Options for cleaning engine sludge
 

I have read from different places on google that there are different ways of cleaning out sludge from the engine besides taking it to a shop and doing a complete dismantle and clean. I'm mainly concerned about a DIY option, as money is tight. The car trim is a 2000 EX-V6.

My questions: is there one option better than the other of the options I'll list, if so why? If not, I'll assume my buddy's engine will be toast in the near future. On to the options I've read about.

1) Drain oil, pour diesel into the crank and let it idle, drain the diesel, repeat 2-4 times, replace old oil filter with a new one and add new oil.

2) Same as 1, but using ATF.

3) Add Seafoam (as directed by Seafoam bottle, following the instructions) into the crank, let it idle, drain oil, replace old oil filter with a new one and add new oil.

Thanks in advance.

-Mike

Castrol 5w20 GTX

copied from the other thread...

There's some stuff, I think it's called BG-44 or something like that. It's supposed to dissolve sludge slowly, so you don't risk any big chunks falling off. Pour it into your crankcase (add to your normal oil) then drive with it in there. I haven't used it but some people on a Saab board have said it works good.

I like the idea of using high quality oil with some detergents, as "drastic measures can cause drastic problems", as you say it, Crispin. I think we'll move onto something else if running some HQ oil w/ detergents and frequent oil changes doesn't do the trick. It is his only car and he doesn't want to go and buy a car if he can help it. If it doesn't work, the SeaFoam or BG-44K sound like other good options.

Sounds more like a gradual fix more than a quick fix.

Use sea foam. Warm up the engine then drain completely. Fill with good oil Run it for 500-1000 miles and repeat with the sea foam.