Engine Flush/Cleaner

I was wondering if there are any advantages or disadvantages in using an Engine Flush or Cleaner prior to an oil change. I was told that some Engine Flush may eat into the coatings of the cylinder walls and pistons. Is this true? Do these flush really remove the sludge build up in the engines? Would you recommend using these products in a car with about 200k miles on it?

Thanks,

Kevin JH
280SL '70
300SE '90
E320 '97

[Benzmac]

I have never seen them used and don't rec to use them! They have to have a cleaning agent that softens the deposits in some way. What will that do to the seals?

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Benzmac:
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
SERVICE MANAGER FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

Hi Benzmac,

There are a lot of brands of engine flush around manufactured by Snap, STP and many other popular brands. It's supposed to clean old engines but as you mentioned they may react with the seals. Why do they manufacture them then and why do people use them??

I found the following link a while ago:

http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/2195/engineoil_bible.html

Seem to echo what has been said here so far.

Nicolas

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1982 300D - http://members.xoom.com/nicodore/