Engine oil flush.

[jamiemumt]

What is the general feeling about doing an oil flush in my old T25. Its a petrol 1986 4 speed high top, done 84.000 miles. I have a noisy tappet, and its going for its MOT very soon. Its not used daily, in fact its been covered for the winter. Is it a good thing to flush an old engine or not, and should it stop the tappet noise. Also, if a flush is recomended, what product is recomended, and what oil to fill up with after the flush.
Any advice is welcome.
Cheers,
Jim.

[R0B]

Giving the van a good 5 mile run will cure the tappet noise.The tappet/tappets will of drained whilst stood.

[jamesc76]

Personally I dont like engine flush on older engines it can remove the nice bit of muck on the back of seals and allows them to leak! Take the van for a good run of at least 10~20 miles to get the engine hot and the tappet should have pumped back up, its lack of use thats let it drain!

[Red Westie]

As others have said.....but if an oil change is needed (done more than 5,000 miles since last changed) drop and drain (engine warm) and replace both the oil and filter with a good mineral based 15W/40 multigrade.
For example Castrol GTX high mileage:

http://www.castrol.com/castrol/productd ... Id=7027414

Nothing thinner....some use 20W/50 which is even a heavier viscosity and good for keeping hydraulic tappets quiet!
Martin

[kevtherev]

engine flush = catch penny

just go and buy some 15/40 mineral ASDA OIL you get loads of flushing oil and it won't harm the engine.

[jamiemumt]

Superb, thanks for the advice, I see the point about the flushing may just cause some bother, so its a good run followed with an oil change with mineral oil and new filter.
Thanks to you all.