To flush or not to flush? (Not MR2)

[Mikeymead]

As some of you may know I'm self employed and run a couple of vans that to be fair are getting on a bit. The oldest of the two (2001) just failed it's mot badly and quite frankly wasn't worth repairing.  So in a bit of a panic I bought a van from a local dealer. It was the right van (2012 Nissan Primastar 2.0 turbo diesel with 80K on it) at the right price (read cheap) It's a bit rough round the edges but drives well and has potential. Service history is a bit patchy so I think that I'd better give it an engine service at least to start with and then a thorougher going over when work quiets down a bit.

The oil level in it is okay but very black, so the question is do I just change the oil and filter or do an engine flush as well. I only ask as I've no experience of using engine flush as I generally change the oil on my vehicles very regularly. 

Thanks in advance.

[Carolyn]

The oil in Diesels goes black very quickly, so that don't mean much!

The trouble with flushing an unknown engine is you don't know how much crap you might end up shooting around the engine.

It it were me, I'd just do a basic oil and filter swap.

[Mikeymead]

The oil in Diesels goes black very quickly, so that don't mean much!

The trouble with flushing an unknown engine is you don't know how much crap you might end up shooting around the engine.

It it were me, I'd just do a basic oil and filter swap.

Thanks Carolyn, that makes sense and saves me some pennies as well!

[normanh]

Diesel Engine oil is a strong detergent medium anyhow, just fill and change again after 1000 miles. Thats why it goes black so quickly.

Norman

[Joesson]

I have posted this reference to Mobil elsewhere.
It does go black quite quickly in my deisel daily.
My 2 does far less mileage and this oil is still a golden colour when I change it.
Just maybe the " strong detergent medium" that Norman refers to helps keep my pfl piston oilways clean.

Mobil Super 3000X1 Fully Synthetic Motor Oil 5W30 5L 0342808
Available from Wilko at £26.00
Recommended by Mobil (who lubricate Toyota endurance team cars) for daily use.
I have used this for several years in my 2 and also in my daily that is a Ford diesel.