What Is An Engine Flush? A Quick and Comprehensive Guide

What is an engine flush? Does your car need one? Can you do it yourself? In this short article, I’ll answer these questions so you know exactly what an engine flush is, and how it affects your car. I’ll even show you the best products to use so you can do it yourself and save money!

Let’s get started…

What is an engine flush? 

An engine flush is a maintenance procedure that involves thoroughly cleaning the internal components of an engine, including the oil passages, valves, and other crucial parts. The process utilizes an engine flush solution that is added to the crankcase and circulated throughout the engine’s lubrication circuit. This helps dissolve and suspend deposits, sludge, and varnish that accumulate over time.

The key to the process is letting the engine run for an extended period (45 minutes and up) with the engine flush and then immediately draining the engine oil while it is still hot. The chemicals within the flush solvent trap and hold deposits and sludge in the hot circulating oil so it’s important to drain the engine oil ASAP after the treatment. 

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How much does a typical engine flush cost?

The cost of having an engine flush done at a professional shop can vary depending on the type of vehicle and where you go to have it done. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $150 for a professional engine flush, this includes the oil, filter, and labor involved. Keep in mind however, some shops may charge more or less depending on their location, and labor rate.

Doing the job yourself will cost you an afternoon and about $100, depending on your vehicle and what oil and filter is required.

What engine flush and additive do I recommend?

In my shop we use BG Products, these are professional and effective products that work great and won’t break the bank!

BG EPR:

EPR is the actual “flush part” of the equation. BG EPR Engine Flush is a powerful solvent blend that quickly and safely cleans harmful deposits from your engine. It effectively removes sludge, varnish and other contaminants, improving performance and extending engine life.

EPR is compatible with all types of engines, including gasoline, diesel and hybrid engines.

BG MOA:

BG MOA is a top quality engine oil additive that is added after the flush process to the new oil,

BG MOA engine oil additive is a high-quality engine oil supplement that enhances the performance and longevity of your engine. It contains a unique blend of detergents, dispersants, and antioxidants that work together to keep your engine running smoothly and efficiently. BG MOA is designed to be added to your engine oil at every oil change to provide maximum protection and performance. It “supercharges” your engine oil.

Here are some key points on engine flushes

The Purpose: Over time, contaminants, such as sludge, carbon deposits, and, general crud can build up inside the engine. This accumulation can restrict oil flow, hinder proper lubrication, and reduce engine performance. This is especially damaging to newer turbocharged engines using low-tension piston rings. 

Many of the major oil consumption issues found in vehicles today are due to sticking piston rings and PCV breather issues, Tighter tolerances and hotter temps really beat on engine oil, so it’s important “deep clean your engine with a flush every oil change or two.”

Bottom line? An engine flush helps remove deposits, improving engine function and extending its lifespan.

Benefits of an Engine Flush:

• Improved Performance: By eliminating deposits and sludge, an engine flush restores lost power, enhances fuel efficiency, and reduces engine noise. It allows the engine to operate at its full potential.
• Enhanced Lubrication: Clean oil passages and components ensure proper lubrication, reducing friction and wear on critical engine parts.
• Prevents Damage: Regular engine flushes can prevent or alleviate issues caused by sludge buildup, such as clogged oil passages and stuck valves. This proactive maintenance can help avoid costly repairs.
• Promotes Longevity: A clean engine experiences reduced wear and operates more efficiently, increasing its lifespan.
• Less oil consumption: If you have a newer vehicle that is burning a huge amount of engine oil… (Im talking to the Audi 2.0 TSFI owners out there especially.) You may benefit greatly by knowing what an engine flush is, and getting one done ASAP.

Considerations before having an engine flush done on your car

• Consult with a Pro: It is advisable to consult with a trusted mechanic or refer to your vehicle’s manufacturer guidelines before you do an engine flush on your car if there are major sludge issues within the engine. The problem arises when the flush breaks up TOO MUCH sludge and starts to restrict the oil pump pick up or critical passages. 

It is advisable to install a mechanical oil pressure gauge when performing the flush if heavy carbon is suspected so true oil pressure can be monitored the entire time.

• Vehicle Age and Condition: Older vehicles or those with high mileage are more prone to sludge and deposits. In such cases, an engine flush might be beneficial and can bring back that power and efficiency! 
• Maintenance History: If your vehicle has not undergone regular oil changes or has a history of neglect, an engine flush can help remove accumulated deposits and “reset” the clock so to speak.
• Type of Engine: Certain engines, such as those with turbochargers, may have specific considerations. Consulting an expert will ensure the correct approach.

Frequency of Engine Flushes

• The frequency of engine flushes can vary depending on factors like driving conditions, oil quality, and maintenance practices.
• As a general guideline, many manufacturers recommend an engine flush every 30,000 to 60,000 miles or every 2 to 3 years.
• Me personally? I do one at EVERY oil change in my wife’s car, and every other oil change in mine, to me it’s cheap insurance.
• It’s important to note that some manufacturers may advise against engine flushes or have specific recommendations for their vehicles. Always refer to your vehicle’s manual or consult a professional for accurate guidance if you have any doubts. 

What is an engine flush? The actual steps involved 

Here is a quick rundown of the process: If you are tackling this yourself you will be doing an oil change so be sure to have a high-quality oil filter and oil ready, plus all the tools and drain buckets ready to go, along with a good floor jack or lift.

You will need to drain the engine oil as soon as possible after the flush has been run through the engine. Hot oil will flow fast and drain out as much crap as possible.

Remember the flush is designed to suspend and hold contaminants when hot, draining the oil before it cools too much is critical to getting as much contaminates out of the engine as possible.

The general procedure…

• Add the engine flush and check the oil level, be sure to top up if necessary to bring the oil level up.
• Start the engine and let it idle, then run the engine at 1,500 to 2,000 RPM for at least 15 minutes.
• After running the engine for at least 15 minutes shut it off and drain the oil as soon as possible. Remember, that oil is gonna be HOT and come out fast! Be ready.
• Completely drain the engine oil and replace the filter, then fill the engine oil leaving room to add BG MOA. I’m not going to drive into MOA in this article, just know that it’s a fantastic supplement that makes ANY engine oil better. 
• Wrap it up and stay up on maintaining your car 🙂

Quick Note: If you are not confident about changing your own oil, leave an engine flush to the pros. It’s not worth getting burned or have hot oil spill all over your driveway. 

Wrapping up engine flushes

In summary, an engine flush is a maintenance procedure that cleans the internal components of an engine, improving performance, extending engine life, and preventing damage. Following proper guidelines and maintenance practices will help keep your engine running great for years to come.

An engine flush is one of the best things you can do for your vehicle, it will save you grief and money down the line! Thanks for reading!