Everywhere on the internet, whenever someone posts valve cover pics of a sludged engine, people start suggesting the use of ATF in the engine to clean it out because it is loaded with detergents. This myth has been perpetuated for decades it seems, but has anyone actually verified the claim?
When I see ATF VOAs, there isn't much calcium or magnesium, so where did the high detergent myth come from? I don't see the reason why ATF would need lots of detergents since the gearbox isn't exposed to combustion byproducts, so shouldn't motor oils contain more detergent?
I also see people suggesting the use of diesel instead to clean out sludge which seems more viable since diesel is a good solvent.
When I see ATF VOAs, there isn't much calcium or magnesium, so where did the high detergent myth come from? I don't see the reason why ATF would need lots of detergents since the gearbox isn't exposed to combustion byproducts, so shouldn't motor oils contain more detergent?
I also see people suggesting the use of diesel instead to clean out sludge which seems more viable since diesel is a good solvent.