Toyota Engine Oil System Cleaner Service

[M4One]

I'm due for my next service. Besides the oil change, it's suggested that I have an engine oil system cleaner service which removes varnish, sludge and thickened oil in the lubrication system. It's $40 Canadian for the service. I bought a can of STP multi-purpose motor treatment which I was going to pour into the gas tank. But, I can pour it into the crankcase, too. It's similar to Seafoam, or so I've read. Would using the STP be the same thing as the suggested service from Toyota?

Also, I'm not mechanically inclined, so would I simply be pouring the STP into where I would put engine oil into?

[06YarisRS]

If you engine really is dirty, then a few short consecutive oil change intervals should clean it up. It is a safer way to clean an engine, IMO. When I bought my 08, the oil was both low and very dirty. I did a few short changes (1500 - 2000 km or so each, I have a large oil stash and a case of filters). The drained oil from first and second changes was quite dark. Since then, it is very clean after 5 - 6K kms. Personally, I would shy away from additives, especially strong solvent types which is likely what they are offering. There is some speculation that these strong solvents are bad on seals, gaskets etc. Also, if your engine is really dirty from neglect, you may dislodge contaminents and they may circulate around your engine, potentially causing a blockage to such things as your valve train. Unless it has been severely neglected (very long oil change intervals, short drives in really cold weather etc), your engine is likely fairly clean and, as such, probably wouldn't benefit from a "flush". Sounds like a money grab to me.

[tmontague]

^agreed. Plus if it's only $40 CAD at a dealership then they likely are not doing anything more then throwing a cleaner in the engine

[B.B._07]

Save your $40 and skip the "Toyota Engine Oil System Cleaner Service". Toyota does not list any such service as being required in the maintenance manual. Your Toyota dealer on the other hand is in the business of upselling you extra services you really don't need.

[M4One]

Okay, I'll just go for the oil change. Thanks.