3rd Generation Specific (1993-2002) 1993-2002 Discussion including performance modifications and Technical Support Sections.
Sponsored by:

Can you use oil system cleaners?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 03-14-09, 02:15 PM
  #1  
Just Boosting

Thread Starter
iTrader: (8)
 
existanzrx7's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Chy-Town
Posts: 1,124
Received 7 Likes on 5 Posts
Question Can you use oil system cleaners?

Ok my question is can you use the oil system cleaners on a rotary engine is it safe? The type im talking about is the type u replace one quart of oil in your oil change with an oil system cleaner. The reason I ask is because I can see that notorious greasy creamy looking goo inside the oil filler tube. So im thinking of throwing some of that oil system cleaner in my next oil change to hopefully clean some of the creamy looking **** in there?

Thanks
Jorge
Old 03-14-09, 03:49 PM
  #2  
needs more track time

iTrader: (16)
 
gracer7-rx7's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Bay Area CA
Posts: 9,194
Received 510 Likes on 351 Posts
I would say no to oil cleaners. most of the ones i've seen are not good for rotaries.

Regarding the creamy goo, search. I don't have specifics on it but its pretty normal for it to occur. Took me a while to believe it but it is. Just clean it up. An oil system cleaner won't affect that.
Old 03-14-09, 04:27 PM
  #3  
Eats, Sleeps, Dreams Rotary

iTrader: (17)
 
neit_jnf's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Around
Posts: 3,908
Received 187 Likes on 135 Posts
I wouldn't recommend it. You can never get all the cleaner out of the system as some will stay within the rotors, oil coolers and also the omp will inject a small amount and might be detrimental to some of the engine internal seals.

creamy oil froth is an indication that the car is driven short distances and never really taken up to operating temperatures for enough time.
Old 03-14-09, 05:15 PM
  #4  
White chicks > *

iTrader: (33)
 
1QWIK7's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Secaucus, New Jersey
Posts: 13,147
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Originally Posted by neit_jnf
I wouldn't recommend it. You can never get all the cleaner out of the system as some will stay within the rotors, oil coolers and also the omp will inject a small amount and might be detrimental to some of the engine internal seals.

creamy oil froth is an indication that the car is driven short distances and never really taken up to operating temperatures for enough time.

That is true. When i changed my oil, there was this milky liquid on my dipstick that was left there from the oil flush.

I dont drive the car alot so when i cant, i just warm it up and let it idle so it just doesnt sit there for long periods of time without start. When i take it out, i do short trips. But i try to WOT the car to at least get rid of any carbon that might be in the engine.
Old 03-14-09, 06:14 PM
  #5  
Just Boosting

Thread Starter
iTrader: (8)
 
existanzrx7's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Chy-Town
Posts: 1,124
Received 7 Likes on 5 Posts
Thanks guys that’s what I was thinking that oil system cleaners cant be good for a rotary that’s why I had to ask.
Old 03-15-09, 11:45 AM
  #6  
RX-7 Bad Ass

iTrader: (55)
 
DaleClark's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Pensacola, FL
Posts: 15,399
Received 2,438 Likes on 1,509 Posts
I've been through countless engines, and I've yet to see one with any sort of "badness" in the oil system that a cleaner would fix. This really isn't a rotary problem - piston engines get all sorts of junk built up on the valve train and the like, but rotaries just don't have that problem.

Now, the cooling system is another thing. Once a year, drain the cooling system and refill with 50/50 antifreeze and DISTILLED water. You can get a gallon of distilled water at Walmart for like 60 cents. Most every engine I've been through has a dead spot where all the silt and sand from using tap water collects. Also, coolant will start corroding the aluminum as time goes by, it breaks down. Yearly changes will solve that.

As stated, the white goo on the oil cap is totally normal - it's just a mix of condensation and oil vapor. The RX-8 guys were mystified by it - brand new RX-8's do the exact same thing. Totally normal.

Dale
Old 03-15-09, 02:49 PM
  #7  
Sponsor
iTrader: (41)
 
IRPerformance's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: NJ
Posts: 11,347
Received 317 Likes on 190 Posts
Creamy goo in the filler neck is usually moisture. Change the oil more often.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
rotor_veux
2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992)
7
08-31-15 07:49 PM
pzr2
General Rotary Tech Support
1
08-15-15 08:29 PM



Quick Reply: Can you use oil system cleaners?



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:57 PM.