 mg / kg, zinc Zn - 16 mg / kg and phosphorus P - 20 mg/kg.

The trace element composition of the Amalie Engine Flush fluid shows that we have nothing but a solvent.

EL TRANS Cleaner Oil System – flushing the oil system, test

CLAIMED FEATURES

Flushing the EL TRANS Cleaner Oil System oil system removes and dissolves carbon deposits and other wear products. Eliminates coking of piston rings, restores their mobility and fit.

APPLICATION FEATURES

Use the "EL TRANS Cleaner Oil System" flush immediately before changing the used oil. Before use, shake the contents of the bottle, then pour it into the oil filler neck of a warm, turned off engine. After the oil neck is closed, the engine must be started and left to idle for 5-20 minutes. Then you need to turn off the engine and drain the used oil. Change the oil filter and fill with fresh engine oil.

TEST RESULTS

A laboratory study showed that the EL TRANS Cleaner Oil System wash contains trace elements: calcium Ca - 1677 mg/kg, magnesium Mg - 6 mg/kg, boron B - 0 mg/kg, zinc Zn - 10 mg/kg and phosphorus P - 13 mg/kg.

Analysis of the microelement composition shows the presence of detergent additives in the washing, as indicated by the concentration of calcium.

Bardahl Oil System Cleaner - engine cleaner, test

CLAIMED FEATURES

Bardahl Oil System Cleaner is a special additive for flushing the engine of sludge and other deposits. The composition keeps the particles of pollution in suspension until the oil is completely drained. Extends engine life by cleaning the oil system. Does not contain detergents and components that degrade the characteristics of the new oil.

APPLICATION FEATURES

To use, pour the contents of a bottle of Bardahl Oil System Cleaner into the engine oil filler neck. Then you need to drive 200-300 km or let the engine run at medium speed (3000-4000 rpm) for 15-20 minutes. Then change the oil and oil filter.

TEST RESULTS

A laboratory study showed that the Bardahl Oil System Cleaner engine cleaner contains trace elements: calcium Ca - 4 mg / kg, magnesium Mg - 0 mg / kg, boron B - 0 mg / kg, zinc Zn - 150 mg / kg and phosphorus P - 153 mg/kg.

Analysis of the microelement composition shows that the main cleaning component of Bardahl Oil System Cleaner is a solvent, but at the same time, an EP additive is present in the composition in a small concentration, as indicated by the presence of zinc and phosphorus.

To the question "how, with what and why to wash?" a more global one is immediately added: how to change it correctly? Many people think - just drain and fill. Their opponents are sure that this is a direct path to the accelerated death of the motor and that flushing when changing the oil is mandatory.

HOW TO CHANGE THE OIL IN THE ENGINE: THERE ARE OPTIONS

There are quite a few options for changing oil. The simplest and cheapest is to drain or pump out the old and fill in fresh. A more complicated and expensive way is to use a special flushing oil. A variety of five to ten minute compositions are sold, the so-called short flushes. They are recommended to be filled immediately before changing the oil and to turn the engine for five to ten minutes at minimum idle speed. And then there are drugs, conditionally called "two hundred kilometers" or long. They are advised to pour them in for a week and ride with them those same 200 km.

What is the best option? We checked everything, the nuances of the theory and test methods are set out in the sidebars. They compared not drugs from different manufacturers, but technologies - there were five of them.

To begin with, we act according to the “drained-filled” principle: we warm up the engine to operating temperature, then stop and drain the hot oil for 10 minutes; change the filter at the same time.

The next experiment is more difficult. After draining, the engine was started, giving it a minute to spin dry, and a little more dirty slurry poured out of it. Further, see point one.

The next experiments: we use two different flushing oils each (LUKOIL and AVRO), then two short flushes (Hi-Gear and Auto Doctor), and then a couple of long flushes - Suprotec (not to be confused with additives! ) and the German "Liquid Moli". The results were summarized in a table.

Tables open in full size on a mouse click.

If there is no dirt in the used oil, then it did not work at all!

FLUSHING OIL: WELL-BEING AFTER THE BATH

The “drain-fill” procedure noticeably worsened the parameters of fresh oil. Its resource is clearly reduced. How much - we won’t say, but in our case, the state of the new oil in terms of alkaline and acid numbers was approximately the same as we observed it in the examinations after a couple of thousand kilometers. And the viscosity increased: “thanks” to the thick residues ...

Purging the engine by starting at minimum idle speed before filling in a fresh portion improved the situation, but not much. Yes, dirty oil will be squeezed out of the channels, but it will still remain on the walls and in hidden cavities.

Now - flushing oils. After draining the waste and filling in the flushing product, the motor was allowed to run for 20 minutes each time, then drained and filled with fresh oil. The deterioration in alkaline and acid numbers has become less. The viscosity has dropped slightly due to the remnants of flushing in the motor, but this will not affect further operation. The mass of sediments has noticeably decreased, but complete cleaning is still far away. But the content of metallic impurities decreased significantly.

Short wash sequence. They were poured in until the old oil was drained, while the engine was fully warmed up. Then it was driven for 10 minutes at minimum idle speed. Analysis of fresh oil residual contaminants and weight analysis of control elements revealed very good performance of these formulations. But a complete drain still could not be achieved, and fresh oil became slightly less viscous.

After opening, small fragments of deposits were found in the pan, apparently removed from the walls by detergent components. This means that flushing effectively removes deposits, but does not dissolve them. And if they clog the channels, then wait for the badass bearings!

It's time for long flushes. With them, they wound up an analogue of 200 km of run in different load modes. At the same time, the viscosity decreased, but within reasonable limits. After the arrival, they opened it, looked ... There were no pieces of "rock", which were observed earlier, in the pallet - they dissolved! This is a big plus. The quality of fresh oil after using long washes deteriorated slightly.

TO WASH OR IT WILL FALL OFF ITSELF?

For those who from the very beginning were interested in only one thing - to wash or not to wash, we state our opinion.

The motor does not have to be washed by someone who:

Uses good oil and changes it according to the car's primer without significant overmileage. The remnants of such oil, in our experience, are still quite tenacious and will not do dirty tricks.

It is advisable to wash the motor for someone who:

Moves to a higher class (for example, from mineral water to synthetics). The table shows how much the viscosity index sank - the main decoration of synthetics - after contact with the remnants of old oil;

Allows significant overmileage in excess of the required replacement period;

Identified or suggests the fact of overheating or a sharp increase in waste;

Uses oil of unknown origin (for example, when buying a car in the secondary market).

What is the best washing method to use? See our tips at the end of the article.

GERONTOLOGY OIL

Engine oil not only lubricates, it also removes wear products, mineral dust particles, traces of incomplete combustion of fuel from the engine. Therefore, dirt in the oil is normal.

As the oil develops, its main indicators change. Viscosity, which determines the ability of the oil to form layers separating the working surfaces, will increase. The base number drops: detergent additives are used up. And the acid number is growing: it reflects the accumulation of the products of its oxidation in the oil. The dispersing ability (it is used to judge how the oil retains contaminants) decreases with increasing operating time. When any of these parameters goes beyond the specified ones, the oil becomes a kind of slurry. (We talked about what oil lasts for how long in ZR, 2010, No. 11; 2012, № 12 .)

It is clear that this slurry must be drained. But far from all of it will merge - the remainder will hide in hidden cavities, on the walls of the engine, etc. The amount of residue depends on the properties of the used oil, the design of the engine, and the temperature of the oil before draining. Up to 15-20% of the old oil is mixed with fresh oil when changing, worsening its initial characteristics. Moreover, during the operation of the oil in the engine deposits are formed. High-temperature deposits are lacquers deposited in the area of ​​the piston rings on the side surface of the piston. And low-temperature ones can be found in the sump, in the lubrication channels, on the details of the gas distribution mechanism. When changing the portion of oil, they must be removed to the maximum and - attention! - do not harm the motor at the same time: washed deposits can tightly clog the channels of the oil system.

EXPERIMENTAL TECHNIQUE

All flushing options were tested with the same specially prepared polluting oil containing precisely known proportions of any kind of waste - from metallic wear products to tar-like fractions. Each time after the replacement, the residual amount of deposits was assessed by weighing the initially contaminated control elements - the receiving fungus of the oil pump and the oil separator meshes in the valve cover. The presence of metal wear products was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. At the same time, it was evaluated whether the deposits dissolve in the oil or fall off in pieces.

The test procedure for each type of flush is the same. First, the motor spins for a certain time in dirty oil. Instead of an oil filter, an empty "jar" without a filter element is placed. After that, the motor is opened, weight elements are weighed. Then the engine is thoroughly washed in the opened state. This is done three times to accumulate statistics and average the results. These data, averaged over three fouling cycles, are taken as the basis for each initial flush cycle. The mass of pollution after one or another variant of "bath procedures" will characterize its effectiveness. At the same time, we evaluate the amount of metal wear products and the change in the main physical and chemical parameters of the oil. Based on the results of all measurements, we conclude that the proven oil change methods are effective.

If you still decide to flush the engine, first evaluate the condition of the old oil using a drop test ( ZR, 2013, No. 3 ). If it is still alive, it is worth applying a long wash. But after running 200 km and draining the waste, we advise you to “rinse” the engine with flushing oil, or better, with a half portion of the product with which you are going to drive further.

And if the oil is completely killed? Use a short flush, then remove the residue with two fills of flush oil and then a half fill of fresh, rideable oil. It is dangerous to use long flushes here: how can a motor not run 200 km on dead oil? It is advisable to let the engine run after this execution at idle to see if everything is normal. If the lumps of dirt removed by the flushes still clog the oil channels, then the engine without load will at least not die. After an hour and a half of idling, blockage is usually manifested by a drop in pressure.

Up to 15-20% of the old oil is mixed with fresh oil when changing, worsening its initial characteristics.

Let's start with the fact that flushing is needed in order to clean the parts and internal walls of the engine from deposits. What deposits are and what type they are, you can read in the article - Any deposits in the engine can be considered harmful - deposits in the engine should not be! And in most cases, the engine needs to be washed.

There are four main ways to flush the engine

Method 1. Engine disassembly and manual cleaning with washing of parts with special means.

At the service station or with a friend in the garage, you can disassemble the engine, clean every detail with a technical solvent (tanning beds, kerosene, solvent, etc.). This method is perhaps the fastest and most effective, but also the most time-consuming. I'm not talking about the need for a special room - a garage, certain conditions and knowledge. Not every motorist has a warm garage, the ability and skill to disassemble, clean and assemble back an internal combustion engine. That is why there are special means for flushing the engine, which will be discussed below. It should be noted that there are cases when flushing an engine with flushes is harmful and dangerous, as well as starting it in general. Therefore, in some cases, manual engine cleaning is the only option! For example, in this case:

That is, nothing will help here, except to disassemble and clean everything manually, along the way to analyze wear and tear and the possibility of further use of this engine.

Method 2. Flushing oils.

Designed for flushing the lubrication systems of automobile engines without their disassembly, when changing engine oil. Flushing oils have gained immense popularity in Russia. In the West, in mind the mentality "why would I spend extra money?" flushing oils have not gained much popularity.

Usually, flushing oil is an ordinary mineral, the simplest and cheapest oil - mineral water (why is it expensive there? Do not drive it.), To which detergent additives and anti-wear additives are added.

Here is a laboratory analysis of Lukoil flushing oil

That is, according to the analysis, we see that antiwear additives (Zinc phosphorus) and detergent neutralizing additives (calcium) are added. They are added in a much lower content than in standard motor oils. In fact, this flushing is in order to mix with the old oil that cannot be drained (in the crankcase as well as engine parts are still in dirty oil) and neutralize the acidic environment in the engine. All this merges with flushing - this is the main and main purpose of flushing oil. I'm afraid that it is not capable of washing a dirty engine in sludge or varnish ...

The principle of using flushing oils is something like this: Started the car, drove for 10-20 minutes at idle, drained the used engine oil, filled in the flushing oil in the same filling volume required by the automaker for engine oil, drove at idle for 10-20 minutes, drained the flushing oil and filled with fresh oil.

In the West, flushing oils have not taken root and are not in demand, there on the shelves you will not see flushing oils (for civil vehicles) of the brands Mobil, Shell, Castrol, etc. (BP met in Japan) - manufacturers voice the standard opinion “When using our motor oils, flush no engine required! And in their own way, motor oil manufacturers are right. If you buy a new car at a car dealership, change the oil more often (sometimes even more often than the official dealer requires), pour in good gasoline, then there will be no deposits in the engine! Why waste money? Spend it on ice cream for the kids! But unfortunately, not everyone has new cars, not everyone got a clean engine, and the intervals are not always strictly observed. It is for such cases that flushing oils exist.

In Russia, flushing oils are presented in a sufficient range. Because demand, in this case, gave rise to supply. For example, a very serious and large domestic company, Lukoil, does not consider it shameful to produce something that world manufacturers of motor oils disown. Also on the market are the brands Spectrol, Felix, Novoufimsky Refinery, XADO Verylube, Luxe, Volga oil, Sibtek, Unico, Rosneft, G-energy, ZIC, etc.

To pour or not to pour flushing oils - decide for yourself! I decided for myself that I don’t need them “money down the drain!”, And I adhere to the version “with reasonable shift intervals, flushing oils, like flushings, are not needed.” But if you've overstayed your oil change interval, for example, or bought a car with an unknown oil change history, flushing oil can help clean up acid residue that doesn't drain.

Method 3. Flushing the oil system or "five minutes".

There are also special “five-minute” flushes that are poured into the old oil when changing, the engine is allowed to run for 5-10-20 minutes (read the instructions!) And drained along with the used oil.

Among motorists in the Internet community, the generally accepted opinion is - "flushing" five minutes "- EVIL!" There are horror stories on the forums that “Five minutes wash off the pieces that fall off, clog the oil channels, clog the filter, the oil receiver mesh and the engine fails!” “Five minutes have a detrimental effect on gaskets and seals - and after flushing the engine will definitely “run”” “five minutes are not compatible with your future oil, they remain in the crankcase with a non-draining residue and spoil the next oil, as well as your engine”. I will not argue with these statements, especially since I myself once had the same opinion, I will simply show it clearly and lead the reader to a conclusion. See everything for yourself and with your own eyes!

Again we ask ourselves, does any of the manufacturers of motor oils make five minutes? There are Shell, Valvoline, Wynn's, Liqui Moly, Motul on sale - that is, some manufacturers, paying attention to the demand of motorists in a particular country, still produce five-minutes. I conducted two demonstrative experiments with washes of two well-known and fairly respected brands. Liqui Moly and Motul.

I conducted two demonstrative experiments with washes of two well-known and fairly respected brands. Liqui Moly and Motul.

Experiment 1 washing "10-minute" (German name Liqui Moly Pro-Line Motorspulung).

A 1994 Toyota Curren with a 3s-fe engine. The engine inside is very dirty - deposits such as varnish and sludge. We open the valve cover, photograph the condition under the valve cover - BEFORE. Then we drive with short shift intervals, applying a “five-minute” flush between shifts Liqui Moly Pro-Line Engine Flush. With this procedure, strictly follow the instructions on the bank. If it says “10 minutes at idle speed of the engine”, then we do it - this is important!

This amateur experiment, however, dragged on for exactly 1 year. The mode is mostly city traffic and some highways. The engine oil used was the North American Petro-Canada Supreme 5W-30 and Chevron Supreme 5W-30, common for gasoline engines with API SM (commonly semi-synthetic, but in fact a mineral water of the 2nd API group.). Gasoline was used the same from one refueling.

In this case, the interval between changes of 1500-2000 km was not chosen by chance - for the speed of the experiment and less influence on the experiment of the engine oil itself. 5 washings of the engine oil system were carried out - it took 5 cans. We open the engine and photograph the result

ExpCase 2 flushing 15 minutes Motul Engine Clean.

The car is the same Toyota Curren '94, 3s-fe engine. The mode is the same - city 80% and highway 20%.

5 shifts made, 5 wash cans used.
Toyota 5W30 SM + Motul Engine Clean = 3000km
Petro-Canada Supreme 5W30 SM + Motul Engine Clean = 3000km
Petro-Canada Duron Synthetic 0W30 + Motul Engine Clean = 3000km
Mobil1 0W40 Life + Motul Engine clean = 3000km
Petro-Canada Supreme 5W30 SM + Motul Engine Clean = 1000km

Comparing photos BEFORE and you can draw certain conclusions about the effectiveness of oil system flushes.

The reader may have a doubt “But what about the oil filter? After all, he will score! As the opening of each filter after each washing showed - inside they were clean - there were no serious accumulations!

And how does the engine feel after such flushes? Fine! Nothing ran anywhere and did not break - enough time has passed. Moreover! I did a laboratory analysis of engine oil for wear metals - the engine showed near zero wear.

Another example from our other forum member Belkovoda. A video where it is clearly shown how the “five-minute” washings are washed. They opened the engine, saw deposits, put it back together, washed it with a 15-minute flush according to the instructions, and opened it to see “What has changed?” And nothing has changed! This is not a miracle flush. In general, see for yourself in the video:

Method 4. Flushing with engine oil - as the most gentle flush.

There is also flushing the oil system with ordinary engine oil - in which nothing will definitely happen. This flush will be compatible with your engine, seals, gaskets, your future oil, etc.

The method is very simple: fill in your usual motor oil or the cheapest mineral water, the brand that you usually prefer (so as not to waste money), ride 500-1000 km on this oil and drain it. That's all! Just in case, you can change the oil filter. But there is one big BUT! Engine oil has a very low detergency! In fact, it can only endure particles that have already come off the walls - and the engine, as it was dirty, will remain so - or it takes a lot of time and thousands of kilometers according to the principle "water wears away a stone." You can sharpen this stone even 500 thousand km - which negates the engine oil flush. Do not think that you filled in oil, skated 1000 km and everything inside you shines. If the deposits are really serious, everything will remain the same as it was! I devoted a separate article to washing with engine oil, since I have many years of experience - I set up such experiments.

Conclusion

And so we have listed 4 main ways to flush the oil system. The most important thing to decide for yourself is whether you need to flush the engine?
Take a flashlight, unscrew the oil filler cap, look inside (or rather, remove the valve cover). If there is pure metal, then you have a clean engine and most likely you do not need any flushing. The neck walls are the same inner wall of the engine as all the others, moreover, located at the very top. Remember - flushing must have a base!

First, we make a diagnosis and answer ourselves the question: engine dirty or clean? And then we decide to treat or leave it as it is!

Washing a clean engine with flushes “For the sake of prevention” does not make sense! You spend money… It is better and more efficient in this case to change the oil not after 10,000 km, but after 7500 km! A clean engine will feel much better than after 10 thousand km with flushes!

Effective engine flush. Engine cleaning methods that really work

How to keep your engine lubrication system clean for years to come. After all, this factor is one of the most important for the health of the engine during the operation of the car. What is it for, let's see. Sludge, slag, carbon - all this is the result of the combustion process in the engine. When we buy a car, due to lack of time, money, etc., we simply forget about proper car maintenance. And this drags on for a long time, during which the sediment in the form of combustion products settles on engine parts. Due to which their friction increases - metal on metal, respectively, destruction occurs.

The oil filter does not always cope with its task and microparticles that do not fall under the filter begin to circulate in the engine, causing microscopic scratches, damage to the cylinder walls and bearings. Valves begin to stick, hydraulic lifters knock, pistons are disrupted, causing engine oscillations. Then the owner of the car wonders why the engine is eating oil in liters per 1000 km. where such a high fuel consumption. Here is the result of the car owner's inaction, see the picture below. This motor has not passed even 30,000 km. See what condition it's in.

Why flush the engine

What to do, you ask? And nothing to do, it is necessary to wash, that's all.
Many are skeptical about flushing the engine, for good reason. A lot of junk appeared on the market supposedly flushing, which in their composition have an ultra-high solvent and are in no way suitable for the engine. Don't pay attention to cheap washes.

DO NOT take the first one that comes across from the store shelf.
A good flush is a product that restores compression in the engine cylinders, effectively works to remove sludge and dirt, while not only letting it fall off, but also dissolving it so that it does not clog the channels and is easy to remove from the mixture system.
Also, a good flush should cover all microscopic defects in the motor, and restore both oil seals, and all rubber seals.

Pluses and minuses of washings for the engine.

Bad flush:
- Corrosion of the oil seal, as a result of engine leakage
- Loss of compression
- Increased oil consumption
- loss of power
- clogged channels in the engine

Benefits of a good flush:
- Restored engine compression (You can do a test before and after application)
- reduced fuel and oil consumption
- Sludge cleaning
- The car becomes more responsive, lighter
- Engine noise is reduced
- Has TUV RUF ROHS approval

Ways to clean a car engine

Let's look at several ways to effectively clean the engine of carbon deposits and sludge.

1. In parts stores, you can find such a product as, for example, motor oil with a viscosity of SAE 40. This is a seasonal summer product that has a fairly high detergency and effectively cleans the engine.

Drain the used engine oil and refill this oil without changing the oil filter. Start the engine and run at idle for about 15-30 minutes, you can ride a little.
Then drain the oil, most likely it will be black, as it will collect all the dirt that has collected on the walls, parts, etc. Repeat everything done earlier until the color of the oil is the same as you filled it.

This is one of the best ways to flush the engine, and after clean oil is drained, you will be sure that the engine is clean.
Result. After this method of washing in the engine of the problematic Ford Explorer 1992, oil and fuel consumption decreased, the engine began to run quieter, the car became smoother and more responsive.

2. The second way is to wash the engine well.
Flushing from Liquid Moli Engine flush - in the common people, has long deserved recognition. It is poured into the engine into the used oil, the engine warms up for about 10 minutes and then drains. Great product, easy to use and most importantly effective.

Always take it as a consumable when changing engine oil. Long-term flushing is also suitable here, if everything is completely bad.

Fill it up for 300 km. before the shift, the cleaning will already begin.

Lambda Oil Primer.

Here's another interesting and super effective car engine flush - Lambda Oil Primer.

This product is approved by TUV, ROHS and VAG. Works well in restoring engine compression. Many who used it simply craved to do a compression test before and after application. The results were excellent after washing. Perfect cleanliness and operation of the motor, as well as its subsequent protection.
It is applied in petrol and diesel engines. One of the best premium washes in the world.

As for the characteristics of the product:
Effectively cleans the oil lubrication system, preventing problems associated with the accumulation of sludge, dirt, deposits. After cleaning, clean oil in a clean engine is guaranteed for many kilometers.
It is applied both in the engine, and gearboxes and differentials. It contains a lubricant that protects mechanical parts during the cleaning process.
Suitable for all types of modern and old benz. and diz. engines. added to any motor oil.