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Old May 4, 2005 | 10:19 PM
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Default Gunk in the engine

Someone told me to put 1/2 a quart of transmission fluid (Dextron) in the oil and it will clean out all the oil gunk in the engine. Run for about a 1000 miles and then change out the oil.

Anyone know if this is a good idea?

Thanks.
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Old May 4, 2005 | 11:01 PM
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Back in the '70s we used to add a quart of tranny fluid just prior to an oil change. Figured it helped to clean things out. We would just run it 20 minutes or so. Don't really know if it helped or not. I don't know about running it 1000 miles, though.

Rich
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Old May 5, 2005 | 03:08 PM
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I've heard old timers using diesel fuel too. I would use something a little less drastic like the Mobil 1 Drive Clean oil or some Marvel Mystery oil. MMO is cheap and works well as a solvent/degunker
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Old May 5, 2005 | 03:30 PM
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I've done the ATF thing before, but not for 1000 miles, just a lap or two around the block. Also, Rumor has it that MMO is ATF - well, kinda.
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Old May 5, 2005 | 03:40 PM
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Here's what the Auto Barn says about MMO:

"Marvel Mystery Oil can be added to gas or oil. It combats internal motor rust and corrosion, lubricates valves, piston rings, upper cylinder walls, and eliminates valve sticking. Keeps rings free and reduces piston and cylinder wear. Also keeps fuel pump and carburetor parts clean, eliminating the need for frequent adjusting. Marvel Mystery Oil retards formation of power dissipating motor deposits, such as gums, varnish, and sludge."

It costs $4.50 for a 32 oz bottle. ATF is about $1.50 a bottle. I guess I'll just use ATF unless someone has more info.
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Old May 5, 2005 | 03:55 PM
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use clean oil and change it regularly....why do you want to clean the sludge out and recirculate that crap through your oil system? leave it alone and change your oil frequently...
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Old May 5, 2005 | 03:56 PM
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I've used Rislone for years. Add one quart of Rislone when quart low, run engine till warm,short drive,then change oil and filter.I do this about once a year.Believe these additives thin your engine oil,so I get it out after treatment.
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Old May 5, 2005 | 03:59 PM
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Originally Posted by Buzzardz_vette
Here's what the Auto Barn says about MMO:

"Marvel Mystery Oil can be added to gas or oil. It combats internal motor rust and corrosion, lubricates valves, piston rings, upper cylinder walls, and eliminates valve sticking. Keeps rings free and reduces piston and cylinder wear. Also keeps fuel pump and carburetor parts clean, eliminating the need for frequent adjusting. Marvel Mystery Oil retards formation of power dissipating motor deposits, such as gums, varnish, and sludge."

It costs $4.50 for a 32 oz bottle. ATF is about $1.50 a bottle. I guess I'll just use ATF unless someone has more info.
With savings like this you can buy the colt 45 or bull later!!
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Old May 5, 2005 | 06:35 PM
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Just change oil and filter every 3000 miles and there won't be any need clean sludge out.
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Old May 5, 2005 | 07:47 PM
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I don't believe in adding snake oil that is unless you actually think there is tons of sludge in your engine or something......then go with something that has been proven like MMO.

Last edited by wildman378; May 5, 2005 at 08:21 PM.
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Old May 5, 2005 | 08:12 PM
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By the time I got the car, the sludge had already become a problem. All of the rockers and springs are covered to the point that you can't really make out any details. I hate to see what the rest of the engine looks like. I don't think regular oil changes will do the trick until after I get it cleaned up.
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Old May 6, 2005 | 03:16 PM
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Originally Posted by Buzzardz_vette
By the time I got the car, the sludge had already become a problem. All of the rockers and springs are covered to the point that you can't really make out any details. I hate to see what the rest of the engine looks like. I don't think regular oil changes will do the trick until after I get it cleaned up.

my concern still is stirring this crude up in mass and pushing it through the oil system....why not do a few 1000 mile only changes with a good quality low viscosity detergent oil
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Old May 6, 2005 | 03:21 PM
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Originally Posted by bobs77vet
my concern still is stirring this crude up in mass and pushing it through the oil system....why not do a few 1000 mile only changes with a good quality low viscosity detergent oil
I'll ask the guy that's helping/teaching me. He says the ATF will desolve the gunk so it won't be a problem.
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