How do you measure out automotive chemicals?

[y_p_w]

I'm using Red Line SI-1 in regular doses. I'm trying to aim for the 1.5 oz per 10 gallons, but they don't have the lines on the label (not that they were terribly accurate in the first place) and of course they no longer recommend using in small amounts except in their Spanish language instructions.

Anyone have a recommended tool for this? A dropper with graduated lines might work. Maybe a graduated cylinder? Perhaps just measuring spoons? I have an almost empty bottle which I'm thinking of keeping a measured amount before dumping in the tank. The only thing is that I hate the Red Line bottle shape. I know they use it for everything, but it's hard to dump the entire contents when you can't tilt it completely vertically.

I am a little bit shocked at the prices now. I remember when I could get a 15 oz bottle for less than $4. It's still a bargain compared to some of the other concentrated or regular maintenance fuel injector cleaners.

 

[Saleen0679]

I have a small collection of 'squeeze and measure' bottles like the 8oz. Stabil bottle. Before that it was the small measuring cups like they use for cough syrup.

 

[Sawdusted]

Some drugstores carry a 2 Oz syringe. Will fit the bill nicely.

Or farm supply stores will carry them too.

 

[dustyroads]

I keep old sta-bil bottles for such things

 

[JHZR2]

I just eyeball it. Less is more.

 

[JethroBodine]

1/2 a bottle in each full tank. I only clean the fuel system every 20,000 miles.

 

[spackard]

Ratio-rite graduated cup.
If it was that small, I'd dilute 2:1 or 4:1 first.

 

[Errtt]

Here ya go V. And if you look, you can see the scale on the bottle.
1 for fuel system dosing, one for ? and one for ?
http://www.harborfreight.com/pack-of-3-8-oz-storage-bottles-with-twist-caps-66170.html

Or use one to measure a fuel cleaner dose, then dump that amount into a smaller diameter bottle i.e. Regane bottle (to carry) so the larger opening dumps faster into the fill neck.
Longer reach too.

I also have a larger syringe I got in a marine department meant for oil measuring 2-stroke oil.

 

[spasm3]

i keep a few old nyquil cups.

 

[JimPghPA]

I use RedLine SL-1 in the fuel of our 2001 Impala at the recommended dose of 4.45 mL per U.S. Gallon, and I am very happy with the way the engine on that car run.

To measure the RedLine SL-1 at the gas station and put it in the tank just before adding fuel I use a 100 mL Graduated Plastic Cylinder that is Semi-Clear (translucent white). I purchased it from McMaster-Carr (U.S. phone number 330 342 6100)

McMaster-Carr part number 1475T13 cost 7.54 U.S. dollars.

McMaster-Carr has a special deal with U.P.S. because they are their biggest customer, they get very fast service at a cost less than you would pay for regular slow U.P.S. shipping, and they pass that savings on to their customers. So the shipping usually is less than six dollars U.S. currency for shipping in the United States. I do not know if they ship out side of the United States, but being as big as they are, they probably do.

BTW, the RedLine SL-1 is very hydroscopic. The film of SL-1 left in the graduated cylinder will pull water from the air and if left sitting upright there will will be something like 5 or 10 mL of water in the cylinder the next time you go to use it. I store the cylinder upside down in used plastic grocery bags. The SL-1 is also stored in another grocery store bag and both bags are stored between the trunk carpet and the metal side of the trunk. I usually use other used plastic grocery bags as gloves when I handle the SL-1.

RedLine SL-1 is annoying to get on your hands because if you don't have any place to wash your hands with soap and water, it will get on the steering wheel of your vehicle.

The rep at RedLine suggested that for the first use add a hole bottle to one tank of gas. After that use 4.45 mL per U.S. gallon of gas.

I am on the fourth bottle of SL-1 now and the engine is getting better gas millage, idles smoother, accelerates nicer, and in general seams to have more power if you want to accelerate or climb hills faster.

 

[Garak]

If you don't have an old Stabil bottle, some janitorial supply stores have basically the same thing for sale, just empty though for janitors to mix floor chemicals properly.

 

[Slacker]

I have a glass baby bottle that has Oz. marked clearly on it that makes it easy to measure out the exact amount needed.

 

[Smoky14]

Check around your local motorcycle shop for a Ratio-Rite. I've had one for over 30 years and no self respecting mc guy would be without one.

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/14/...;WT.mc_ID=80019

 

[tom slick]

I also use a Ratio Rite cup also. Cheap, easy to use and accurate.

 

[Tdbo]

Use a hair dye bottle. They are graduated in 1 oz increments and have a squirt type top on them if you need to direct the chemical somewhere with a minimum of mess. They are about $1.50 at a cosmetology store.

 

[NYSteve]

I buy glass turkey basters with measuring lines at the store. This avoids any capitability issues with different types of plastics and the chemicals

 

[Barkleymut]

I use the old Redneck trick, "thats bout an ounce, thats bout 2 ounces"

Of course all that I ever use is a little bit of MMO and some old 2 cycle Amsoil that I swear I will never run out of. I have an old MMO bottle and put about 1/2 and oz of the 2 cycle and 2-3 oz of MMO in. Shake it for a second then add to the gas tank of my car then fill it up.

 

[sleddriver]

Originally Posted By: Sawdusted
Some drugstores carry a 2 Oz syringe. Will fit the bill nicely.

Or farm supply stores will carry them too.

I like your idea a lot! Small, inexpensive, nothing to wipe out if you keep it in your car, 100% of the syringe contents are expelled via plunger, etc.

Since 1 oz = 30mL = 30cc, then a 60cc syringe will have you covered.