On my third mechanic...

[cr2k]

Re: On my third mechanic...

Bruceb58, settle down. I think I know what your problem is, you probably used way too much additive and diluted the oil to the point of not lubricating properly.

Additives can and do work in some situations, but not all. So what is the harm in trying?

Ever have a late 60 to early 80's Ford? It had a lifter tick right (they all did) and good old Mac's additive made it go away.

Ever have a tire patched? Same thing. But I would guess you would replace a new tire with a nail in it rather then snake oil a patch in it.

Additives don't "fix" broken stuff, but they DO eliminate other issues that may be contributing to the problem. Like carbon build up keeping a valve from seating, or a ring that is sticking, or even a weak lifter do to varnish build up.

Back in the day there was a whole generation of mechanics, now they are just parts changers, pity, lots of stuff can be fixed but no one remembers how anymore. Just throw new parts at it.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: On my third mechanic...

I've used mystic mo before with no problem.

I have yet to understand why some people think a mixture of Stoddard Solvent, mineral oil and lard mixed into gasoline does something good.....


From NTSB

According to the FAA inspector, the additive that was added to the fuel was Marvel Mystery Oil. An empty 1 gallon can of Marvel Mystery Oil was found in the operator's trash. Instructions found on the can stated that the correct ratio for mixing with fuel was 1 part additive to 100 parts fuel. The contents of Marvel Mystery Oil were 74 percent mineral oil, 25 percent stoddard solvent, and 1 percent lard.

Marine engines are a lot like aircraft engines. They run at mostly fixed RPM, they develop rather high continuous HP, and are very susceptible to catastrophic damage due to detonation.

Mixing mineral oil, diesel fuel, kerosene, stoddard solvent, or other snake oils into the fuel WILL cause detonation in engines running at high HP.

Just about ALL the "snake oil" "recommended" by your dad, brother, friend, acquaintance, uncle, Pet Mechanic, diesel mechanic, Briggs And Stratton Mechanic, or favorite chainsaw repairman, contain anywhere from Kerosene, mineral oil, stoddard solvent, diesel fuel, to methanol and alcohol and/or all of the above!


There is no "mechanic in a can".......

If an engine is worn out. It stays worn out no matter how much "stuff' you put in the gas or oil......

 

[bruceb58]

Re: On my third mechanic...

Bruceb58, settle down. I think I know what your problem is, you probably used way too much additive and diluted the oil to the point of not lubricating properly.

Actually, I would never add an additive to my oil like SeaFoam. Why would anyone pour Naptha and Isopropyl alcohol in their oil.

Ever have a tire patched? Same thing. But I would guess you would replace a new tire with a nail in it rather then snake oil a patch in it.

Your argument comparing fixing a spare tire is flawed. I equate removing a tire and fixing it properly with a patch similar to properly repairing an engine vs injecting stop leak through the valve(snake oil) to fix a leak.

If a ring is really stuck in a pistion due to carbon build up or whatever, you could take that piston out and soak it in the SeaFoam or marvel mystery oil and you would be lucky if it solved your problem, let alone pouring it into your gas tank or crankcase.

 

[Alpheus]

Re: On my third mechanic...

I seen those infomercials on the TV at 4am. I seen people on there give actual testemony on how it works. I quit using gas and oil myself. I just fill my tank with SeaFoam and my engine with Restore. My engine should last until rapture or at least 2012...

 

[Ira Quirke]

Re: On my third mechanic...

Why would anyone pour Naptha and Isopropyl alcohol in their oil.

Hi Bruce58,
Only one reason that I can think of....if oil is not changed regularly, sludge builds up and blocks the oilways and pick-up leading to eventual engine destruction through lack of oil pressure.
Thinners like you described can help dissolve the sludge so that it can be removed. But it must be followed by an oil service. Change the filter and refill with new oil.

As for the compression problem, if corrosion or dirt on the exhaust valve has built up preventing the valve from closing properly, compression will certainly be lost.....until it is run long enough to clean up a little. I had a problem like that once and when I removed the head, I found a small piece of foreign matter on the valve seat which I removed with a screwdriver.....

Cheers, Ira

 

[bruceb58]

Re: On my third mechanic...

As for the compression problem, if corrosion or dirt on the exhaust valve has built up preventing the valve from closing properly, compression will certainly be lost.....until it is run long enough to clean up a little. I had a problem like that once and when I removed the head, I found a small piece of foreign matter on the valve seat which I removed with a screwdriver.....

Cheers, Ira

What is funny is that if you had some corosion on an open exhaust valve and it was causing a low compression issue, by running the engine the compression may come back. At the same time, someone puts some additive in and claims that is was the additive that magically solved the problem when infact it did nothing.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: On my third mechanic...

wow, if I put that snake oil or Ethanol in ME it may make me live longer or type better.
most techs that do a compression test and wont follow it with a leak down test are snake oil salesmen.
if its broke its simply broke.
however with a good decarbing I have seen leak down numbers go from the 40% range back into the 15% or less range.
wont work for every case and not at all if the leakdown shows valve sealing issues.
is it worth a try, doesnt cost much but the directions need to be followed and the leakdown test repeated.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: On my third mechanic...

Thinners like you described can help dissolve the sludge so that it can be removed.

That is a great way to destroy an engine!


Trying to dissolve "sludge" with an oil thinner runs the risk of breaking loose a piece that "sludge" and having it lodge in an oil passage.

If that oil passage happens to be supplying a main or rod bearing, can you say "SPUN BEARING"?


NEVER put a solvent in the oil, EVER!

NEVER NEVER NEVER. (never!)

jeeze.......

 

[Ira Quirke]

Re: On my third mechanic...

Point taken...although the 'big pieces' are only on the outside of the pick up screen. If they get through that, they will be caught by the oil filter so the chances of an oilway blockage as you describe it is almost impossible. Sir.

Cheers, Ira (only a 'cadet'....go easy here. OK?)

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: On my third mechanic...

although the 'big pieces' are only on the outside of the pick up screen

You hope!

That's the problem.....if you have "sludge "outside" the screen.....nothing prevents it from being "inside" the screen....(or "pressurized" areas)

It's a common misconception. You can buy engine "flush" products and many "mechanics" sell engine flush services that claim to "clean" your engine.

The only way to keep an engine clean is to use any modern oil (NOT non-compounded....or non-detergent) and change it regularly.......... If it's "dirty" tear it down and clean it...............dump a solvent in the oil and you run the risk of ruining the engine................


(don't call me SIR!.....I work for a living!!!)



Cheers,


Rick

 

[rodbolt]

Re: On my third mechanic...

most oiling systems use a filter bypass valve, the filter only sees about 15% of the oil the pump is moving.
the rest bypasses the filter .
that way if the filter becomes restricted it doesnt shut off the oil to the moving parts.

 

[sasto]

Re: On my third mechanic...

I seen those infomercials on the TV at 4am. I seen people on there give actual testemony on how it works. I quit using gas and oil myself. I just fill my tank with SeaFoam and my engine with Restore. My engine should last until rapture or at least 2012...

I think I'll go your route...Alpheus...