Engine Flush and brake flush?
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
Engine Flush and brake flush? hi everyone. I have a 98 Pontiac firebird with 61000 miles on the car. I recently got work done at a shop and they had recommended me engine flush because the engine oil is very dark and also a brake flush because it has contamination.
For the engine flush im a bit worried to do a engine flush since the car is old and I don’t want something else to pop up after having the engine flush done.
My question is that since the engine oil is dark is it okay? Will it have any problems? I change my car oil every 3000 miles they recommend where I get my oil change done.
For the brake flush I had not got it done since the last brake change. If I get a brake flush done will it be okay since the brake pads are old and were replaced 6 years ago. The brakes are fine but only makes whistle sound when pressing on the brakes. Can somebody please help me regarding opinions on the engine flush and brake flush. Thank you
For the engine flush im a bit worried to do a engine flush since the car is old and I don’t want something else to pop up after having the engine flush done.
My question is that since the engine oil is dark is it okay? Will it have any problems? I change my car oil every 3000 miles they recommend where I get my oil change done.
For the brake flush I had not got it done since the last brake change. If I get a brake flush done will it be okay since the brake pads are old and were replaced 6 years ago. The brakes are fine but only makes whistle sound when pressing on the brakes. Can somebody please help me regarding opinions on the engine flush and brake flush. Thank you
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,330
Likes: 346
From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)
An engine flush? No. Regularly changing your oil should be all that you need. Engine oil color is no way to diagnose a problem but it's a great way for an unscrupulous technician to scare you into paying for unneeded services. Oil gets dark with use... it's normal. If you're concerned, you can send an oil sample to be analyzed and get the true state of your engine.
BTW, you don't need to change your oil every 3,000 miles. It won't hurt to do so (except your wallet) but it's not necessary. The GM recommendation is to use the OIL CHANGE light on the dash which will go up to 7,500 miles depending on your driving conditions.
Brake flush? Yes, probably. Brake fluid absorbs a lot of moisture over time making it less effective. Manufacturer's recommendations vary widely but every three years is a good base to work with. Even with some longer recommendations, if you've gone six years since the last flush then you're due. However, I would recommend going someplace else that wasn't trying to sell you additional unnecessary services.
BTW, you don't need to change your oil every 3,000 miles. It won't hurt to do so (except your wallet) but it's not necessary. The GM recommendation is to use the OIL CHANGE light on the dash which will go up to 7,500 miles depending on your driving conditions.
Brake flush? Yes, probably. Brake fluid absorbs a lot of moisture over time making it less effective. Manufacturer's recommendations vary widely but every three years is a good base to work with. Even with some longer recommendations, if you've gone six years since the last flush then you're due. However, I would recommend going someplace else that wasn't trying to sell you additional unnecessary services.
Brake flush probably couldn't hurt. Engine flush, not at all. I also would highly consider having someone else perform the brake service and not the shop that suggested the engine flush. Hell, I'd love to see what they'd say about the oil that comes out of my dmax after 5-7k miles 
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
An engine flush? No. Regularly changing your oil should be all that you need. Engine oil color is no way to diagnose a problem but it's a great way for an unscrupulous technician to scare you into paying for unneeded services. Oil gets dark with use... it's normal. If you're concerned, you can send an oil sample to be analyzed and get the true state of your engine.
BTW, you don't need to change your oil every 3,000 miles. It won't hurt to do so (except your wallet) but it's not necessary. The GM recommendation is to use the OIL CHANGE light on the dash which will go up to 7,500 miles depending on your driving conditions.
Brake flush? Yes, probably. Brake fluid absorbs a lot of moisture over time making it less effective. Manufacturer's recommendations vary widely but every three years is a good base to work with. Even with some longer recommendations, if you've gone six years since the last flush then you're due. However, I would recommend going someplace else that wasn't trying to sell you additional unnecessary services.
BTW, you don't need to change your oil every 3,000 miles. It won't hurt to do so (except your wallet) but it's not necessary. The GM recommendation is to use the OIL CHANGE light on the dash which will go up to 7,500 miles depending on your driving conditions.
Brake flush? Yes, probably. Brake fluid absorbs a lot of moisture over time making it less effective. Manufacturer's recommendations vary widely but every three years is a good base to work with. Even with some longer recommendations, if you've gone six years since the last flush then you're due. However, I would recommend going someplace else that wasn't trying to sell you additional unnecessary services.
For the engine oil I wasnt aware that the oil can be changed upto 7500 miles. Does it usually notify on the dash with an oil change sign when an oil change is needed?
For the brake flush would it be okay if I stick to the old brakes and then just get the flush done? Does it make a difference having old brake pads but having the brake system flushed? Does it cause any issues?
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
Brake flush probably couldn't hurt. Engine flush, not at all. I also would highly consider having someone else perform the brake service and not the shop that suggested the engine flush. Hell, I'd love to see what they'd say about the oil that comes out of my dmax after 5-7k miles
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,330
Likes: 346
From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)
Hi thank you for reply back.
For the engine oil I wasnt aware that the oil can be changed upto 7500 miles. Does it usually notify on the dash with an oil change sign when an oil change is needed?
For the brake flush would it be okay if I stick to the old brakes and then just get the flush done? Does it make a difference having old brake pads but having the brake system flushed? Does it cause any issues?
For the engine oil I wasnt aware that the oil can be changed upto 7500 miles. Does it usually notify on the dash with an oil change sign when an oil change is needed?
For the brake flush would it be okay if I stick to the old brakes and then just get the flush done? Does it make a difference having old brake pads but having the brake system flushed? Does it cause any issues?
Yes, you can get the brake flush done without changing the pads although it's a good idea to at least check the pads when you do that. If they have life left in them then there is no need to replace them just to do a brake fluid flush.
Hi thank you for reply back.
For the engine oil I wasnt aware that the oil can be changed upto 7500 miles. Does it usually notify on the dash with an oil change sign when an oil change is needed?
For the brake flush would it be okay if I stick to the old brakes and then just get the flush done? Does it make a difference having old brake pads but having the brake system flushed? Does it cause any issues?
For the engine oil I wasnt aware that the oil can be changed upto 7500 miles. Does it usually notify on the dash with an oil change sign when an oil change is needed?
For the brake flush would it be okay if I stick to the old brakes and then just get the flush done? Does it make a difference having old brake pads but having the brake system flushed? Does it cause any issues?
I second checking the pads while you're down there for the flush. They might be up for a new set. And if your brake fluid is black, it probably needs a change.
Trending Topics
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 326
Likes: 7
From: Columbus,Ga
Yes, there is an oil monitor system that calculates when an oil change is needed using various factors like mileage, drive cycles (short trips wear faster than longer ones), and driving temperatures. It doesn't actually test the oil, it just calculates intervals based on those factors and displays a CHANGE OIL light on the dash. If you drive in "severe" conditions like lots of dust which it can't detect then you should change your oil more frequently. The oil monitor system is reset at each oil change by turn on the ignition (don't start the car) and pressing the gas pedal all the way to the floor three times. The shop where you've been getting your oil changes has probably been doing that for you so you've never seen the CHANGE OIL light.
Yes, you can get the brake flush done without changing the pads although it's a good idea to at least check the pads when you do that. If they have life left in them then there is no need to replace them just to do a brake fluid flush.
Yes, you can get the brake flush done without changing the pads although it's a good idea to at least check the pads when you do that. If they have life left in them then there is no need to replace them just to do a brake fluid flush.
LS1 Tech Stories
The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time
Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine
Verdad Gallardo
7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin
Verdad Gallardo
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them
Pouria Savadkouei
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked
Pouria Savadkouei
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP
Verdad Gallardo
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes
Verdad Gallardo Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
Some oil manufacturers, like Amsoil and Mobil 1, claim their products can last over 10.000 miles, even 20,000 for the ultra premium oils they market. I'm sure they last a lot longer than a conventional oil but I'm little skeptical that the oil is working great up to 20.000 miles. I change my oil once during the summer and once during the winter. That's about 6,000 miles on the oil when I change it and I know I could go longer (I use Mobil 1 EP) but it's easy to remember to change it that way.
I second checking the pads while you're down there for the flush. They might be up for a new set. And if your brake fluid is black, it probably needs a change.
I second checking the pads while you're down there for the flush. They might be up for a new set. And if your brake fluid is black, it probably needs a change.
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,330
Likes: 346
From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)
98 camaro's do not have a oil life monitoring system, I agree with everyone do not waste money on engine flush, how ever a brake flush done properly will extend the life of a brake system. but the key is "done properly". if your brake pads are 3mm or more I would leave them alone.
Hi thank you for your reply back. The shop told me the oil was a bit dark and recommend engine flush. For the oils change if I change it every 6,000 to 7,000 miles will that be okay? I don’t drive many miles during the month. Will it be any issue for the oil being dark? I use penzoil oil regular.
Brake flush - yes, I usually have that done every 5 years or so. Mas others mentioned brake fluid absorbs moisture.
Engine flush - no, wasted of money. A good synthetic oil like Mobile 1, Penzoil Ultra or Amsoil, etc will do an excellent job of keeping an engine clean.
Coolant flush - yes, this is often overlooked.
Power steering flush - yes, once to get all the nasty stuff out. Helps protect PS pump.
Engine flush - no, wasted of money. A good synthetic oil like Mobile 1, Penzoil Ultra or Amsoil, etc will do an excellent job of keeping an engine clean.
Coolant flush - yes, this is often overlooked.
Power steering flush - yes, once to get all the nasty stuff out. Helps protect PS pump.
Another note to point out, there are vast differences in oil filter filtering and life expectation. You could use the most high dollar amsoil you want, but pair it with a **** $2.50 pro select filter from NAPA, better dump that oil at 3k miles. Need to use a quality filter, NAPA Gold (wix) or your choice of other quality filters (bosh, Mobil 1, Amsoil etc). I use napa golds & synthetic in my commuter cars and a Mobil 1 filter and rotella t6 in my d max. Change my oil at 5k, no sticker, no oil life monitor, 20k 25k 30k etc... Now I work in a shop and do all my own maintenance so it's just the cost of materials but its a good habit that's worked well for many years.
TECH Regular
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 404
Likes: 24
From: Houston
I flush my engine at each oil change. After draining the oil I squirt some degreaser down the oil fill hole, let it sit and then flush it with my garden hose. Once the water runs clear out of the drain plug, I dry with compressed air and refill the oil. That way I know the crankcase is nice and clean. Engine makes a little racket but that's ok.
I did engine flushes at every oil change with my 436ci stroker, lasted 173,000 miles. When a piston got cocked in the cylinder on its way up a rod snapped, at 150mph during a race....I tore the engine down and it looked brand new inside, not a single spot of sludge or tarnishing. Every internal part looked new. Thats what clean oil does.
As far as running ANY oil beyond 3,000 miles....In my opinion is ridiculous. The only way to have a clean engine is to have VERY clean oil. NO WAY in hell is oil clean after 3,000-4,000 miles. Simply impossible. Why do you think it turns black......LOL
But lots of people do it.....just don't know why when an oil change cost so little........
Oh...and it went 173,000 miles with using off the shelf cheap *** Castrol GTX 20w50 its whole life of 12 years. ($2.99/qrt)....LOL.....and a Purolator filter. Absolutely no need for synthetics, they offer zero in extra protection compared to conventional oil.
.
Last edited by LS6427; Sep 22, 2018 at 07:45 PM.
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,330
Likes: 346
From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)
As far as running ANY oil beyond 3,000 miles....In my opinion is ridiculous. The only way to have a clean engine is to have VERY clean oil. NO WAY in hell is oil clean after 3,000-4,000 miles. Simply impossible. Why do you think it turns black......LOL
But lots of people do it.....just don't know why when an oil change cost so little........
But lots of people do it.....just don't know why when an oil change cost so little........
Because it's not the 1980s anymore. Engines and engine oils are orders of magnitude better than they were then and 3,000 mile oil changes are no longer necessary and frankly just throwing away money. I hope you're not still using floppy disks with your computer.
Now that is just wrong... synthetics offer many advantages over dino oil including better cleaning, more stable viscosity, and much higher shear resistance. It's not necessary to use synthetics because even modern conventional oils are easily capable of longer change intervals than in the past but synthetics offer even more. Denying that is like saying the earth is flat - it simply doesn't match the science.
Now that is just wrong... synthetics offer many advantages over dino oil including better cleaning, more stable viscosity, and much higher shear resistance. It's not necessary to use synthetics because even modern conventional oils are easily capable of longer change intervals than in the past but synthetics offer even more. Denying that is like saying the earth is flat - it simply doesn't match the science.
I do not believe in synthetic oils. I just believe in clean oil. And me, changing cheap *** conventional oil costs $20.00 a change. In the long run, the synthetic oil users will spend more money than me and get absolutely nothing more out of it. Longevity of an engine is the test of how well the oil worked out during its life.
If my current 390ci goes 150,000......its pretty much a closed case.
EDIT: And I have the best memory sticks money can buy.....LOL
.
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,330
Likes: 346
From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)
I do not believe in synthetic oils. I just believe in clean oil. And me, changing cheap *** conventional oil costs $20.00 a change. In the long run, the synthetic oil users will spend more money than me and get absolutely nothing more out of it. Longevity of an engine is the test of how well the oil worked out during its life.
It's your money and time to spend if it makes you feel more comfortable with your maintenance but making a general recommendation for others to avoid the advances in technology is not particularly helpful. And to get to the real heart of the matter... the color of the oil has very little to do with its effectiveness as a lubricant or cleaning agent. Thousands of tests have proven that.
You are certainly entitled to your beliefs even if they don't match with the facts. But your numbers are off... taking into account only the cost of the oil (assuming filter and labor cost/time is the same) then you are spending $20 every 3,000 miles while someone using synthetics would spend about $30 every 6,000 miles. For an average 12,000 mile year, you spend $80 while the synthetic user spent only $60. And you did four changes while they did only two... twice the labor costs and twice the number of filters. Even if you do your own oil changes, how much is your time worth? So using synthetics provides better protection as well as saving time and money.
It's your money and time to spend if it makes you feel more comfortable with your maintenance but making a general recommendation for others to avoid the advances in technology is not particularly helpful. And to get to the real heart of the matter... the color of the oil has very little to do with its effectiveness as a lubricant or cleaning agent. Thousands of tests have proven that.
It's your money and time to spend if it makes you feel more comfortable with your maintenance but making a general recommendation for others to avoid the advances in technology is not particularly helpful. And to get to the real heart of the matter... the color of the oil has very little to do with its effectiveness as a lubricant or cleaning agent. Thousands of tests have proven that.
Boom-Science!