ATF Engine Cleaning Trick: Things to Consider Before Applying

Engines often develop gunk and sludge when operated for an extended period of time. A new engine runs at maximum power or very efficiently and close to what the manufacturer markets it to be. On the other hand, an old engine will, more often than not, perform well below par. This is because sludge, gunk, and varnish develop along the pathways of oil and other engine fluids.

Oil system cleaning highlights

• Level of urgency:medium
• Average mileage:not related to mileage
• Repair cost:$0 - $250
• DIY repair:possible
• Commonreasons:usingbadengine flushing methods
• If ignored:engine damage, poor lubrication
• How to solve:use proper oil andnormalintervals,don't flush the engine if it's notneeded

Why clean the engine?

The engine of your car uses oil to lubricate the many moving parts found in it. However, the engine develops a gelatinous substance over time, which interferes with the performance of moving parts and engine sensors. If left unattended, the sludge buildup can eventually lead to severe and costly damage to the engine.

Sludge and gunk form when the engine oil in your car is exposed to oxygen and high temperatures. At first, a varnish builds up when engine oil starts to degrade. Reactive compounds are formed when oil reacts with oxygen and metal at high temperatures, which further degrade the engine oil. Organic acids are formed thereafter, and polymeric products react further to form insoluble products, mainly sludge.

The engine oil makers have, over the years, improved the quality of the oil. Nowadays, synthetic oil contains thermally stable synthetic base oil, which prevents and reduces the oxidation rate. When the oil lacks such compounds, it cannot lubricate the engine parts for a prolonged period. Sludge accumulation has been common in many cases where the engine oil has been left in the engine for too long. This is why many experts advise cleaning the engine to remove any possible sludge buildup.

Engine cleaning means that an additive is put in the engine together with the engine oil. This additive is meant to dissolve the sludge buildup and eventually make the engine run smoothly and more efficiently. Several additives are recommended, and ATF is one of the popular DIY options. ATF is popular because it is readily available, and for many users, it helps you achieve exceptional results.

Using the ATF to clean the engine

Many mechanics and engine enthusiasts keep proclaiming the effectiveness of ATF on an engine when used to clean it. ATF (automatic transmission fluid) is different from engine oil and should not be used as an alternative in the engine. ATF has a lower viscosity than engine oil, but it contains detergents that prevent the transmission from accumulating sludge. These detergents are seen to work on the crankcase to remove gunk and sludge.

The ATF engine cleaning trick

• Many people use ATF to clean their vehicle engines. Many say the results are nothing short of amazing. Mechanics have used ATF to clean engines for a long time when an engine faces sticking phasers, gunky crankcases, and sticky lifters. Sticky rings causing oil to burn can also be solved using ATF.
• Many mechanics agree that using ATF to clean the engine requires using it together with oil. The trick to using ATF is to ensure that the gunk or sludge in the engine is not a lot. For severe sludge buildup, experts advise on using additives. The ATF contains basic cleaning detergents and cannot dislodge more solid gunk.
• The trick to using ATF lies in knowing that it is not designed to be an engine lubricant or additive. However, according to some supporters, it contains the same or similar viscosity qualities as 20W50 engine oil. So, in some cases, you will come across a mechanic recommending using ATF in the engine for an overhaul engine cleanup. Some advocates of the ATF for engine cleanup say they have exclusively used ATF in their engines and drove their vehicles for 3,000 miles before draining it (we don't recommend this!).
• For others, pouring ½ quart of ATF in the engine and driving the vehicle for 2,000 miles does the trick. However, a more universal way of using ATF is to add a quart to the engine and then flood the crankcase with it. Start the engine and let it run for 15 minutes. Do not drive the car. After 15 minutes, drain the engine, and the ATF will be quite dark.
• The fact that the ATF drained from the engine is very dark proves that it removes sludge and other unwanted gunk from the engine and crankcase. Many people have achieved outstanding results after using ATF this way in their car engines.
• To get the best results, some mechanics advise using the ATF on the engine when it is getting closer to an oil change. Some car owners who have achieved positive results using this tip have shared on online forums that the trick is to put ATF 500-1,000 miles to the next oil change. Some Saturn owners who have had to deal with carbon buildup issues on the rings say this trick works perfectly every time.
• For most people who use ATF for engine cleaning, the trick is to ensure that the engine is not completely stalled. Another thing to note about ATF usage in the engine is that it's used on older engines. This is because newer engines are less likely to have sludge issues. Moreover, if you regularly service the engine, sludge, and gunk building up in a relatively new engine is quite hard. ATF and oil additives are mostly used on older, neglected engines.

What to consider before using ATF to clean your engine

Before you use ATF to clean the engine, there are some basic points that you should note first. These considerations will help you know whether it's worth using the ATF to clean the engine and, if so, how to apply it. Here are some of the things to consider;

• The first thing to note is what is ATF and how it works. We already know that ATF is the fluid used on the transmission. It is used as a lubricant to enhance the smooth operation of the vehicle's gears and clutches. It also prevents transmission overheating and prolongs its life because it has unique detergents that help clean and prevent sludge and other impurities from forming.
• The ATF is tolerant to heat since it interacts with the catalytic converter. However, its heat tolerance is not as high as the engine oil's. This, therefore, means you cannot use ATF as a replacement for your regular engine oil.
• ATF contains modifiers and detergents which serve to make the transmission clean. This feature will come in handy when you use the ATF to clean the engine, as it will dissolve all sludge and gunk that might have accumulated in the engine.
• The viscosity of the ATF is much lower than the engine oil's. However, the viscosity of ATF can be comparable to that of some engine oil types. The viscosity of the ATF is not long-lasting, especially given the very high engine operating temperatures. It is for this reason many mechanics recommend draining the ATF as soon as possible.
• The additives and detergent compounds in the ATF are quite mild and only designed to work best in a transmission system. ATF will work fine if the engine has mild blockage or sluggishness because of forming sludge. If, on the other hand, the sludge has hardened, you will need to use specially-made additives for the job.
• Today, engine oil comes with additives that help clean the engine parts and prevent damage to the engine. If you observe strict maintenance and servicing of the engine and the vehicle in general, it is highly unlikely that you will ever need to use ATF or oil additives.
• ATF has a lower detergency, which means it is less suitable to be exposed to the harsh, hot environment inside the engine. This means that the ATF will likely break down fast and bring about heightened friction when exposed to the engine environment for an extended time. It is for this reason many mechanics recommend using ATF to clean the engine for a duration of ten minutes while the vehicle is stationary.
• ATF is known to have reduced viscosity as compared to engine oil. The engine required an exceptionally high level of lubrication. As such, the addition of ATF to the engine is likely to reduce the wear protection in the engine. Reduced viscosity can lead to lower fuel efficiency and premature wear and tear of engine parts.

Conclusion

In our article, we have taken a closer look at using ATF as a cleaning agent for your engine when it clogs up. Though ATF has not specifically been designed to remove sludge from the engine, it has been seen by many car owners to give exceptional results. This does not mean cleaning the engine with ATF does not come with risks. We have highlighted the factors you should consider before applying ATF as a cleaning agent for your beloved engine.