What do you think about the use of flushing oil?

[Alan Moreton]

Morning everyone.

I've used flushing oil on cars in the past, but I am wondering if modern oils with all the chemicals and cleaners already added actually negates the need for flushing?  I remember using flushing oil on a noisy top end twin cam Sierra, and was shocked at the colour of the oil when it was drained, and impressed as how quite the top end was afterwards!

I was wondering what the general consensus across the forum might be as to the occasional use of flushing oil in bikes, in particular our bikes!  My 60,000 mile bike has had an annual oil change every year since I bought her new back in 2003.  (always within the mileage limit too).  I've always used a decent oil and filter and as far as I know the internals are all fine.  I was just wondering whether doing a flush when I do the next oil change (due soon) might be a good - or bad idea.

Keep safe.

Chip

[Hooli]

I wouldn't bother, my bike has 101k more miles & yours & it's still clean inside the cam cover when I check the valves.

[gsxbarmy]

Given you've done annual oil changes Chip, I agree with Hooli, save your money, no need for flushing

[Dusty ST]

I'd say don't use flushing oil, it's a marketing thing playing on your belief that the colour of the oil is a reflection on it's performance.
Just make regular oil changes and all the nasty stuff is captured by either by the filter or held in suspension in the oil.
If you do, you also end up with dregs of flushing oil in the engine (and an oil cooler full of the stuff on a 14).

[gsxbarmy]

Just fyi @Alan Moreton I also use one of these on my machines, had a few years now, just remember to swap it from filter to filter. No idea if it does any good or not, but at that price can't hurt is my opinion LOL!

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Filter-Plus-Oil-Filter-Magnetic-Particle-Trap-For-Spin-On-Cannister-Oil-Motor/302699329622?hash=item467a493856:g:qXEAAOSwjZVay20I

[Hooli]

That's a good point from Dusty ST.

A dry 14 holds 5.7ltrs of oil, so you'll never get all the flushing oil out again. That's why the oil discolours as the bike gets older, there's always a bit left to mix with the new oil.

[Eric GSX1400K3]

No need imho, just use a quality to spec oil and filter.

I only use an engine flush on my diesel 4x4 @ every second oil change, that's to get as much soot out as possible.

Just make sure you change oil on a warm engine.

[Alan Moreton]

Thanks to everyone who has commented.

That'll be a resounding no then!  I thought as much, to be honest I just thought I'd put it out there and ask!

I do change the oil and filter regularly, and when I had the cam cover off over Xmas to do the valve clearances and refurb the paint work, it was nice a clean inside.

Thanks again to the forums collective knowledge.

Keep safe.

Chip.