A-Rx ?

demarpaint · Jul 1, 2008

Well I am about 1/2 way through the A-Rx clean phase in treating my 160 K Ford Aerostar, and I must say its been uneventful to this point, (fortunately). The oil still appears to be clean, but I know most of the fireworks take place in the rinse phase.

My plan was to change the filter out at 1250 miles into the clean phase top off with oil and then dump the oil and filter at 2500 miles and fill with fresh dino oil and a new filter, as per instructions.

My question: Since the oil is still visably clean, should I let the filter go the full 2500 miles? Then during the rinse phase change the filter at the halfway point (which I was planning anyway)?

Thanks
Frank D

jonny-b · Jul 1, 2008

It should be no problem going the 2500 miles without filter change.
Most probably, you won't need a filterchange during the 3000 mile rinse phase, either.
However, just to be on the safe side, it would be wise to have an extra filter in the car, if the oil lamp suddenly goes on.

Rick20 · Jul 1, 2008

I agree with jonney-b. Unless you have a large build up of pudding type sludge, your oil filter should be good for 2500 miles. I would still pay attention to seeing what the filter holds after the cleaning phase. It could be loaded up pretty heavy and the filter might well be much tighter than it started out, keeping the appearance of your oil looking clean.

Quest · Jul 1, 2008

uneventful during clean phase? Wait til you get into the rinse phase.

Q.

ConfederateTyrant · Jul 1, 2008

I wouldn't bother replacing the filter. My entire Auto-RX treatment was uneventful, so I know what you mean.

GROUCHO MARX · Jul 1, 2008

Some people sound disappointed at "uneventful"?

demarpaint · Jul 1, 2008

Originally Posted By: GROUCHO MARX
Some people sound disappointed at "uneventful"?

No actually happy, the engine was probably cleaner than I thought. Maybe it was the pint of MMO dropped in for the last 500-1000 miles of each OCI for the past few years, or maybe it was the 3000 mile OCI's? Either way I will follow the plan. Now for my new Jeep, 4 ounce dose with each OCI should keep it squeaky clean.

Frank D

sprintman · Jul 2, 2008

Short trips or long trips?

demarpaint · Jul 2, 2008

Mixed driving, but most of the trips were averaging about 20 miles one way so the engine had plenty of time to warm up. Nice highway ride in the morning and traffic on the way home.

There is still the possibility that a ton of [censored] could come out in the rinse cycle, time will tell.

Frank D

sprintman · Jul 2, 2008

Needs hot oil to work. Drive it like you stole it

PW01 · Jul 2, 2008

I've never replaced the filter during the cleaning phase, it's just loosening it for the rinse phase.

demarpaint · Jul 2, 2008

Thanks for the replies, since the oil still appears clean I will leave the filter alone and continue driving. I'll save the extra filter for the rinse phase.

Frank D

demarpaint · Jul 2, 2008

As a side note: I read so much about people switching to "thinner oils" for better economy etc. I wonder if during the rinse phase if a thinner dino oil than you normally use would help clean the [censored] out of an engine? I realize you would have to check more frequently for consumption, but wouldn't the "thinner" oil get into the dirty areas easier? Eg: going from a 10W-40 to a 10w30, or from a 5w30 to a 5W-20? Then go back to the normal oil once the process is complete?

Just a thought,
Frank D

ConfederateTyrant · Jul 3, 2008

Only disappointed that it took a year to finish the treatment, and nothing was gained out of it.

INDYMAC · Jul 3, 2008

Originally Posted By: ConfederateTyrant
Only disappointed that it took a year to finish the treatment, and nothing was gained out of it.

I'm surprised that nothing improved. Usually we hear about valve trains cleaning up, sludge getting cleaned, noises going away, compression improving, gas mileage increasing, UOA's improving, etc. None of these things happened after two treatments? I can imagine how disappointed you are.

I'm personally noticing several of these things going on with my three cars, but I'm not quite done with any of them yet.

GEWB · Jul 3, 2008

Originally Posted By: ConfederateTyrant
Only disappointed that it took a year to finish the treatment, and nothing was gained out of it.

Well, at least you know the engine is clean!

I'm 2k miles into my clean phase and like you nothing seems to have changed - which I take as a good thing - it means I've been doing things right.

I'll finish the 3k cleaning next weekend and the 3k rinse the first weekend in August.

Regards,
GEWB

A-Rx ?

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