I’ve been doing some reading about various ways to clean the engine internally, and I’ve stumbled across the idea of using Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) mixed with engine oil.
What is ATF and How Does It Work?
ATF is primarily used for automatic transmissions, but some car enthusiasts suggest that it can also help clean engine components when added to engine oil. The thought process is that ATF contains detergents and additives that could break down sludge and deposits inside the engine.
Potential Benefits
Cleaning Agent: ATF is said to help dissolve varnish, sludge, and carbon deposits in the engine.
Detergents: Many ATFs have detergent properties which could help clean up the internal engine surfaces.
Cost-Effective: Compared to specialized cleaning products, ATF is relatively inexpensive and easy to find.
Risks and Considerations
Compatibility: Not all engines or oil types may react well with ATF. It’s essential to know your vehicle’s specifications.
Dilution: Mixing ATF with your regular engine oil could dilute the properties of the engine oil itself.
Possible Damage: There are concerns that using ATF may lead to issues if it breaks down engine seals or dislodges harmful debris that could block oil passages.
Recommendations
If you’ve tried this method, could you share your experiences?
What proportion of ATF to engine oil do you suggest, if it’s worth trying?
Any specific brands of ATF that you’ve had success with?
I’m particularly interested in hearing from other Chevrolet owners or anyone who has a lot of experience with engine maintenance. Your insights could really help me, and I’m sure others, make an informed decision!
I’ve heard of people adding ATF to engine oil to help clean out sludge. The detergents in ATF can help suspend contaminants, making them easier to drain. Just be cautious with the amounts!
It’s fascinating how ATF can be used beyond its typical applications. Just ensure you’re not using too much—monthly might be ideal as a cleaning routine. Has anyone measured the results?
I’ve read that ATF has both detergent and dispersant properties. This makes it useful for breaking down build-up. Just think of it as a turbocharged oil change!
I didn’t expect to see ATF as magic elixir for engines! It’s great to hear positive stories, but I’d love to see actual data or tests on effectiveness.
I agree, anecdotal evidence is nice, but I’m curious if anyone’s run a controlled test on engine performance before and after. That could really prove the point!
I’ve had some success with ATF in engine oil, using a ratio of about 10% ATF to 90% oil. It really helps to break down sludge and varnish. Just be sure to change the oil afterwards to avoid any long-term issues.
That’s a great tip, Daniel! I’ve heard 5% can work well too. It seems like the key is not overdoing it, right? We don’t want to mess with the oil’s effectiveness.
I’ve mixed 1 quart of ATF with 5 quarts of oil before and found it effective. Just remember to run the engine briefly to circulate the mix before you drain it out. Good luck!
Great discussion! Just be cautious, as mixing can sometimes lead to foaming issues. I suggest running it for no more than 15-20 minutes and then changing the oil immediately.
I’ve read that ATF contains detergents that can help clean, so mixing in small amounts like 5% could help without causing damage. Just keep in mind to check for any leaks afterwards!
