Kerosene to clean out engine oil

[Squab]

I have just changed the head gaskets on my merc 4.3 and now want to flush out the oil system. I have heard the conventional way of putting new oil and and then changing it but my father in law who was a mechanic mentioned putting Kerosene in the oil fill to clean everything out. Is this a good idea, it sounds good due to the fact that it is thin and would wash everything off.

 

[Don S]

Re: Kerosene to clean out engine oil

I've been suggesting similar for years, just with diesel fuel.
3 quarts of oil, 2 of diesel, idle for 10 to 15 minutes and change oil and filter. Repeat, then go to all oil with a new filter and go boating.

 

[alilley]

Re: Kerosene to clean out engine oil

here is a thought as well and i bet you father in law might agree with me here. if you can find a old distribator use the housing and center shaft of it attached to a drill and put it back in place and spin it. that will drive the oil pump and flush everything throught every where. it is a trick dad toughtme a long time ago to prime the oil system on a fresh rebuild

 

[Squab]

Re: Kerosene to clean out engine oil

does the gear on the distributor connect to the oil pump or does the little key underneath keep them in tune. Or is the oil pump connected to the crank shaft?

 

[EMC 1810SS]

Re: Kerosene to clean out engine oil

Substituting 1 quart of oil for 1 quart of transmission fluid will work wonders also.... I guess there is a lot of detergents in tranny fluid.

 

[EMC 1810SS]

Re: Kerosene to clean out engine oil

does the gear on the distributor connect to the oil pump or does the little key underneath keep them in tune. Or is the oil pump connected to the crank shaft?

Yes The Distributer drives the oil pump

 

[kewlkatdady]

Re: Kerosene to clean out engine oil

x2 for diesel...thats what I've always used...

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Kerosene to clean out engine oil

Is this a good idea, it sounds good due to the fact that it is thin and would wash everything off.

What are you trying to "wash off"?

Get the oil thin enough and break a "chunk" loose, and you run the risk of spinning a bearing.

I would just change the oil ....... a couple of times if necessasary. Use 5W-20 if you want thin oil.

 

[Don S]

Re: Kerosene to clean out engine oil

What are you trying to "wash off"?

I kind of ASSUMED :facepalm: and hoped, that since he replace the head gasket, that he had water in the oil.
Diesel and/or kerosene breaks down the milky oil from the engine and allows it to drain down into the pan instead of sticking to everything.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Kerosene to clean out engine oil

that he had water in the oil.

Ayuh,... He Did, 'n still will as he ain't found the problem, 'cause he don't wanta pull the motor...

 

[Don S]

Re: Kerosene to clean out engine oil

Ayuh,... He Did, 'n still will as he ain't found the problem, 'cause he don't wanta pull the motor...

Hmmmmmmm, .......... just looked at his other treads. Changing the oil is not what he needs, changing the engine however would be a good idea. That or just keep throwing parts at an engine with a cracked block.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Kerosene to clean out engine oil

does the gear on the distributor connect to the oil pump or does the little key underneath keep them in tune. Or is the oil pump connected to the crank shaft?

The cam drives the distributer thru the gear. The hex keyway at the bottom of the dist drives the oil pump.

 

[dvandsm64]

Re: Kerosene to clean out engine oil

i did this with an old mustang i had. it smoked like crazy afterwards, but i was told this was normal!!!