There is one major conspiracy surrounding engine oil flushes for diesel engines; do diesel vehicles actually need an engine oil flush? The short answer is yes, but only if the engine has been neglecting routine maintenance or has had to endure specific environmental circumstances over a long period of time. It is becoming more common to see diesel vehicles get a engine flush for several reasons:
- New emission control components
- Prolonged routine oil change intervals
- Frequent city driving
- Higher ambient temperatures
What is a diesel engine flush?
The goal of an engine oil flush service is to make sure the oil in your engine is clean and deposit free. A successful engine flush will ensure all of the old, black and built up oil is removed from your crankcase. AG Automotive’s BG oil flush kit includes a chemical additive designed to dissolve and remove carbon build-up around piston ring grooves and within the crankcase. The additive mixes with the oil and circulates throughout the engine to break up any carbon deposits and dilute any sludge-like oil to make the flush more effective.
The main concerns: oil sludge & carbon deposits
In a perfect world, your engine oil will stay clean and clear of debris. But it is all too common for mechanical issues to arise when around 30,000+ parts are working in conjunction with each other. This isn’t good news for your oil as it is an easy target for mechanical mishaps. Any contaminants that mix with diesel can cause the formation of oil sludge. The most common mechanical issues that instigate the formation of oil sludge are outlined in the section below.
You don’t have to be an expert to help prevent the build up of sludge in your engine. Some mechanical issues can even catch the most savvy vehicle enthusiasts by surprise. But knowing how you can help avoid these problems will save you vehicle downtime and potentially major savings down the road. Choosing the right oil for your engine is an easy way to not only avoid engine sludge, but ensure you are getting maximum longevity and performance out of your vehicle. Oil has other important functions besides its lubricating properties. It contains a limited concentration of detergents that help other additives protect your engine against additional wear, reduce oxidation and increase its effectiveness all around.
When should I get an engine oil flush?
It is common for manufacturers to recommend an engine oil flush after your vehicle has driven 65,000 miles. As mentioned above, there are a handful of things that incite the build-up deposits in engine oil over time, reducing the time between recommended engine flushes to as early as 20,000 miles.
Frequent city driving produces carbon deposits in the combustion chamber, exhaust system, and piston rings. This leads to the exhaust gas recirculation valves to foul up, which deposits soot in the oil and diesel particulate filter. In lieu, the DPF has to regenerate more frequently which also can dilute engine oil with soot and diesel.
The most common sign indicating that an engine oil flush is needed is, after receiving a routine oil change service, the oil on your dipstick will still be black and appear unchanged. Prolonging routine oil changes is one of the worst things you can do to the health and longevity of your vehicle. If neglected, deposit build-up in the oil may cause additional and costly wear and tear on the engine. A successful engine oil flush should ensure that the oil coming out is clean, smooth and new.
It is also common to see a reduction in time between engine flush intervals if you live in a climate with high ambient temperatures. On top of the heat generated by the engine, frequently driving on hot days can cause additional thermal expansion within the engine. This extra expansion can reduce the tolerances between a gasket and fuel injector, causing poor combustion and increased deposits being mixed with the fuel.
Schedule your diesel engine flush service today!
If your vehicle is experiencing excess vehicle exhaust, increased engine noise, irregular oil texture or rough idling, schedule an appointment with AG Automotive and will get you back on the road in no time after we identify that it needs a diesel engine flush service. Our expert technicians have the tools and knowledge to test, clean and replace worn engine components quickly and efficiently.
We want the job to be done right the first time so we ensure your induction system is working properly and exceeds the manufacturer’s specifications. We offer our customers a full service engine oil flush for their diesel engines which includes:
-Add BG Engine Performance Restore to the engine oil
-Start and run vehicle for 15 minutes
-Drive vehicle for 20 minutes
-Let vehicle run for an additional 10 minutes and drain oil immediately upon shutting off
-Remove oil filter and let oil drain for 15 minutes
-Perform oil change (Billed separately)
-Add BG Oil Conditioner
-Final quality and sanitation check