Should I do an engine flush?

[Robk46]

Hi guys. I'm the original owner of a 1998 Dodge Caravan with the 3.3 liter engine. The car has 202k miles on it. I have changed the oil and filter every 5k miles since new with Pennzoil 10w30 (yellow bottle) and a Mopar or Purolator Pure one filter. The van runs great, with the exception of a lazy lifter at idle when warm. It's not an exhaust leak or flexplate noise, it's either a sticky lifter or a worn rocker. This is a roller motor, so I doubt the cam is worn with such low spring pressure. Anyway, I'd like to flush the engine at the next oil change. I've read up on using seafoam, a quart of Dextron, or kerosene. What do you guys recommend? There is no sludge in the engine, just figured it may help.

 

[BovineScapegoat]

Don't worry about flushing it. Your Pennzoil YB is good at keeping your engine clean. Or try Pennzoil Platinum for an OCI for a good cleaning.

 

[beast3300]

Just use the newer formula yellow bottle. It is labeled as 40% cleaning. Your engine isn't grimey so a cleaner may not do anything. I have ran the transmission fluid, and seafoam before with some decent cleaning. Out of the two the seafoam is much more aggressive.

 

[HTSS_TR]

If your oil level is a little low then add 1/2 to 1 quart MMO (Marvel Mystery Oil) to the crank case about 1k mile before oil change.

 

[Captain_Klink]

totally not necessary, and i wouldn't do it. your "cleaning" will increase the wear, without improving the longevity or function. "cleaning" was for the old days of bad carbuerators, poor engine design, badly worn engine leaking blowby into crankcase without a pcv system, etc. who says "they don't make them like they used to?" - they make them way better than used to, and modern engines are basically self cleaning, as long as you change the oil on a regular sensible basis. if you really want to do a good cleaning, buy some pennzoil ultra for your next oil change or two, that would be the best thing you could do. do NOT put solvents into a system designed for lubricants.

 

[Robk46]

I'll try Ultra and see what happens. The van runs so good, I don't want to mess anything up.

 

[Hermann]

If it's not broke, don't fix it. I would not even swith to syn. JMO

 

[Durango]

Robk46,

As part of it's normal service my dealership flushes my Dodge motor annualy before an oil change using some brand called MOC. No issues encounterd since they began taking care of my Durango 4.7 V-8. I use Mobil 1 as a standard. Maybe it doesn't need it but either way it's been fine.

If your motors pretty clean then it's up to you but I see no reason why you shouldn't do it once in it's lifetime.

Durango

 

[NHHEMI]

Originally Posted By: Robk46
Hi guys. I'm the original owner of a 1998 Dodge Caravan with the 3.3 liter engine. The car has 202k miles on it. I have changed the oil and filter every 5k miles since new with Pennzoil 10w30 (yellow bottle) and a Mopar or Purolator Pure one filter. The van runs great, with the exception of a lazy lifter at idle when warm. It's not an exhaust leak or flexplate noise, it's either a sticky lifter or a worn rocker. This is a roller motor, so I doubt the cam is worn with such low spring pressure. Anyway, I'd like to flush the engine at the next oil change. I've read up on using seafoam, a quart of Dextron, or kerosene. What do you guys recommend? There is no sludge in the engine, just figured it may help.


I would recommend using the Seafoam vs the other 2 if you want to try to see if something will help free the lifter up( if it is in fact that and not the rocker or some other issue ). About 50-75 miles before your next planned OC add the appropriate amount of Seafoam( 1 1/2ounce p/qt of oil used as I recall )and then hit the highway for a good 20 miles jaunt( no need to beat on it just set CC and go ). If it helps do the OC anyway and then do it again.

If there is something causing the lifter to stick or is blocking oil flow to it this should help it out. No harm should be done by using it anyway. I have used Seafoam for this exact scenario myself many times. Sometimes it is something it can fix( gunk )and sometimes it is a part failure which it can't. Won't hurt to try.

Good OC schedule, oil, and filter selection.

 

[ps49556n]

How much longer are you planning on keeping the van? Honestly tho, regardless of whether you intend on selling the van or keeping it, why not just get the lifter or rocker replaced? As far as your maintenance schedule it sounds like you know what you are doing.

 

[mechtech2]

If it ticks when warm, cleaning will make it worse.
It will have even more clearance to leak out of a leaky lifter.