What are the consequences of using cleaning oil to clean the engine?
2 Answers
Using cleaning oil to clean the engine may cause engine pre-ignition or engine seizure. If the engine seizes, it may become irreparable. Currently, most engine cleaning oils on the market primarily consist of low-cost mineral oil and detergent dispersants, with a relatively high proportion of detergent dispersants. After cleaning the engine, residual detergent dispersants may remain inside, which can affect the performance of the new oil, especially in direct-injection engines, where the impact can be fatal. Introduction to the hazards of sludge in the engine: 1. Sludge inside the engine can affect heat dissipation, leading to higher oil temperatures and a decrease in the engine's power output. 2. Sludge inside the engine increases the resistance to oil flow, reducing oil circulation and affecting lubrication. 3. Blocking the engine's oil passages: When there is excessive sludge inside the engine, it can block the oil passages, leading to insufficient lubrication between engine components, increased friction, and in severe cases, bearing seizure or crankshaft seizure. 4. Sludge is insoluble in oil: During oil changes, the sludge cannot be drained, directly affecting the quality of the new oil.
As a driver with over twenty years of experience, I've used engine flush several times, with mixed results. The benefits include removing carbon deposits and sludge, resulting in better power delivery, smoother engine sound during acceleration, and even a slight reduction in fuel consumption by a few tenths of a percentage. However, there are downsides: if done unprofessionally, the flush may fail to remove old oil residues and instead clog oil passages—I once saw a friend's car suffer a seized oil pump after flushing, costing over 3,000 RMB to fix. Also, flushing at high engine temperatures can damage seals, leading to oil leaks. I recommend doing it only on a cold engine by professionals during annual maintenance to avoid these issues and extend engine life. Avoid cheap, off-brand products—reputable brands are safer, and combining the flush with an oil change yields the best results.
