Fast Marina Magazine

Hi All,

I've heard different things about oil changes.

\i've heard that flushing is good, and that flushing is bad...

Also that sludge build up is really bad...

My oil is quite black and feels OK, but I don't know when it was last changed.

I will deffinitely change the filter, but I'm not sure about flushing... whether to put cheap oil in for a week then change, or use a proprietry engine flush from Halfrauds or Motor Land...

I have put a poll on to see what opinions people have before I change the oil...

For now I have put in some STP additive and topped it up which I am happy with for the short term, but I will change the oil and filter next month..

Any advice would be appreciated and it might, just might, make interesting reading for other members..

Thanks

Trevor

flush with regular oil or additive..some say the additive is moreless regular diesel.

Some also recomend using diesel for flushing..
Blend diesel and oil 50/50 using the old oil in engine, run at idle for 10min and then drain and fill up with normal oil.. I have never tried myself.. but apparently it loosen all kinds of gunk..

Anyway you can never do too many oilchanges

I would just use regular cheap oil for a week and then change oil and filter.

I use Diesel to flush my engines, maybe once every 4 or 5 years.it works and doesnt cost a whole lot,and the advantage of diesel being clear is that I can see just how dirty the insides are or are not, as the case maybe!

Hi, Thanks Britax.

I bought a can of 5.99 engine flush a couple of years back, opened it and though... Mmmmm that smells of diesel????! I could have paid £1 and got a litre!

I'm not sure if there are any other 'ingredients' that make it worth while...?

One thing is for sure - Dont Drive with the flush in the system!!!!

Hi XER509L

When you say flush with diesel, because it's clear, do you mean empty all the oil then put in 4 litres of Diesel?

How much should I use?? Also how long should I run the engine with the diesel in?

Thanks

Trev.

XER905L wrote:I use Diesel to flush my engines, maybe once every 4 or 5 years.it works and doesnt cost a whole lot,and the advantage of diesel being clear is that I can see just how dirty the insides are or are not, as the case maybe!

sounds scary as diesel (even if it lubricates) have a lott less lube effect and resistance than engine-oil. If you don't plan to use your car as an everyday-car i would have gone for a proper engine flush and oil/filter change everytime. The money you save on this would be very little during a year if you only use the car randomly.

Had a BAD experience using cheap oil in a MB 280 with owerhead-cams. The cam-lobes wore through their hardening . new cam = £300 + all the work involved. £300 thats a LOT of good quality oil !!!

Thanks Norway_Triumph...

The Poll is suggesting a small can of diesel based flush. I have heard its bad to get rid of 'protective' sludge ? what the hell, I'm going to go with the Majority and use a good flush - with a 20 minute fast idle...

Then I'm going to use a new filter and the best quality 20-50 I can find.

Any suggestions on good oil for these engines? I was looking at the Halfords one in a steel tin, dark green in colour...

PS this is my Daily car, so it will be regularly used...

I always do oil changes on a warm engine.If its time for a flush I use about 4 litres of diesel and let the engine idle for a few minutes, never more than 5.It sure comes out dirty,but whether i have all the gunk inside is another matter.......
Duckhams make a great classic oil for older cast iron engines like Marinas have.Low quality oil never saved anybody any money unless the plan is to sell the car fast.For a long life and minimal engine wear a good oil that is not too thin is essential

Thanks XER905L,

Yeah always change oil when warm.

I think the oil in Halfords is Duckams for Classics / cast Iron engines... seems like the one to go for.

I might try 3 ltrs diesel, 1 litre cheap clean oil... just incase!

5 minutes idle then drain out thouroughly!

Thanks

Trev.

I only use Duckhams Q, there were articles at the time which said that it gave up to 50% more protection than Castrol of the same period.

Thanks Chris,

Duckhams Q it is then.

Also the majority has swung to just change the oil without flushing.

Any reasons why I shouldn't flush it?

Its all a gimmick really to spend more money , besides if you change it regularly enough you shouldnt need to flush it ! And from experience cleaning a 30 year old worn engine only seems to enhance any knocking noises that it might have had ! If it seems ok leave it until any sort of rebuild !

Thanks Jim, Good advice,

I'm not sure that I would want to 'Enhance' my engine noise!

I might just drain the oil, put in 4 litres of Tesco Value 20-50 (82p per litre) drive carefully for a few days then change oil and filter for duckhams Q 20-50.

This will remove more loose black gunk without removing it from the working surfaces....

Has anyone else seen Tesco Value oil??? :roll:

Morrisons also do very cheap 20 50 oil.

I went in and bought 5 ltrs milk and a Gallon of oil (That's 4.54ltrs for you young ones)

The oil was cheaper than the milk!!

Seems to work well in my triumph!

PMSL as long as you dont put the 20-50w on your cornflakes and pasteurised in your engine, all will be OK!

Thanks for all advice above. I think I know what to do for the best now.

Trevor.