Yay or nay?

[moribundman]

Should I replace 1/2 quart of my engine oil with MMO, drive the car for a couple hundred miles to clean some deposts out, then change the oil and filter? Someone I know swears by this method, and he says he does this once a year. Supposedly the MMO has a great detergent in it.

I'm wondering how much the additional MMO would thin out the engine oil (M1 0W-40). The motor has 124k miles on it.

Should I give it a shot, or not?

 

[Spector]

If the engine is operating fine I would not do anything different. Most additives are for a last resort before big bucks approach to a problem. You do not seem to be having a problem and if it ain't broke don't fix it. IMO

 

[JohnBrowning]

I used to do that every 30,000-50,000 miles when I used conventional oil. I would put 4 quarts of fresh oil in the engine and 1 quart of MMO and drive it like normal for 500 miles then drain and refill. I also tried 15 minute flush's like B-12.I have never had a problem with this. I think that flush's are ok in a well maintained vechile and if they are not frequent. Frequent use of solvents are not good for any part of the engine. SInce I switched to synthetics I use a flush a lot less often. With synthetics I pretty much do not bother with a flush unless I am going to be pulling the timeing cover or pan for a belt or tensioner. Know that I know about things like Auto-RX and Nuetra 131 I doubt I will ever use a harsh solvent again. I would frown on useing a flush every single oil change that is a bit much for seals and bearings.

 

[moribundman]

Hmm, so I get both popular views, huh? Maybe I'll just toss a coin. ;-)

The reason why I am considering using the MMO method is that I removed the throttle body a few thousand miles ago, and it was quite varnished at about 122k miles. I would think that other engine parts also show some nasty deposits.

 

[JohnBrowning]

Instead of useing plain petrolem solvents consider trying Auto-Rx or Nuetra 131. If cost is a factor and you want a multipurpose formula try 131. I think it is like $12 a gallon. You can use 131 in your fuel and in the crank case. Lube Control is also highly recomended. I have used Auto-RX and I got mixed results 1st treatment on engine nothing realy great. I treated the Transmission and was amazed at how well it worked! I still have a second treatment to do on the engine. People reminded me that if the engine is clean then you will not see much in the filter. Their are alot of people on this site that have seen wounderful results with Auto-RX. I have not tried 131 but it also has a following on this site. Both are gentle compared to most flush's with Auto-RX being most gentle product I have ever seen used in conjuntion with an automobile.