jahquan3

I got around to getting my Service B done at a Indy yesterday and an engine flush was recommended. I have about 121k miles now and I was about 1100 miles overdue.
I've had my car at Benz at least 5 times this year. For scans, transmission check up, a multi point inspection, Spring Clinic and a Service A. Those extra visits were while I was trying to diagnose some misfiring I had earlier in the year.
This was my 1st time getting a overstated oil change lol beyond the recommended mileage.
Has anyone else experienced the need for an engine flush? Would 1100 miles overdue bring about that need?
I would've assumed if it was needed now one of my previous visits to MB would've shown the need for one in the future. The previous Service A would've shown the need or future need just guessing.
Also I noticed an obvious increase in power after the engine flush. The difference was as noticeable as if I was in sports mode even in comfort mode to describe the difference.

jahquan3

Just to add, after some research it's usually never recommended by dealerships. Often it is just oil change techs who advise it should be done. I'm just curious since my 550 was running great I thought before but sheesh I have a new car all of a sudden ha ha 😂😂

El Cid

What's an engine flush?

aquinob

They dump some additive in the oil, let it idle for a bit and then dump the oil and change it for new with a new filter. The additive is supposed to loosen up sludge and carbon and then you dump it out.

From what I found online, no manufacturer recommends it, its only the oil change jockeys that try and sell it. It may do more damage than it helps, so says some of the sites I found. HTH.

markgm

At 17,000 miles my oil still had life in it, so I doubt you're experiencing issues from running an 11,100 mile interval. In the future, you can always test your oil so you don't have to rely on anyone's opinion.

jahquan3

Same thing I read in my little bit of research after I already got it done. It was only 75 bucks so I got nervous and didn't want to chance it. They showed me old filter and it looked blacker than normal (the old oil) so I went for it at the time.

jahquan3

How do you test it? Also I wonder if the increase in power is just my mind playing tricks on me but I swear today it felt legit again.

markgm

I use these guys: http://www.blackstone-labs.com/

jahquan3

Thx appreciate the help.

cetialpha5

It's your butt dyno. Engines run at fixed air/fuel ratios. Colder weather makes for more power. Been getting cooler here of late. Lots of variables that you can't control, humidity is also a factor, I think higher humidity translates to less power as water molecules take up space so there's less oxygen molecules. Now we're into cooler, dry weather. I think the extra power is from a lighter wallet. Then there's also winter/summer gas, running with a full or empty tank, just too many variables.

The G Man

An engine flush is like a shock treatment, most of time the outcome is positive, but there is always the chance that it may open up some leaks where the old gunk acting as a stopper. Does the indy mechanic offer a guarantee that it will not cause any problems, if so, how long is the guarantee?

beejAMG

I remember back in the day I use em on my W123s and W124s. never had any problems whatsoever. but then again those cars were built like tanks so yeah...

^+1 on these replies...

cetialpha5

An engine flush is really a type of snake oil. Most manufacturers don't recommend them. It probably won't do any harm except lighten your wallet. Manufacturer spend billions designing engines. Those additive companies are small mom and pop places by comparison. I wouldn't trust any of those in my engine and it will run fine without them. You might resort to them if it was a poorly maintained engine or if it were on it's last legs and it didn't matter if it worked or not. The real reason they get recommended by the mechanic is that it tends to pad their bottom line, they're around $5-$10 at the auto parts store. I've never really run into a legit mechanic that knew what they were talking about that actually recommended it. Plus what does a mechanic know about how long the engine will last anyway? Their expertise is making repairs, not designing chemicals or engines.

jahquan3

I love this explanation boss. I think you hit it on the head with the cooler temps. It's been low 40s here in the morning for a month. So I kind of discarded that idea for some reason.

jahquan3

No guarantees were given at the pos in that regards. However before it was offered the owner who was not a tech on the car called me into the bay.
He showed me the old oil somewhat dripping out of the old filter. It looked blacker then I'd expect. He said putting fresh oil in would only keep it looking that way. He then said I promise a engine flush would remedy that.

jahquan3

To add a detail I forgot to mention previously is that I had to add a quart of oil sparsely over the past 2 plus months or so. I got the "Check oil at next refueling" message during that period.
My car burning some oil was identified and checked off at the clinic and a previous visit before to MB as normal operations.
In my experience only AMG owners have mentioned this as normal to me based on a close friend's account plus the forum.
I'm wondering if that is the issue. FYI no leak of oil to be seen of an obvious nature. Even the SA alluded to such and said everything checked out.

jahquan3

I'm just interested and somewhat happy so far. I figured the community might provide some insight. Guess I was the only one to bite on the pitch lol

beejAMG

hey if youre happy and you think its a good choice and it was good for your car. thats all that matters mate.

jahquan3

True. Crossing my fingers with my E. So far so good over the past 6 months or so. Thx boss😀

jahquan3

Any insight is welcome. I appreciate it @BeejAmg. How's the Mustang riding?

beejAMG

I dont think a single engine oil flush can do enough damage (if any) so i wouldnt stress about it. Ours cars are engineered to withstand more than that. Not like Mustangs. Hahaha jk just trying to segway to that topic. Unfortunately for me, the mustang deal didnt work out so well. They were low balling my car too much so i walked away. Prolly try to sell the sedan privately for now but until i find a deal thatll make me happy, the Mustang dream can wait.

Abrown3mtg

I know from reading up on the Audi forums there are multiple types of engine flushes. One if I recall basically pressurized in the engine and circulates than the flush is flushed out and is supposedly extremely effective in engines with sludge problems. This is typically done at a dealer or well equipped shop and cost a couple hundred dollars. This is not the typical sea foam type of additive.....

jahquan3

Your patience will pay off in the long run. Good luck

jahquan3

On a Fusion I had a few years back I had a seafoam type of treatment done to it. Where they pulled the car outside of the bay, poured some kind of additive in the engine and rev'd the car hard for a few seconds. This made a huge cloud of white smoke all around the car for a a few more seconds.

This time the never rev'd the car just left it idling and there was no smoke or anything like that.

The G Man

That's a different type of cleaning, that is for carbon build up in the intake system and the valves, its a pretty common procedure.