Best way to do engine/oil flush before fitting VVT tensioner

[jonathanp]

I've been recommended to do an oil flush before fitting a new VVT tensioner.

I've read a few posts on here advising against using an engine flush treatment and instead to change the the oil for a cheap mineral type (still using the old filter) and drive the car for around an hour and then change for good oil and new filter.

Just wondered it it is best to use a cheap mineral oil and which grade to use? The normal 5w 40 or something different?

Many thanks

Jon

 

[jonathanp]

bump

 

[8bit]

Not sure what the "best" way is but I've had engine flush done a couple of times by a local garage (who specialise in fast road, rally and track cars), they said it's fine to do an engine flush. What was the rationale you read advising against it, out of interest?

They also recommended I switched to 10w40 (Millers CF) to help prevent build-up of sludge in the sump.

 

[jase750]

the thing about engine flush is that you can't be sure you get all of it out so there will be some of it left in, breaking down the new oil that you put back in.
that's why most people do the cheap oil quick change thing

 

[towcester vag]

i wouldnt use flushing agents on an old engine strictly because it could dislodge any carbon/crude from block/head and block oil pump strainer and even the vvt filter
use cheap oil and do a couple of times
100mile
and then again after 1000miles

 

[DOLBY]

i have done an engine flush too. No noticable difference, but peace of mind i suppose.

 

[jonathanp]

Cars a LCR with 80k on the clock, oil has been changed every 6k miles or so.

I'm looking to buy a new VVT tensioner and to receive the 12 month warranty I need to provide proof of oil flush etc.

As above I've read warnings against using oil flush treatments as it can potentially block other parts of the engine (I think it was in an opie oils thread).

I already have some gulf competition 5w-40 on order for the final oil change.

So should I just get the same grade as a mineral oil?