Additive to clean the inside of the engine

[balbsg]

Hello,

My daughter's 2001 Solara is coming up on an oil change at 90K miles. What additive do you recommend to put in to clean out the gunk inside the engine before the oil change? Right now I can only think of Techron fuel system cleaner, but that's for the fuel system. Are there any others to clean all the other gunk out?

I know I heard that cleaning the gunk out may cause clogs somewhere else...I guess I'll take that chance.

[71Corolla]

If you have been doing regular oil changes, you probably don't need any additive. The best way to clean the internals of an engine are to simply use a synthetic oil, over time (several oil changes at least) the varnish etc. will slowly be dissolved.

Another method I use is to put in a high mileage/high detergent oil and add a bottle of Seafoam. Drive like that for 200-300 miles, then change your oil again.

[nitronate33]

proper oil changes should require no additive. any sludge build-up EVER means something is wrong or proper maintenance has not occurred.

but i would agree with the post above that synthetic will help if there is any fear that their might be some buildup.

[balbsg]

The car seems to be running fine. I just want to run something extra on it since the mileage is getting up there. I've read about Seafoam and want to try that out a little at a time. Thanks for the suggestions guys!

[BamZipPow]

I've used Auto-RX with good results.

[carsrus]

90k is nothing for this engine. If you change conventional oil every 3-4k your doing more then enough to keep the engine clean.

If you want to run synthetic/syn blend. But unless you have popped the valvecover and see gunk there is no need to do anything different.

[Zembonez]

There are any number of engine flushes available at the local auto parts store. It will not hurt the engine to use one of them according to the manufacturer's instructions prior to the next oil change if it makes you feel better about the inside condition of the engine.

[mburnickas]

Originally Posted by BamZipPow

I've used Auto-RX with good results.

Use MMO since ARX worked short time in a minvan for me and a pressure washer...Both stopped then leaked again..high price..

[Mister_Perkins]

A lot of people will probably recommend running some Sea-Foam in there as well.

I've ran ATFII inside the engine as well. I put about 1/2 a quart in there and run the engine until normal operating temperature. Then turn it off and drain the oil.

The only problem with adding things into the engine is that if you have a lot of sludge built up, the ATF Will aggressively break it off and you can risk clogging the oil passages and then your engine will not be properly lubricated. After a few hundred to thousand miles you can ruin the engine.

Just be very careful when using any additive to clean the engine, because like I said it ruin your day and your wallet.

[WaxonWaxStillOn]

I'm not so sure there is such a thing as confidently knowing an engine with 90k miles that's 10 years old has not gotten any unhealthy buildup, regardless of regular oil changes (which imo is unlikely someone will always do between 3-4k miles during the span of a decade.)

Given the difference between oils, driving habits/styles of different drivers, temperature ranges of an engine (including overheating or low oil episodes), crappy filters used by cheap oil change facilities, unchanged fuel and air filters, gas station fuel storage tank impurities etc. etc....I think doing something to clean the engine is a good thing.

But like Mr. Perkins said, if you get too aggressive, it can create problems, which is counter-productive to the goals of cleaning it in the first place.

It's taken 10 years and 90k miles to accumulate, be patient in cleaning it.

[ShawnTRD]

Replace about 1/2 QT of your oil with Marvel Mystery Oil when filling up. It not to aggressive and you will see your oil gets dirty much sooner then normal. As it's cleaning the breaking down deposits of carbon and sludge.

http://www.marvelmysteryoil.com/index.php/site/mmo/
Added to Engine Oil

Marvel should be added to your engine oil at every oil change. In a traditional automobile engine with a 5 quart oil capacity, simply replace one of the engine oil quarts with a quart of Marvel. For your convenience, MM13R is the quart size of Marvel Mystery Oil® and can be found at most automotive parts and supply retailers and mass merchants. Marvel is also safe and effective to use with synthetic and synthetic-blend motor oils.

When added to engine oil, Marvel reduces and prevents valve sticking and clatter by breaking down harmful deposits of carbon and sludge. Oftentimes, valve sticking can be identified by a "ticking" sound coming from the engine compartment when the engine is running. This ticking sound will increase and decrease with the speed of the engine.

Marvel fortifies the properties of motor oil, both traditional and synthetic. Marvel prevents oil breakdown caused by extreme temperatures. In addition, Marvel promotes easier cold weather starting with its extremely low pour point of (-65) Fahrenheit and ability to eliminate oil's tendency to congeal at low temperatures.

Sludge build-up in newer and older engines can result in lower performance and life expectancy. Marvel will prevent sludge build-up from occurring in new engines and removes sludge from older engines. In newer engines, Marvel protects against scoring or seizing and creates a highly polished, wear resistant finish on engine surfaces. Your new engine will remain clean and your older engine will thank you for cleaning the insides.

[visch1]

Originally Posted by ShawnTRD

Replace about 1/2 QT of your oil with Marvel Mystery Oil when filling up. It not to aggressive and you will see your oil gets dirty much sooner then normal. As it's cleaning the breaking down deposits of carbon and sludge.

http://www.marvelmysteryoil.com/index.php/site/mmo/
Added to Engine Oil

Marvel should be added to your engine oil at every oil change. In a traditional automobile engine with a 5 quart oil capacity, simply replace one of the engine oil quarts with a quart of Marvel. For your convenience, MM13R is the quart size of Marvel Mystery Oil® and can be found at most automotive parts and supply retailers and mass merchants. Marvel is also safe and effective to use with synthetic and synthetic-blend motor oils.

When added to engine oil, Marvel reduces and prevents valve sticking and clatter by breaking down harmful deposits of carbon and sludge. Oftentimes, valve sticking can be identified by a "ticking" sound coming from the engine compartment when the engine is running. This ticking sound will increase and decrease with the speed of the engine.

Marvel fortifies the properties of motor oil, both traditional and synthetic. Marvel prevents oil breakdown caused by extreme temperatures. In addition, Marvel promotes easier cold weather starting with its extremely low pour point of (-65) Fahrenheit and ability to eliminate oil's tendency to congeal at low temperatures.

Sludge build-up in newer and older engines can result in lower performance and life expectancy. Marvel will prevent sludge build-up from occurring in new engines and removes sludge from older engines. In newer engines, Marvel protects against scoring or seizing and creates a highly polished, wear resistant finish on engine surfaces. Your new engine will remain clean and your older engine will thank you for cleaning the insides.

YOU HAVE TO WORK FOR EM!

[Skiermang]

Originally Posted by balbsg

Hello,

My daughter's 2001 Solara is coming up on an oil change at 90K miles. What additive do you recommend to put in to clean out the gunk inside the engine before the oil change? Right now I can only think of Techron fuel system cleaner, but that's for the fuel system. Are there any others to clean all the other gunk out?

I know I heard that cleaning the gunk out may cause clogs somewhere else...I guess I'll take that chance.

Assuming regular oil changes, chances are good there is no gunk inside the engine. Take off the valve cover if you're really serious at seeing if there's an issue or not.