Flushing oil

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Mon 6 Aug 2007 14:15
Flushing oil - LHM
For various reasons, I have unfortunately let my S80 go a considerable mileage without an oil change. Inexcusable really, but these things sometimes happen :-( I'd like to give the engine an internal 'clean out' if possible.

From what I've read, 'flushing oils' have generally had a bad press - apparently causing more problems, like oil leaks from tired seals etc. The Volvo has 132,000 miles on the clock, BTW.

I was toying with the idea of draining the tar (sorry, oil!) and re-filling with a mixture of 25% flushing oil to 75% 'supermarket oil', replacing the oil filter element and gently driving the car 100 miles or so before draining this oil, re-filling with quality oil and again replacing the filter element. Is that too OTT?

I promise not to let it happen again!!
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Mon 6 Aug 2007 14:33
Flushing oil - Xileno {P}
You don't say how much over the service interval it has gone. If it's just a couple of thousand miles, I wouldn't bother doing anything more than just a routine oil and filter change.
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Mon 6 Aug 2007 14:39
Flushing oil - LHM
Hi Xileno - sadly it's a bit more than a couple of thousand miles. I'm too ashamed to say how many, exactly :-(
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Mon 6 Aug 2007 15:41
Flushing oil - 659FBE
Change the oil using the recommended grade and quality. Do it again after 1000 miles.

Steer well clear of anything which is not specified to be in your engine.

659.
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Mon 6 Aug 2007 15:54
Flushing oil - Screwloose
LHM

No need for flushing oil; most detergent flushes these days are added to the old oil, run for a specified time and then drained with the oil.

Make sure that the oil is boiling hot; [wear gloves!] add the flush; run the engine and allow it to drip overnight.

If you want to run a short drain interval then change again; use a specific high-detergent CG-4 rated diesel fleet oil from a factors. Far better for the [petrol?] engine than a flushing oil and can be left in for much longer.
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Mon 6 Aug 2007 16:57
Flushing oil - steveo3002
ive had great results with adding 0.5-1ltr of atf (auto trans fluid) to my oil after draining a bit out....do 80-100 gentle miles and it cleans things out just great

ive done it several times on cars with 100k + on them , no bad effects and its always got rid of any ticky tappets

have a google for it if youve never heard of using atf....its full of strong detergents and cheap too
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Mon 6 Aug 2007 21:42
Flushing oil - Paul I
This advice isn't mine but comes from a good Volvo service manager.

1. Drive 15- 25 miles imediately drain all oil the longer the better. Replace with Quality 10-40w oil (Fuch, mobil etc) and a genuine volvo filter can be has for £ 6 ECP.

2. Take car for a nice long drive replace both again.

one car ready for another 120K (please do regular chages at 10K intervals (maximum)

Paul
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