Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications General Mods Oil sludge & switching to synthetic

Hi folks,

The 98 EO I just bought has 57,000 miles, and I want to switch to synthetic to help guard against additional wear & add a bit of protection againts the oil starvation problem.

Given the comparatively high mileage on the vehicle, I was thinking it might be a good idea to have the engine flushed before switching to syn.

There's an acura dealer nearby who offers an oil flush service for $79.95. Will this take care of any sludge built up in the engine, or is more aggressive (and expensive) action required?

Is there a way to tell if there is alot of sludge in the engine? And if there is.. and if it's expensive to remove (i.e. more than a couple of hundred bucks) will switching to syn help clean it out?

Thanks,
BB

Buy a flushing oil and read the instructions before you do the oil change.

Swap to synthetic and run for a short while, to circulate and dissolve old crub etc

Do another oil change with synthetic to get rid of what the last lot picked up (say after about 100-200 miles)

Cheaper than the dealers price and just about what he would do

Thanks madmole, I appreciate the help!
BB

DON'T FLUSH YOUR ENGINE!

Most of the engines flush treatments eat away at gaskets and rings, causing oil leaks to form faster. Change to Syn. and make sure that over time you don't get oil leaks. If you change your oil regularly it shouldn't be to bad. If you feel it is gunked up, change your oil and filter more frequently. Thats the best way to clean it up.

-Andy

Use an engine oil designed for diesel engines ,at the correct weight,run it for around 200miles and drain when hot.Diesel engine oils contain more detergent additives re soot,varnish removers etc and will clean the engine internals at a lower temp,as diesels run cooler than gas engines.most 'flushing oils' are a mineral sprits base, not a good idea to run the engine on kerosine !!

Listen to Terry he is the Pro. I was mainly again the internal cleaners.

Terry,
Thats a great tip. I'll remember that. What would we do without you?

-Andy

Do they make diesel engine oil @ 5-30W???

Keep an eye open for oil leaks when you switch. The sludge is probably helping keep the seals from leaking. The synthetic will eventually try and seep past the gaskets. A little is no big deal, but alot means trouble. Also watch your oil consumption, I burn just a bit of oil between oil changes, which is good, means it's getting into places the dino oil didn't.

Good luck! You'll like running Synthetic's

Whoa.. come back to the board after a few hours and you get all kinds of responses! You guys are great. Thanks for the info re: the diesel oil & "things to watch" once I switch.
Thanks again!
Regards,
BB