1997 Honda Accord Engine Flushing

HONDAUSER4

MEMBER
1997 HONDA ACCORD

Engine Performance problem
1997 Honda Accord 4 cyl Automatic 120000 miles

I recently bought this car. It runs Good 500 mi with 1 stop) but during the mechanic inspection earlier he commented that the engine is Black inside and has black deposits. So the car will not last long unless I go for regular flushing. I am confused. If the car runs good should I mess with it with flushing? Or should I go only with regular synthetic oil change?

1 Reply

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Hi HondaUser4,

Most oil treatment would form a layer of supposedly protective layer in the inner parts of the engine and this would result in sludging over time. If it is not too bad, flushing is not required. Regular oil change without using oil treatment is all you need.

If the condition is very bad, flushing would not help as the oil pump strainer would most likely be partially clogged and the flushing might cause more harm than good. Excessive sludge is going into the oil sump and the running of the engine can cause the sludge to be drawn to the strainer. This would clog the strainer resulting in insufficient oil being drawn by the oil pump.

The oinly way to go about is to drop the oil sump and clean the strainer. Flushing prior to it mght help to clear some of the sludge from the cylinder head but do not expect wonders.