From metal dust to fuel contaminations, a lot of things will accumulate inside the engine to build up sludge. This sludge sometimes reduces the efficiency of the engine. Many mechanics might suggest flushing the engine with kerosene.
But is an engine flush with kerosene any good for the engine? It is a debatable topic. Though kerosene can remove the gunk from the engine, it will also remove any lubricant from the parts. As a result, the core components of the engine can be damaged badly, and the engine can cease.
Let me inform you more about the benefits and risks of flushing an engine with kerosene. I will also tell you the flushing process, in case you need it.
What Is an Engine Flush?
Engine flush refers to cleaning the sludge from the engine using chemical additives. It is mostly performed during an oil change. The old and dirty oil is removed through the draining hole. Then, the flushing chemical is poured into the engine.
After starting the engine and idling it for some time, the chemical circulates through all the necessary components. It cleans the gunk buildup inside the engine.
Then, the chemical is also removed through the draining hole. After cleaning the engine, new engine oil is poured into the engine.
According to Data Bridge Market Research, the engine flush market will reach a value of $2.06 billion by 2029. So, you can well understand the popularity of this process.
Is Engine Flush With Kerosene OK? Benefits of Engine Flush With Kerosene
As I already mentioned, it is a debatable topic. Though you can flush your engine with kerosene, most experts don’t recommend it. By the way, it has both pros and cons. Let’s learn them in detail. It will help you to make an informed decision.
An engine flush is somewhat beneficial for most old engines. Here are some of the benefits.
Engine Flush Removes Sludge and Gunk
While driving the vehicle, metal particles can get mixed with the engine oil. If the vehicle is driven for a short time, the oil doesn’t get too viscous. And the particles get deposited inside the engine. Flushing the engine with kerosene can remove these deposits to ensure a better flow of engine oil.
It Cleans Micro Particles
Oil filters are used in engines to keep small particles out of the engine. Particles in the engine are of five types according to their sizes. If the size is larger than 10 microns, it is considered a large particle. Large or coarse particles can be easily filtered.
But when the particle size is smaller than 0.1-2.5 microns, oil filters aren’t that effective. As a result, these microparticles build up in the engine. An engine flush can clean these microparticles.
Engine Flush Keeps New Oil Clean for Longer
If you don’t flush the engine and put in new engine oil, it gets mixed up with the remains of the old engine oil. As a result, the engine oil gets dirty faster. Flushing helps you keep the new engine oil cleaner for a long time.
Risk of Engine Flush With Kerosene
Though an engine flush cleans the gunk from the engine, it is somewhat risky. When you don’t flush the engine, some of the old lubricants remain in the engine and keep parts lubricated. But with an engine flush, all the lubricants are removed from the engine.
And when you do it with kerosene, engine components like piston rings or valve springs become extremely dry. As a result, the amount of wear and tear on the components increases drastically.
When you run the engine in this condition, components can get damaged. You can also experience the car running rough after washing the engine.
How to Flush the Engine With Kerosene?
If you are willing to do an engine flush with kerosene despite the risks, I have broken the process into simpler steps. Check them out.
- Step 1: First, you need to drain the old engine oil. Reach the drain hole below the underpinning. Then, remove the drain bolt carefully. You should wear gloves to keep your hands out of the mess. Also, check whether you need an engine undertray to drain the oil without messing up the area.
- Step 2: Let the oil drain up to a stage where only a bit of oil is still in the drain pan. Then, close the drain bolt.
- Step 3: Enter a dipstick into the oil reservoir to check the oil level. At this point, the dipstick should have an oil mark at the tip. Be careful not to break the dipstick while inserting or removing it. You might also ask, does a broken dipstick do damage to an engine? Learn more about it.
- Step 4: Pour kerosene into the oil reservoir and fill it up. Then, close the oil cap.
- Step 5: Turn the engine on and keep it idle for about 15-20 minutes. Let the kerosene flow through the whole system to clean the sludge.
- Step 6: Shut the engine off and let the oil cool. Then, remove the drain bolt again and drain the kerosene completely.
- Step 7: Now, you can fill the oil reservoir with new engine oil and drive the car as usual.
What Is the Best Alternative to Kerosene for Engine Flush?
As kerosene can damage the engine, chemical cleaners are better for an engine flush. I prefer the X-1R Engine Flush, which doesn’t have kerosene. It is also a non-flammable liquid and safe for the engine.
When you flush the engine with X-1R, the lubrication doesn’t go away completely. That is why I suggest using this cleaner for an engine flush.
People Also Ask
Check answers to some commonly asked questions about engine flush.
Does engine flush improve performance?
In the case of vehicles that aren’t maintained regularly, an engine flush may slightly improve the performance. But if the car is already performing well enough, an engine flush won’t make any noticeable difference.
Do modern vehicles need engine flush?
No, modern vehicles don’t need engine flush. In fact, vehicle manufacturers suggest not flushing the engine. Regular oil changes and routine maintenance are enough for these vehicles.
How many times can you flush an engine?
It depends on your usage. If you frequently take short rides and have a lot of dust in the air, you can flush the engine once a year. Otherwise, flushing the engine once in two or three years will be enough.
Final Thoughts
Many things happen beyond our sight when we drive a car. One of them is the accumulation of dirt and debris inside the engine. And regular oil changes can’t clean the sludge from the engine. Engine flushes are effective in cleaning the core components.
When it comes to engine flush with kerosene, benefits are combined with risks. So, every car owner should be extra careful about flushing the engine with kerosene. I clarified everything so that you can determine whether your car needs an engine flush or not.
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