How to flush engine on the cheap??

[Ulook]

The timing belt went on my 1.9 mk5 golf, so I am currently in the process of preparing a new engine to swap in.

The rocker cover was smashed when I got it and had bits of plastic and dirt were in the head. Obviously I have removed the rocker cover cleaned it out best I can and going to remove the sump to make sure there's nothing in there.

Question is, what can I use to flush the system out as best as possible but also on the cheap??. I don't really want to pay for new oil just to Casper the ghost it through the engine. I lookes at engine flush oil but seems quite expensive.

I would take the head off but don't want to risk causing more problems. Once PD engines had the heads removed, they never seem to be the same.

Any suggestions? Thanks.

[Belle427]

Just buy some pd oil in bulk 20 litre form from ebay, its not that expensive.
I would be concerned how much crap had got in there though.
I've not heard that rumour about the engines not being the same after head removal, its normally people getting the timing wrong.

[E-bmw]

As above, I generally buy oil in 20/25 litre drums at pretty much the cost of 2 oil changes worth of oil in 5 litre bottles, so it hurts much less.

[GreenV8S]

You can just tip anything vaguely mineral oil based into the rocker area and use that to flush the debris to the bottom of the crank case. That's essentially all that happens when the engine is running, but you don't need to have the engine running and doing the pumping for it to happen. And of course a quick sieve to remove any debris will leave your cleaning fluid ready to put through the engine again, as many times as you feel is useful.

[bmwmike]

Diesel works too doesn't it

[E-bmw]

I have certainly used it before, many years ago, although it is hardly a cheap option these days.

[Belle427]

Stick a tin of wynns engine flush through it, about £6 from halfords. Personally id probably just change the oil again after a few days use as your never sure what the previous maintenance was like.
If your not that fussy then just send it as is.

[dhutch]

White sprit, paraffin, diesel, wd40, airline, mount it upside down in a engine stand.

[Pete54]

Your timing belt broke and flushing oil is "too expensive". Ever thought that maybe a bicycle would be more cost effective as a transport option?

[Ulook]

dhutch said:

White sprit, paraffin, diesel, wd40, airline, mount it upside down in a engine stand.

Yeah I don't think I made it clear that it is currently sat on an engine stand upside down with the sump off. I was thinking about trying to flush it upside down. My mate has a scope camera so thinking if I take the cam off and have a look in, it might ease my concern.

Thanks everyone for the replies! I think il just fill a can with petrol and flush it through the engine a few times. I did think of using Petrol first but was put off the idea until I realised the engine is going to be sat for a while yet and will just evaporate before it ever gets run.

[E-bmw]

Pete54 said:

Your timing belt broke and flushing oil is "too expensive". Ever thought that maybe a bicycle would be more cost effective as a transport option?

Read the post from the OP completely before answering next time.

[E-bmw]

Ulook said:

dhutch said:

White sprit, paraffin, diesel, wd40, airline, mount it upside down in a engine stand.

Yeah I don't think I made it clear that it is currently sat on an engine stand upside down with the sump off. I was thinking about trying to flush it upside down. My mate has a scope camera so thinking if I take the cam off and have a look in, it might ease my concern.

Thanks everyone for the replies! I think il just fill a can with petrol and flush it through the engine a few times. I did think of using Petrol first but was put off the idea until I realised the engine is going to be sat for a while yet and will just evaporate before it ever gets run.

I wouldn't use petrol as it will completely strip any residual oil on your metal surfaces.

He said white spirit/paraffin/diesel/wd40 for a reason, they are are all extremely light oils with some lubrication properties.

[bmwmike]

as above, do not use petrol!!! it'll wreck your engine as it'll strip oil and lube/grease/residue from places that oil will struggle to refill. Also burns hazard etc.

Diesel would be my choice, it is a lubricant and contains cleaning additives too. Its £1.50 a litre odd, so not that expensive really, for 5 or 6 litres?

Edit to add if you have an electric oil pump, you may be able to rig it up so it flushes through a few times on your bench.

[MACL98]

We used to use either ATF or Paraffin. One pint added to the oil, ran for a few minutes and drained would clear it out well.

Nowadays, my continued use of MOBIL 1 5w50 has kept the motor really clean. Pulled the valve covers to paint them last year and was surprised how clean and oily everything was. Never had that with the old mineral stuff..