Need suggestions on an oil system flush

[branshew]

Long time lurker, first time poster

I have 2 VW/Audi 1.8t engines (both in great shape thanks to regular synthetic oil changes and Auto RX) so I am familiar with potential sludge problems. This past weekend the wife's friend brought her Passat over with the same 1.8t in it. I was looking at the internals through the oil fill slot on the top of the engine and it didn't look good at all. I could see considerable black carbon buildup on the camshaft and around the inside areas that were visable. While I realize that I am only looking at the top of the valve cover area, I didn't get a good feeling about what I saw, especially knowing the problem history of this engine type.

I was going to start her on a treatment of Auto Rx, but I was wondering if I should use some sort of more radical flush technique first. I have heard of people putting 50/50 kerosene & oil mixture and running the car for 5 minutes. I have looked at some of the flushes available at parts stores, but before I risk something bad I'm wondering if that would be a good idea. I don't want to risk breaking a seal or dislodging too much gunk and having it clog the screen.

The car has approx 75K miles on it and the engine runs good w/ no abnormal noises. I have no way of testing oil pressure.

Any thoughts and comments would be appreciated.

 

[Dick in Falls Church]

I've had no problems with AMSOIL engine flush for some 25 years. BG also makes a good quick flush.
I'd not put kerosene in the oil.

 

[HondaF1Fanatic]

I would just use AutoRX, it is gentle and will gradually soften and dissolve the sludge so it doesn't let lose any large chunks that may clog oil passages, screens, and pickups.

Jon

 

[branshew]

I know that a lot of the "snake oil" system flush products on store shelves are up to 85% kerosene. Any ideas what the Amsoil and BG are using for their solvents?

 

[wsm41bn]

Almost all of them are kerosene. What i do is add 2 gallons of it after i drain the oil, then [ull the coil wire crank it over for 2 15 sec period's andits done, iot has worked well in the past for me

 

[J_R]

Here is a thread with info on the Amsoil flush.

http://theoildrop.server101.com/forums/s...ge=1#Post885211

 

[glenncof]

I worry about quick fix solutions.

Most common example is high mileage automatic transmissions with no fluid changes that get flushed and start failing shortly thereafter. Different than motor oil but same idea.

On engine oil, I prefer short/frequent change intervals. I've seen the oil come out cleaner over many intervals. Use inexpensive oil/filters.

It probably cost more and definitely takes more time. Then I extend the change interval over time. I also monitor oil consumption as dirty engines seem to consume more.

 

[branshew]

Quote:

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Almost all of them are kerosene. What i do is add 2 gallons of it after i drain the oil,

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Man - how many quarts does that powerwagon hold?

Quote:

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then pull the coil wire crank it over for 2 15 sec period's and its done, it has worked well in the past for me

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I don't think that the VW would like that method. It would easily throw a CEL if I tried to turn it w/ no spark like that.