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Gasoline additives
- Thread starter Narragansett
- Start date
Jeff423
US Veteran
I like this guy better than Scotty, but he is testing them in a lawn mower.
[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPdz6BMj8EA[/ame]
[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPdz6BMj8EA[/ame]
OP
Nice idea, but I'm not looking to get on first name terms with the Las Vegas contingent of Nevada Highway Patrol.
Good long highway runs usually work well. The first car I had here was a 3.8 Firebird that had clearly been an "around town" car. Took it to central Arizona and back and it was running like a gas turbine when I got home.
Once in a while you need to put your foot into it and wind it out good and hard.
Like every time you hit an onramp.
That is exactly how I used to blow out my 69 road runner. Had a cop stop me once and ask me what I was doing and if I was a race car driver.
i said no and I did not exceed the speed limit. He just walked away. Ramps have speed limits now
I guess there aren't many of us left, but I have been a fan of Marvel Mystery Oil since the 1960's. It was recommended by many of the old-timers back then. I still add MMO to the tank and crankcase upon occasion. I also use it as a soak for old revolvers like many use Ed's Red. It works extremely well for my needs.
DWalt
Member
I am perfectly happy to take the gasoline just as it comes out of the dispenser. I figure that the refineries know much more about what additives are best than I do.
I have read that some people believe that a few ounces of Acetone added to a tankful of gas increases its cleaning abilities, but I haven't been tempted to try it.
I have read that some people believe that a few ounces of Acetone added to a tankful of gas increases its cleaning abilities, but I haven't been tempted to try it.
I tend to agree with you somewhat, but there are reasons.
Top Tier as is well recommended by most if not all of the auto companies. One of the things in it is Techron. We do not get Top Tier in my area so we add the recommended amount of Techron to occasional fill ups.
If you drive your vechicle regular no problem for the most part nothing other that Techron is needed. If you store for long periods a GOOD stabilizer comes in quite handy. Boats up here are stored about 8 months in all sorts of temperatures. Minus 28-30F can hit. My Vette can easily set 6+ months so you put something in gas that companies do not add as most people do not need it.
You do what works best for you and I will do the same, as not all circumstances are equal. Been a gear head for over 60 years and managed to pick up a few things over the years.
FWIW no acetone for me.
I have used plenty of that at the chemical plants I worked at.ggibson511960
Member
I claim a bit of insider industry information about gasoline additives, having engineered and installed 40 additive injection systems at distribution terminals. I've heard all the horror stories and success stories. First, additives do nothing to alter octane rating. Don't waste your money unless it makes you feel good. Second, if you buy gasoline from busy major retailers and don't age it for too long before you burn it, water accumulation in your vehicle is not a problem. There was a time in the 80's when there were no additives in generic gasoline and everyone got by just fine. The Federal Trade Commission made distributors put in additives for generic gasoline just in case a rash of water accumulation happened. Third, the proprietary formulas for additives make very little difference in what little good they do. A tiny spritz of light machine oil in a gas tank will bind up what little water may accumulate. You would be amazed at how little gasoline additive is put in tanker trucks for delivery to retailers. I won't name the major oil company, but I saw their additive manufacturing unit. A few solvents and liquified animal fat went in the witch's brew. For whatever good it did, it worked for decades. As several have noted above, direct injection engines derive little benefit from additized fuel. The additive gets incinerated and does nothing for exhaust valves. Clean, high quality motor gasoline with low contaminants works the best for this. If you are really fussy about clean fuel, simply buy premium grade, not for the octane rating, but to avoid the fuel transfer errors in the distribution system that push mistakes into the lowest grade fuel. You would be amazed at what ends up in regular gasoline.
DWalt
Member
I have heard that the "Name Brand" gasolines from the major oil companies such as Exxon, Shell, Chevron, etc., will have specific company-prescribed additives and concentrations blended into gasoline sold under their names and in their outlets, no matter where or from what refinery it originates.
Back when I was a kid, in the Tetraethyl Lead days, my father refused to use gasoline other than from Sohio (Standard Oil of Ohio, now BP), as he thought his cars ran much better using Sohio gasoline. I had only his word for it. The power of advertising. It never made any difference to me what brand it was, as I have always bought whatever gas was the cheapest, just like I buy beer. For many years I have usually bought my gas from a nearby convenience store run by an Indian (as in Mumbai) family, as it is always 2 or 3 cents cheaper than anywhere else in the general area of my home. And I figure they need the money more than 7-11 or QT does. I have never had any issues with it.
Regarding water in gasoline, as nearly all gas is now blended with ethanol, I cannot believe that there is any possible problem with water, as the ethanol will suck it right up.
Last edited:
nicky4968
Member
I drive a 2004 bottom of the line Matrix. Coming up on 240,000 miles. Other than TBA, only replaced one AC compressor and one master cylinder. I am light on the gas and light on the brakes. No additives, just cheap swill gas.
Use seafoam in gas for snowblower, lawnmower and motorcicle before they get put away for the winter. In this climate, better to store the snow blower and bike with full tanks, but the mower gets run dry per manual. From personal experience, it worked better than stabil.
Once in a while you need to put your foot into it and wind it out good and hard.
Like every time you hit an onramp.
[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izFyFNEz9AI[/ame]
WOW!!!
0 to 85 inn only 19 seconds. Has to be some kind of a record. 
