Help! I'm at a standstill. Engine/Oil Flush, Additives, Fuel Injection Cleaner; Safe?
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Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2024
Posts: 40
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CLK430
Help! I'm at a standstill. Engine/Oil Flush, Additives, Fuel Injection Cleaner; Safe?
Good morning, I have a question regarding my recently acquired 2000 CLK430 convertible. I purchased it from the original owner who had it for over 24 years, and the service records indicate that the car has been well-maintained. It has approximately 140,000 miles on it and runs smoothly, but I want to ensure proper maintenance going forward.
I've noticed a lot of greasy grime when I opened the oil cap, and my father mentioned that it could be a concerning sign. I'm not very experienced with cars but am eager to learn more about maintaining this vehicle. I've considered an engine flush to remove the grime, but some repair shops advise against it due to potential risks. I've also inquired about fuel intake cleaner, but opinions have been mixed.
I've come across recommendations for products like Sea Foam, Lucas Oil, and Techron, but I'm unsure about their compatibility with my Mercedes-Benz and concerns about additives. I want to ensure that I'm cleaning the engine properly without causing harm. Despite regular oil changes in the service records, the presence of grime in the engine is confusing.
I seek guidance on whether to use engine oil flush cleaner, perform an engine flush, or conduct an intake cleaning through the gas cap. Additionally, I'm considering using 0W-40 oil and avoiding additives for simplicity. Ultimately, I aim to extend the longevity of my car and appreciate any advice provided. Thank you for your assistance.
I've noticed a lot of greasy grime when I opened the oil cap, and my father mentioned that it could be a concerning sign. I'm not very experienced with cars but am eager to learn more about maintaining this vehicle. I've considered an engine flush to remove the grime, but some repair shops advise against it due to potential risks. I've also inquired about fuel intake cleaner, but opinions have been mixed.
I've come across recommendations for products like Sea Foam, Lucas Oil, and Techron, but I'm unsure about their compatibility with my Mercedes-Benz and concerns about additives. I want to ensure that I'm cleaning the engine properly without causing harm. Despite regular oil changes in the service records, the presence of grime in the engine is confusing.
I seek guidance on whether to use engine oil flush cleaner, perform an engine flush, or conduct an intake cleaning through the gas cap. Additionally, I'm considering using 0W-40 oil and avoiding additives for simplicity. Ultimately, I aim to extend the longevity of my car and appreciate any advice provided. Thank you for your assistance.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 62
Likes: 1
From: So. California
Same car!
Congratulations on buying a great car, I am thinking of selling mine. Does everything work? Mine is almost in collectors condition except the rain sensor on the wiper doesn’t work and the part is no longer made. You are getting good advice about not using additives, this is a great engine but you should be careful and not use them. Changing all the fluids is a good start, grime in the cap and oil filler neck is not a good indicator of TLC, even though there is no cheap oil find some, Walmart or Costco brands are less expensive so fill and change out after 100mi as a flush, burn at least one filter.. Also coolant is neglected and requires the aluminum engine formula, make sure to use a compatible mix. I use Zertex, you don’t need dealer products! Finally you must change the transmission fluid, when we bought these the factory said lifetime and never change, they went back on that over 10yrs ago but many owners never found out, there is a special procedure look it up and swap out the differential oil because it’s easy and probably needs it too. Last thing is buy a scanner that can clear codes, I use Autel, you will need to buy a special 31 pin round connector to access the internal codes. Scan your car and you’ll know so much more about the condition, good luck, hth!
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2024
Posts: 40
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CLK430
Thanks for your response! I have been told that using Redline-SI-1 for the fuel injection is safe. What are your thoughts on this product? Also, can you link the special procedure of the differential oil on the transmission? Deal wants +1,300 to do a full transmission flush.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 62
Likes: 1
From: So. California
Why
My question would be why you feel the need to put fuel system additives? It’s rhetorical, unless the car has sat outside exposed to moisture or been left with untreated fuel in the tank for a year or more then the fuel system will be fine with a few tanks of top tier fuel. The additives if necessary will force you to change out the fuel filters, one is by the fuel pump under the tank and is easy so do it just because. Don’t buy MBZ transmission fluid at $25/qt, buy Shell Transmission fluid it’s factory oil, Mercedes doesn’t make fluids. The transmission procedure is not as straightforward as other cars, Youtube is your friend for all your maintenance and I had to explain to the tech what to do and he lifted the car and did it for me, but you could do it yourself to save money. The other way is to do a normal drain the pan, fill and drive and drain the pan again maybe a total of 3x to dilute the dirty fluid. Or you can look up the procedure and do it once. Also this all depends on your comfort level doing diy maintenance and whether you have a workspace that you can leave it and take your time, because I took my time making sure I got things right. Otherwise find an independent mechanic and explain that this car has a different tranny fluid change out, good luck!
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Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Boston North Shore
2001 CLK320 Cabrio
https://www.toptiergas.com/
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2024
Posts: 40
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CLK430
No.....Top Tier gasoline has an additive package and is included in both regular or high test.
https://www.toptiergas.com/
https://www.toptiergas.com/
.With that being said, should I go ahead and cancel my order of
The car has 140k. Would it be best just to do it once?
