Safe Speed Forums

I saw Paul W's post in "running in" - http://www.safespeed.org.uk/forum/viewt ... 0659#90659 - and don't recall a discussion on additives before.

I concur the point made about Slick 50 that it leaves particles that can cause big-time problems by forcing bypass valves open. however, any other additives for discussion? I have.....

This particular additive I have a lot of respect for. however, NOT when running in, but afterwards wehen the engine has bedded down.

Website is http://www.team-zx1.com/main.cfm?page=tech

Anyone else got any views on this?

It reads like the descriptions for Castrol Magnatec (SP?) which may give it a much needed credibility boost.

However, I wouldn't see much reason for using an additive when I can buy a 'whole' product with apparently similar claims.

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Paul Smith
Our scrap speed cameras petition got over 28,000 sigs
The Safe Speed campaign demands a return to intelligent road safety

With modern synthetic oils there is no point in additives.

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Malcolm W.
The views expressed in this post are personal opinions and do not represent the views of Safespeed.

Possibly, but modern synthetic oils are horrendously expensive. Is a good (SG) mineral oil and ZX1 as good? It's certainly cheaper if the ZX1 is only needed every 50,000 miles.

Included in all engine oils is something manufacturers usually term an 'additive pack'. These 'additive packs' are a cocktail of chemicals intended to improve performance.

I thought I'd point that out because 'additives' are actually a very important integral part of modern oils.

(It's just a semantic point, I know, but potentially an area for confusion.)

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Paul Smith
Our scrap speed cameras petition got over 28,000 sigs
The Safe Speed campaign demands a return to intelligent road safety

Purely from reading other motoring forums the general consensus was that they did far more harm then good, particularly on high milage engines, with some stories about engines going bang soon after use. The theory was that products like Slick 50 remove the sludge that was "plugging the gaps" of worn engines and once thats washed away the problems start. Apparently.

Slick 50 is a viscosity modifier. It helps knackered old engines live a bit longer but have no place in modern applications.

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Speed camera policy Kills

Having recently retired from the Lubricants Division of the largest of the oil majors I have to agree with most of the comments already posted; these "additives" are, at best, a waste of money in modern engines and, at worst, may positively screw up the complex formulations of modern oils. The oil companies and their additive suppliers spend an enormous amount of time and money formulating and testing lube oils to meet the increasingly extreme requirements of OEM's and emmissions legislation.

As for modern synthetics being very expensive; think about the technology involved, the job they have to do and the investement, (yours), they are protecting. Then think about what you pay for a litre of bottled water. I know which is better value.

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"Experience isn't everything - but it's most of it".

Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get you.

[diversion]
any comments on fuel additives?

i say this as someone who's just bought a vehicle designed to run on 4* hence just started looking at the lead replacement additives.
[/diversion]

Oil is always cheaper than engine metal though

Generally, the ones where you have to mix a small amount with each tank full of fuel are OK - they are just doing what the refinery used to when it sold Lead Replacement Petrol. Beware of things that you fit once and forget like tin pellets in your tank and magnets round the fuel line. These are complete rubbish. I think Redline sell a good range of additives through Halfrauds.

Do you want it to boost octane or protect valve seats or both?

I'm with Mole on this. seem to recall RedEx being in this market but, as the man says your local Halfrauds will probably have the necessary. Don't know what you've bought but you could try asking the Owner's Club for any specific recommendations. Think most will give you a simple answer on-line. If you're looking to protect valve seats they will also advise on best availability of reworked heads etc.

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"Experience isn't everything - but it's most of it".

Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get you.

On the topic of the likes of Red-ex - 1) do we really need it nowadays and 2) - does the burnt product pose any problem to cats.

1) - say this because last car i had was CAV 2L injection, 8v, , round the 120k mark it needed a head gasket change. I would reckon that this was the first time the head had been off from new ,so i got a decoke kit + valve paste etc . The bores were clean, the valve stems just slightly dirty and the seats ( ground them any way ) looked good. Had never used Red ex as car a bit on the old side -didn't want to loose the sealing effects of any carbon.In the end it didn't need it.
2) - never seen any literature on it .

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lets bring sanity back to speed limits.
Drivers are like donkeys -they respond best to a carrot, not a stick .Road safety experts are like Asses - best kept covered up ,or sat on

The point re RedEx is good - no, don't think it adds anything to engines that are "modern", i.e. engineered for U/L petrol. However, our friend is asking advice about LRP additives for an engine that still required leaded petrol.

The full-time answer is, of course, to rework the head with hardened valve seats etc but additives may provide a short-term alternative. Bu no, not for anything originally meant to run on U/L.............or Diesel.

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"Experience isn't everything - but it's most of it".

Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get you.

tah... well i have the STP stuff for starters.. they all seem to claim better octane & valve protection.

anything that stops the engine beating itself to death will do me!

(and its a bedford van circa 1982)

In the USA market, BMW (at least) recommend (or possibly used to recommend) an 'injector cleaner' fuel additive every 10,000 miles.

There's no such recommendation in Europe as far as I know.

Do the Yanks have dirtier petrol?

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Paul Smith
Our scrap speed cameras petition got over 28,000 sigs
The Safe Speed campaign demands a return to intelligent road safety

I don't think so - just a higher gullibility ratio!

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CSCP Latin for beginners...
Ticketo ergo sum : I scam therefore I am!

This chap is has a nice comprehensive site examining most subjects:

http://www.fuelsaving.info/

I have liased with him on a few ASA complains (nicely successful I might add!)

edit: He's also not shy about naming names too, which is great.

Cool site!