Oil system cleaner

[danejurrous]

So we all have old bikes (presumably) and with old bikes since they have been running or sitting for long periods of time the oil can build up causing sludge. When I worked as a diesel tech we used to do a preventative maintenance service where we used a engine oil cleaner and ran it for a while to help clear out any sludge build up.

I have heard adding Automatic Trans Fluid to the oil and running at normal operating temp for 20-30 minutes works because of high detergent content in its composition but I don't want to cause any problems with my clutches making them slip.

Anyone have any knowledge on this subject and be willing to enlighten me and possible others?

 

[Tim]

My $0.02 - if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

I've now broken down 3 engines completely - every nut bolt and bearing. 2 XS650 engines and a 1966 Honda CA95. One of the XS engines had been sitting for years and had a hole in a piston. The CA95 had last run who knows how many years before I got it.

Drained what was left of any oil inside and took them apart. Honestly, no build up, no 'sludge', no real mess of any sort.

So, let's define 'long periods of time'. Unless it's years or decades, I don't think you have anything to be concerned about.

 

[AlphaDogChoppers]

Oil sludge is a myth.
Modern oils have excellent detergency, which is to say, contaminants stay in suspension to be filtered/drained out.

 

[Big R]

If this is for the GS in your sig, get a new oil pan gasket and pull the pan off. Any type of sludge / gunk tends to hang around there. Also a good time to clean out the screen for the oil pump too.

 

[SONICJK]

I have torn down 2 350s and a 400 and all of them had "sludge" in the bottom of the engine.

I have run seafoam in the oil for 30 or 40 minutes before a change with no ill results, no idea if it helps but Id assume it does.

 

[danejurrous]

Sludge as a myth, don't quite agree with that but I will agree that modern oils are better at keeping it from happening.

Since my 750 sat and sat for 20+ years before I got it, that is why I asked the question. Back in '86 it would not have really had modern day oils in it when it was banned to the corner of a garage. Since on older oils and systems heat being a cause of the oil breaking down and creating sludge I figured it would not hurt to pose the question.

 

[mydlyfkryzis]

Older oils had high wax content. The was would separate out and would form what was called Sludge. ADC is correct, new oils are high detergent and don't have the wax. However, as Toyota knows, excessive heat has caused oil to gel up. So the "sludge factor is possible, but it is not hard deposits sitting around like the old days. the oil gels is more then sludge, the oil is thickened completely.

As far as cleaners go, I would not dilute oil with any cleaners. The cam on aluminum head needs every bit of lubrication. Cleaners in theoil is like gasoline dilution in the oil. Its a recipe for failed cam journals in the head.