Ducati Sporting Club UK > Model Specific - Discussion, Technical Problems and Help > 998 / 996 / 916 / 748 > Engine Flush

[Mr_S]

I'm going to do an oil & filter change on the bike this week, and I'm wondering if it's worth using an engine flush product to clear out the oilways etc.

What's the opinion on these, professional and otherwise?

Alternatively, should I flush through with cheap semi-synth (e.g. halfords own brand) before putting the good stuff in with the new filter?

[desmojen]

Non professional opinion... why would you want to flush it??

If you've changed the oil at the proper intervals and used decent oil, you should no way need to do that!

[marksduc748]

just warm it up and drain it, theres no need to flush.

[Mr_S]

Originally posted by desmojen
Non professional opinion... why would you want to flush it??

If you've changed the oil at the proper intervals and used decent oil, you should no way need to do that!

Because I've only had the bike for the past 3500 miles, and don't know how well it's been treated for the other 12,000 other than the stamps in the service book..

I suppose the question should have been, is there any harm in doing it. It only costs a few quid more to do it, so my thinking would be if there's no negative effect (there is with some engines) why not do it.

[DAVE HARRIS]

I work in the motor trade and in my opinion engine flushing agents should not be used. Modern synthetic and semisynthetic oils have high detergent levels and clean the engine whilst lubricating it, a flushing compound with even higher levels of detergent will reduce lubrication where it is most needed (cam followers). we have had instances of ford and vw engines where a customer has run the engine with flushing oil and it has softened hard carbon deposits in the head which have then washed into the sump and blocked the oil strainer, result new engine required.
If you feel the need to flush the engine drain the oil and fit a new filter and refill with a good semisynthetic, run for around 500 miles and then change the oil and filter again expensive but after 5000 miles if the oil is fairly clean so are the engine internals if the oil comes out thick and black, repeat the process.

dave

[Edited on 25-8-2004 by DAVE HARRIS]