Motor flush

[j91z28d1]

Nope. I pulled the valve covers and intake, and oil pan, but that was as far as I got into it. There was no sludge anywhere. I swapped the 2014 valve covers onto the 2008 engine to use the revised version.

My amateur guess is that because the engine was burning 1/2 to 1qt. of oil every oil change (4-5k) that there was some blow-by, and contamination. But I left it at that. I sold the 5.3 to a kid who was rebuilding it all, anyways, to jam in a 1996 Tacoma 2wd.

makes sense. oil pan and the drivers side valve cover seem to be the worst spots

 

[donjetman]

What are your feelings on motor flush additives? If you do use them what do you recommend for the 5.3?

Don't do it
There are "oils" designed to SLOWLY remove sludge & deposits, like:

Valvoline PB "Restore" can only be found at Cummins dealers, and its pricey @ $80/gal.

 

[OR VietVet]

Don't do it
There are "oils" designed to SLOWLY remove sludge & deposits, like:
View attachment 450466
Valvoline PB "Restore" can only be found at Cummins dealers, and its pricey @ $80/gal.

Good call. At you tube, Lake Speed Junior speaks highly of the Valvoline Restore & Protect oil. No, he does not work for Valvoline.

 

[donjetman]

HighPerformanceLubricants:
https://www.advlubrication.com/collections/passenger-car-lubricants
is the RollsRoyce of automotive lubricant brands. Does a good job of cleaning and keeping things clean. But premium chemistry cost premium $.

 

[RobertRN]

Don't do it
There are "oils" designed to SLOWLY remove sludge & deposits, like:
View attachment 450466
Valvoline PB "Restore" can only be found at Cummins dealers, and its pricey @ $80/gal.

I am currently on my second change with Val R&P. I changed the filter the first time after 2000 miles since I had never used before and the oil at 4000. I have a 04 Yukon XL 2500 with 6L. I have never had trouble with this truck and have always used Val synth in it. This time with 2000 miles on it the oil looks like it did going in. I hope that is a good sign. I have not noticed a big improvement yet except it does seem to be a little smoother at idle. I got my 5 quart container at Walmart they have quarts also.

 

[j91z28d1]

I am currently on my second change with Val R&P. I changed the filter the first time after 2000 miles since I had never used before and the oil at 4000. I have a 04 Yukon XL 2500 with 6L. I have never had trouble with this truck and have always used Val synth in it. This time with 2000 miles on it the oil looks like it did going in. I hope that is a good sign. I have not noticed a big improvement yet except it does seem to be a little smoother at idle. I got my 5 quart container at Walmart they have quarts also.

I would have guessed if you had anything to clean it would get darker quickly. but hard to say without knowing how clean your engine was inside to start with.


interesting stuff.


I have the r&p my truck currently, but not due for a change for a while. before that I had been using Mobil 1 which always came out pretty clean after 5k. I ended up with 2 changes. worth of Pennzoil Platinum and noticed the oil looked noticeable darker both times. I am pretty sure my engine is really clean inside. atleast what I've seen with the intake off and with a scope in the valve cover and drain plug. so I thought that was odd to see and not sure what to think about it. penmzoil isn't something I'd normally use.

 

[opfor2]

Marvel Mystery oil is basically just ATF with a few herbs & spices baked in; nothing special or ground-breaking.

I've been hearing good things about Valvoline Restore & Protect. Lake Speed, Jr. did a video on it where they showed some of the certified testing, and how they basically had to "dumb down" the formula to prevent it from cleaning too fast. As already stated, it's a bad idea to loosen up all the gunk in your engine at once, and they were seeing oil filters clogged up before regular service intervals, which is bad.


I was starting to run the Restore & Protect in my 5.3 before the swap, because the old oil always came out really dark in the ~4-5k intervals. But with a fresh motor I'm just using whatever synthetic 5w-30 is cheapest that week.

Marvel Mystery oil is mineral oil and Stoddard solvent, and red dye.

 

[Marky Dissod]

Marvel Mystery Oil is mineral oil and Stoddard solvent, and red dye.

@opfor2, hast thou solved the mystery?!
Get Velma on the phone ...