How often should the engine oil passages be cleaned?
2 Answers
Engine oil passages should generally be cleaned every 50,000 kilometers. Regular cleaning of the oil passages can remove carbon deposits from the fuel injectors, addressing issues such as engine shaking, lagging, poor atomization, and poor acceleration. Below are the relevant details: 1. Function: After cleaning the engine oil passages, power can be quickly restored. The engine often operates under high temperatures, and parts of the fuel system like the fuel injectors can easily become clogged with deposits such as carbon and gum, leading to poor atomization, reduced engine power, increased fuel consumption, excessive exhaust emissions, and incomplete combustion. Therefore, regular cleaning and maintenance of the fuel system are necessary. After cleaning, the throttle will feel lighter, gear shifts will become quicker, and power will be promptly restored. 2. Cleaning target: The method for cleaning the oil passages involves adding a bottle of cleaning agent before changing the oil, then running the engine for about ten minutes. Internal engine cleaning refers to cleaning the oil passages, ensuring all areas where oil flows are cleaned, not the carbon deposits in the cylinders.
I've been driving long distances for over a decade and place great importance on engine maintenance. Engine oil passage cleaning isn't done as frequently as oil changes; generally speaking, as long as you regularly change to high-quality oil and filters every 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers, sludge issues aren't significant. However, if the car is old or often driven in congested road conditions, it's prone to accumulating oil deposits, leading to low oil pressure or increased noise. In such cases, it's advisable to check every 60,000 kilometers or so to see if cleaning is needed. I recommend checking the oil color for blackening or inspecting the dipstick during each oil change, and only consider using cleaning agents if abnormalities are found. Remember, cleaning too often is not only a waste of money but may also damage the seals—safety first is key. Don't fall for claims suggesting daily cleaning; instead, get a practical diagnosis at a repair shop.
