ATF in the engine?

[Billyboy]

A friend of mine suggested adding a half a litre of ATF to an engine and running if for about 15 minutes prior to changing the oil. The idea being that it cleans up a lot of the gunk in older engines.

Is this a good idea in a GS? Will it hurt anything? How will it affect the clutch?

I did this in my old pick-up and it seemed to work good.

[DanTheMan]

Yep,
ATF, kerosene, diesel fuel all works well for cleaning oil passages. No harm, less fouling......:-D

[Billyboy]

Thanks Dan. So the wet clutch is a non issue?

[DanTheMan]

Thanks Dan. So the wet clutch is a non issue?

Absolutely a non-issue. It will clean the gunk off of the wet clutch as well, and make it work better since it's clean.

[Billyboy]

Cool beans! Thanks buddy!:-D

[bonanzadave]

Why not just use Seafoam ?

[Billyboy]

Why not just use Seafoam ?

I can't find the stuff.

[Steve]

On the GoldWing forum that I also visit frequently, many riders there recommend ATF or Marvel Mystery Oil (MMO) in the gas tank every so often. Most add 3-4 ounces about every other tank to help keep the fuel system clean. Same recommendations are for SeaFoam (if you can find it).


.

[scotschult]

When I got my "new" GoldWing, I was given the same advise. And I quote:

1. While the engine is warm, drain the oil.
2. Replace oil filter.
3. Fill crankcase with a 50/50 mix of cheap 30W and Dexron auto transmission fluid.
4. Start engine and run for 20 minutes at 3500 - 4000 rpms on the center stand...DO NOT RIDE with this mixture in crankcase...any loading might damage your engine. This will clean your engine internals and free-up rings. Don't be alarmed...your engine may SMOKE quite a bit with this mixture!

I did it, it did smoke, and the mixture came out black, so I assume it did the job.

[derwood]

Hey Bill,
Don't see much sense in doing that unless there is a problem and you are hoping for a miracle cure so the engine doesn't have to be torn down. You might want to try it on your new $20 dollar bike (put some on the chain too) but if you've looked after the one you've got why bother? Modern engine oils have great detergent qualities. ATF is for transmissions. Ask the local dealership? Is it recommended by the manufacturer? This sort of practice is just a folk-wisdom solution to a non-existent problem.
dave

[Busafied]

I don't know why you couldn't, but the question is, what is prompting your desire too?

Just to "Do it?" or because someone said so/

We used to do it to 4 cyl Rustangs we would pick up with low oil pressure.
boom oil pressure would come back and we would turn the cars.

It is not some wishfull thinking on whether or not it works.
Because I can assure you, it does indeed clean motors out, but whether or not it "Needs" it is more the point~

Been doing it to all kinds of vehicles for the last 20+ years.
NOT a CURE - ALL by any means/ but does help determine the condition or the motor, oil pump, etc etc/

[Billyboy]

The only reason I was gonna do it is because I didn't change my oil right away before I started riding it this year. I've only put about 200km on it, but the oil is black and nasty. I wanted to get all the crud out.

I just changed the oil. I did top up the oil with ATF, but only about 200ml. I ran it for a few minutes and then changed it.

[ccs]

Why not just use Seafoam ?

I've put 1/2 can of seafoam into the gas tank, but put it into the oil?

Are you sure?

TIA.

Charles...

[tfb]

I'd just switch to regular oil changes with a good quality oil, and let the detergent qualities of the oil slowly work their magic with your usual motoring. Myself, I wouldn't run ATF through an engine. :-|

[rustybronco]

I have ran kero and atf (1/2 qt atf/kero to 5 qts oil) in vehicles with no adverse effects, we used to use it as an oil thinner in low temps although kero/#1 fuel oil does evaporate fairly quickly in an engine. when using it just use you head because it is a low viscosity oil. atf is also a high detergent oil.