BG Dynamic Engine Cleaner - Low Viscosity?

[AdmiralYoda]

New to me used vehicle. 2006 Toyota Tacoma w/4.0L 1GR-FE. 280k miles. Truck is in great shape and engine runs great but it is diiiiiiiiirty. It has sat for extended period over the last 10 years and hasn't had the OCI's it probably should have its whole life. I want to give the BG Dynamic Engine Cleaner oil system a shot.

I've seen plenty of videos and the before/after results look pretty good. People mention "this oil is a little thin" when they pour it but other than that, no obvious concerns are mentioned. I looked at the datasheet.....holy thin sauce batman!

BG Dynamic Engine Cleaner
Viscosity, cSt @ 100°C = 6.2
Viscosity, cSt @ 40°C = 18.9

BG Dynamic Rinse Oil
Viscosity, cSt @ 100°C = 8.19
Viscosity, cSt @ 40°C = 46.52

The engine cleaner viscosity is close to a 0W-8!!! Mobil 1's 0W-8 is listed with a viscosity of 5.0/23.0 (100C/40C). The rinse oil is pretty close to a 0W-20.

Now the oil isn't intended to be driven with under load but you are instructed to run it at 3000-3500rpm in neutral for 30 or so minutes. Does the viscosity of these give anyone worries? Perhaps it is so thin because it is going to get loaded up with junk fairly quickly and thicken up? Thoughts?

 

[RDY4WAR]

Forget the flushes and supplements. If you have to add something to your oil, you're using the wrong oil. If cleaning is the goal, Valvoline Restore and Protect is budget friendly. If you don't mind spending the extra, HPL PCMOs run very clean.

 

[rijndael]

The 1GR engines do tend to sludge up a bit, but I have seen good results with Restore and Protect in them. I can't comment on the BG.

 

[buster]

VRP, Mobil 1 Advanced Clean

 

[UGASpike]

Unless there is actual pudding in your sump, I would run any of the above suggestions. Valvoline Restore and Protect being choice # 1 for short intervals.

 

[JavierH19]

How much oil does it burn. I'd probably just run mobil euro 30/40 oil since they can clean well. RP 5w-30 would be good too.

 

[The Critic]

Forget the flushes and supplements. If you have to add something to your oil, you're using the wrong oil. If cleaning is the goal, Valvoline Restore and Protect is budget friendly. If you don't mind spending the extra, HPL PCMOs run very clean.

This is a completely different concept. Two part flush and it actually seems to work.

 

[buster]

"BG Recently released a new product line.
BG Dynamic Engine Cleaner & Rinse Oil
PN 103, will thoroughly clean the crankcase and the entire lubrication system. Then BG Dynamic Engine Cleaner Rinse Oil, PN PE04, will remove the cleaner and suspended residue to complete the service. This service will remove even the most stubborn engine oil deposits and buildup.
Features:
Removes oil sludge and varnish
Restores compression
Harmless to oil pumps, seals and gaskets
Here are some before and after pictures.
Some truly remarkable results, won't you agree?
Contact your rep for a demonstration.
2002 Toyota Tacoma 3.5 ..149415 miles"

 

[Pablo]

I say do it. 280K? Definitely run the BG

 

[AdmiralYoda]

How much oil does it burn. I'd probably just run mobil euro 30/40 oil since they can clean well. RP 5w-30 would be good too.

Don't know yet. Because it has sat for a long time it needs some maintenance. Tires, brakes, etc so it will be a while before this hits the road. Father/son project for his first car.

Valvoline Restore and Protect 5W-30 will be the forever oil but I was hoping to clean it via BG's 2-part oil cleaning system. 4-5 OCI's of Valvoline Restore and Protect will take about 6 years for this truck. I'm too impatient.

 

[ARB1977]

Here’s my beloved 15 Tacoma 4.0L at 137K. Bought it used with 30K. Ran Amsoil XL for 5500-6500 miles.

 

[Sequoiasoon]

Search on YT, I think I linked 1-2 from "watch JR go" where he cleaned his dodge dart. then there was others recommended on sides. If it's a real sludge monster I'd be tempted to try it. If not gooped up then maybe other like BG EPR, Liquimoly and then the Valvoline Restore and Protect.

Can you borescope it top and bottom to see how it looks and share? At least to borescope top and bottom to share before and after. I think you can borrow the borescope from stores. If not an inexpensive Amazon one.

 

[RooflessVW]

BG Dynamic Engine Cleaner works. Back in the day there was a kit for the VW 1.8T that added a very large external oil filter.

It works, but it is a very drastic measure and I question the need.

 

[panthermike]

Interested to hear how it helps you if you go that route. I was looking it up, seems pretty good but $300..holy moses!

 

[CleanSump]

BG advertised they developed it for VW to use at dealerships when they had a sludge problem. It is proven.
I'd go with HPL cleaner and then Valvoline Restore and Protect or HPL oils, but if you feel the need to try BG, go for it.

 

[AdmiralYoda]

Thanks all for the suggestions. Whether I do it or not remains to be seen.....my big take away was the super low viscosity of this stuff. Basically a 0W-8 clean it, then a 0W-20 to rinse it.

 

[UncleDave]

Thanks all for the suggestions. Whether I do it or not remains to be seen.....my big take away was the super low viscosity of this stuff. Basically a 0W-8 clean it, then a 0W-20 to rinse it.

I wouldn't worry about the viscosity I'd worry about sludge movement.

People have been flushing engines with diesel and kerosene for decades, comparatively 0W-8 is thick.
There is minimal load being put on the engine.

If at all possible Im a clean it slowly guy and cut the filters to observe loading. Im worried about chunks getting stuck places using fast techniques but sometimes you need to try to fix something and you need to go hard.

Please share with us what you do.

 

[AdmiralYoda]

Still a ways away from putting this truck into service. I need to buy a new boroscope anyway so I'll check further under the valve covers and into the oil pan. Mostly varnish and some minor sludge visible from the oil fill cap so I can't call it a sludge monster with any certainty. If it is a sludge monster I'll go the BG Dynamic Engine Cleaner route. If it is just "dirty" I'll go with a few BG EPR flush and short OCI's to see how it goes.

The truck is in really good shape for its age/miles and has a new frame and new front/rear suspension all covered by recall. The previous owner had all this work done about 10 years ago and then parked it a few months after because his (original) clutch started slipping at 280k miles while towing a boat. Friend of the family so best part is the cost....FREE!!! He is happy to get it out of his yard at this point. Comes with a new Toyota clutch and flywheel too!

Since this truck has a lot of potential I'm going to give this the best chance its got. I'm hoping it will get my son through college.