LC20 or Auto-RX - or both

[just1guy]

Hey folks...wonderful, informative site that you guys got here. Let me preface by saying that I am a complete newbie on personal car maintenance so excuse my ignorance. I have a 2001 Ford Focus (Zetec Engine) w/ ~106K miles - it's a daily driver with majority coming on the highway. Oil changes have been every 3K-4K miles with no major problems encountered. I have been doing some intense research on LC20 and AutoRX but have been somewhat confused on their differences...I understand they are different products but it just appears that they have quite a bit of overlap in terms of what they provide. Hopefully you experts can help a new guy out.

On a side note:
Based on your recommendations, I used some Gumout Regane for the first time...all I can say is wow - there is a definite improvement in terms of smoothness, idling DB, and power availability.

I also bought 10 bottles of SLOB from the local Big Lots - I have not used it yet so I can't comment on performance.

Thanks in advance...Just1Guy

 

[Rick20]

The only similarity is that both feel that motor oil and car manufacturer's recommended change out intervals is not enough. Auto-Rx is a blend of lanolin esters, aliphatic esters, and polyol esters designed to clean the internals as you drive. LC20 is more of an antioxidant designed to prevent deposits from forming. IMO, ARX is the better cleaner. A very slow methodiucal cleaner, providing enhanced lubricity and dispersant capability to the host oil. IMO, ARX is the best ring pack cleanser available.

 

[boone88rr]

First off, Welcome.

Next, run two applications of Auto-Rx. One clean, one rinse, one clean, one rinse. Details and instructions are on the website.

Then, when you are done cleaning either run with a maintenace dose of A-RX (3oz. per oil change) or LC20 (1oz. per quart at oil change and 1oz. every 1k miles).

LC20 would be cheaper as a maintenance product if you have a small sump. I have been using LC20 in my Tacoma with good UOA results. However, for cost reasons I may switch to A-Rx for maintenance. I have 5 bottles already so I'll be set for quite some time. Good luck.

I was very impressed with the results by using Auto-Rx on my fiance's 2000 ZX2. Use it with confidence. Great product.

 

[mburnickas]

I am still up in the air with both. The clean portion is where LC20 sat last drain.

Here are two pix. One is during the cleaning phase of Auto-Rx. The last one is with 1,825 miles on the rinse phase with dino oil (aka 90% complete).....no change on this 63K mile car.

I would say either one, for today. Things might change. Just to post, I would not run both at the sametime.

 

[bruce381]

Use a 10/30 SM dino oil at 4K OCI and be happy.
bruce

 

[mburnickas]

I would say 6 to 7K miles with lc20 and be very happy.

 

[Shelby]

I had pretty amazing results with Autorx and I enjoy sharing it with other people who are considering it. I am working on a second review at some point and the results on my second vehicle is just as good as the first one. Haven't tried LC20, but I would give ARX a try!

http://www.auto-rx.com/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=1088

 

[TheTanSedan]

De-carbon pistons and throttle body; then, fresh plugs and air filter.

ARX it to clean it up (per Frank's latest instructions); then,

Best quality oil & filter with LC-20 and FP-60; then,

UOA with BLACKSTONE & DYSON ANALYSIS.

Failproof, and cheap.

 

[just1guy]

Thanks again guys for the comments...definitely clarifies my train of thought.