Why Use an Engine Oil Flush

Fact Sheet 117

Fact Sheet. 117

Why Use an
Engine Oil Flush?

Vehicle manufacturers always provide us with recommended service/oil change intervals. These intervals
are clearly set out in the vehicle owners handbook. What is not so clear in the handbooks is that the
recommended time between service intervals should be reduced under severe operating conditions. Very few
of us operate our vehicles under ideal conditions. Severe conditions are described as:
Stop-start city operation
Continuous high-speed operation
Long periods of engine idling
Over-extending the engine oil capability
The use of an engine oil of lower performance than that recommended by the vehicle manufacturer
Prolonged operation in dusty environments
High mileage engines
Extended periods of caravan/trailer towing
Generally we service our vehicles according to the recommended service/oil change intervals. This often means
that the oil is pushed past its optimum service life resulting in undesirable deposits forming in the engine.

Effects of Engine Deposit Problems

These deposits may be in the form of sludge, usually found in the cooler areas of the engine, or coke or
varnish deposits, which tend to form in the hotter areas.
Sludge deposits tend to be relatively soft and are usually found in the engine crankcase and sump, as well
as in the tappet, cam and/or valley covers (on Vee configuration engines). In extreme cases, when these
deposits form in the bottom end of the engine they can partially (or in some cases completely) block the oil
pump pick-up screen and oil ways, resulting in reduced oil supply and subsequent damage to critical engine
components. Sludge deposits around the valve operating mechanism may result in sticking valves, and
any reduction in oil flow to hydraulic tappets can affect their operation, resulting in noisy operation and/or
reduced engine performance. A reduction in oil flow to these components may also result in premature wear
of the lifters.
Coke or varnish deposits tend to be hard and are primarily a result of oil oxidation. As mentioned, they are
usually found in the hotter areas of the engine on piston skirts, piston under-crowns and piston ring-belt and
ring grooves. In the piston ring area, these deposits cause ring sticking which can result in loss of power
and/or increased oil consumption and engine fuming. Piston under-crowns rely solely on oil flow to provide
cooling in this area and deposits formed tend to reduce heat transfer from these critical areas. This reduced
heat transfer contributes to general oil oxidation (oil degradation).

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Why Use an Engine Oil Flush

Fact Sheet 117

Engine Oil Flushing

Where vehicles show evidence of any of sludge, coke or varnish, engine oil flushing prior to an engine oil
change will be beneficial in removing some engine deposits, and thus assist in restoring vehicle performance.
In such engines, flushing prior to an oil change assists in reducing engine deposits, especially the softer
sludge deposits. In addition, a reduction in the amount of harder deposits in the ring-belt and ring grooves
may also be achieved. Reductions in sludge deposits provide benefits in restoring normal internal engine oil
flow to critical areas of main and big-end bearings, cylinder walls, piston skirts, con rod little ends and piston
under-crowns. This restoration of oil flow assists in preventing premature (or additional) wear of critical
components. Also, any reduction of ring groove deposits helps to allow the rings to move freely in their
grooves, thus assisting to restore engine performance. Similarly, any reduction in sludge deposits around the
valve mechanism, coupled with improved oil flow and sludge reduction in the hydraulic tappets will also help
in restoring engine performance. In addition, flushing can reduce sludge build-up around engine oil seals and
may free-up these seals to operate normally and reduce external oil leaks. Reduction of engine deposits can
also assist in restoring the performance of pollution-control devices fitted to engines to allow for a cleaner
operating environment.
Please note: For heavily sludged engines or vehicles with no prior service history, engine oil flush should not
be used until the condition of the engine is established. For these circumstances perform multiple short drain
oil changes (1500-2500km) using a good quality detergent-dispersant based engine oil such as heavy duty
diesel engine oil. Please always refer to the owners manual before adding heavy duty diesel engine oil. Engine
oil flush can be used with a provision oil that the pick up and the oil pump performance is regularly monitored
during the duration of cleaning. Monitor oil light or oil pressure at all times.

Flushing Procedure
When using a flushing additive, it is imperative that the correct procedure and directions are followed to obtain
the desired result. Prior to the addition of the oil flush additive, the engine should be brought up to normal
operating temperature to gain maximum effectiveness from the treatment. The additive should be added
to the old engine oil prior to change and the engine operated under a no load situation during the flushing
operation. During the flushing operation, the engine should be operated for the additive manufacturers
recommended time period. At the conclusion of the treatment, the engine oil and the flushing additive should
be drained, the engine refilled with the correct grade and quality of oil and the engine oil filter should be
changed. In all cases, it cannot be stressed highly enough that the directions for use for an engine oil flushing
additive be closely followed to achieve the desired results and to avoid problems.

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Nulon Products Australia Pty Ltd
17 Yulong Close Moorebank NSW 2170
Freecall: 1800 679 922

www.nulon.com.au
info@nulon.com.au

Why Use an Engine Oil Flush

Fact Sheet 117

So why use an Engine Oil Flush?

Certain engines are more prone to sludge formation than others.
Certain oils tend to support sludge and deposit formation more readily than others.
Older, worn engines tend to produce more deposits.
Climatic conditions can contribute to sludge deposit formation.
Where engines are suffering from problems of sludge and coke or varnish deposits, they are being robbed
of performance. Sludge and deposit formation is often evidenced by excessive oil usage, engine fuming, oil
leaks and noisy operation of valve gear.
As it is impossible to see inside an engine, it is good practice to use an engine oil flush as a precaution.
Using Nulon Engine Oil Flush coupled with the correct oil and filter changes will result in a reduction of these
deposits and will help prolong engine life.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

QQ Who should use an engine oil flush?
AA It is fair to say that anyone who is conscientious about car maintenance will benefit from using an
engine oil flush in the long term. This is particularly so if the vehicle is to be kept for more than 80,000
km, or if it has already travelled more than 80,000 km and has an unknown history. Anyone who
operates a vehicle under severe conditions will also benefit.

QQ Will an engine oil flush completely clean the inside of my engine?

AA No. Using an engine oil flush will help remove recently accumulated sludge and will help to reduce
hard carbon deposits. If a product were aggressive enough to remove all engine deposits, it could
also destroy critical oil seals. To achieve maximum benefit from an engine oil flush it should be used
with each oil change.

QQ I have heard that using an engine flush can lead to increased oil
consumption. Is this so?
AA The answer is no. However, if the engine is worn and heavily contaminated around the piston rings, oil
consumption may increase until the rings have freed up.

QQ Can engine oil flush be used in diesel or LPG engines?

AA Yes.

QQ Can I drive my car while the engine oil flush is in the engine?
AA We recommend against doing so because the oil is already at the end of its service life. The engine
oil flush will further dilute the oil, so there is a remote possibility that bearing damage could occur if
the vehicle were driven, particularly if it were under load.

QQ If I use engine oil flush, does this mean I can extend my oil change intervals?
AA No. While the use of engine oil flush will improve the working environment in which the oil operates,
it does not necessarily mean that the oil will last longer. Extending oil change intervals will increase
sludge and deposit formation. Follow the manufacturers recommendations and shorten the intervals
if the engine is operated under severe conditions.

www.nulon.com.au
Nulon Products Australia Pty Ltd
17 Yulong Close Moorebank NSW 2170
Freecall: 1800 679 922

www.nulon.com.au
info@nulon.com.au