MMO...Opinions wanted.

[Scott88]

I'm not a huge fan of oil additives, but I have used MMO a few times to help clean up a dirty motor.

Here's my situation.. New-to-my-dad 1991 Silverado 305 needs an oil change soon. 5w30 recommended. I'll probably use Maxlife for this first change. Now if I add a quart of MMO(20% of crankcase) would it be wise to run 10w30 for this oil change as MMO is thin and it's summer time, or am I over thinking the whole thing? I assume the Valvoline MaxLife High Mileage oil will be slightly thicker that "normal" so the 5w30 should be fine.I would probably run it 2-3K miles.

Let me know what you think. Thanks guys.

 

[Artem]

If its summer time, the 10w30 won't make much difference. I say you dump that in there and call it a day for 3,000 miles to give the MMO plenty of time to do its job.

 

[JHZR2]

The key IMO is to go gentle and slow. Rotella 10w30 is a good oil choice not because I'm concerned about viscosity really, but because it has good cleaning capability. Depending upon availability, I'd consider running a 15w40 HDEO too... Especially if you're going with MMO for the long run.

If the engine really needs cleaning (how do you know?), you might consider kreen.

 

[ahoier]

I don't see a problem running 10w30.....personally, I'd run the 5w30 for the better "flowability" and just use a cheap conventional motor oil for the first 3,000 mile OCI.....don't go any more than 3k with the MMO in the crankcase.

And just keep an eye on the oil level....in my use of MMO (2 back to back 3,000 mile OCIs so far in my 88 Aries) I've noticed that after about 500-1000 miles, my oil level will show a bit low. No, I'm not leaking any oil at all at least that I can see when it was up on the lift....so either the MMO is being "burned off" as it possibly leaks past the rings, or it's being taken into the seals....

My thought is the first thought lol....cause it just didn't really make sense; seems more plausible that some of the MMO is leaking past the rings and is getting burned up.

Currently running Mopar (Pennzoil) 5w30 bulk in the car now, and no drop in the oil level

Only variable? No MMO in the oil

BTW, those first 2 OCIs, the oil came out extremely black lol...for only 3k I was amazed, and the oil fill hole looks cleaner already. After this 4k OCI, I'll probably run a pint of MMO through the crankcase again....

 

[Scott88]

Thanks for the input guys. The varnish on the dip stick is what makes me want to run MMO for the first change or two.

 

[demarpaint]

Originally Posted By: Scott88
I'm not a huge fan of oil additives, but I have used MMO a few times to help clean up a dirty motor.

Here's my situation.. New-to-my-dad 1991 Silverado 305 needs an oil change soon. 5w30 recommended. I'll probably use Maxlife for this first change. Now if I add a quart of MMO(20% of crankcase) would it be wise to run 10w30 for this oil change as MMO is thin and it's summer time, or am I over thinking the whole thing? I assume the Valvoline MaxLife High Mileage oil will be slightly thicker that "normal" so the 5w30 should be fine.I would probably run it 2-3K miles.

Let me know what you think. Thanks guys.


I had this exact conversation just today with a buddy. Wait until 1000 miles before the OCI and add a pint of MMO, drive the remaining 1000 miles of the OCI and change the oil. Hold off until the winter and run the 20% MMO with 5W30 oil for the full OCI. MMO can be used in the summer, I've done it many times. Doing it over the winter is less stressful for some people because it takes "hot summer time" out of the mix. MMO also aids in cold starts, a plus.

 

[kasedian]

Originally Posted By: demarpaint
Originally Posted By: Scott88
I'm not a huge fan of oil additives, but I have used MMO a few times to help clean up a dirty motor.

Here's my situation.. New-to-my-dad 1991 Silverado 305 needs an oil change soon. 5w30 recommended. I'll probably use Maxlife for this first change. Now if I add a quart of MMO(20% of crankcase) would it be wise to run 10w30 for this oil change as MMO is thin and it's summer time, or am I over thinking the whole thing? I assume the Valvoline MaxLife High Mileage oil will be slightly thicker that "normal" so the 5w30 should be fine.I would probably run it 2-3K miles.

Let me know what you think. Thanks guys.


I had this exact conversation just today with a buddy. Wait until 1000 miles before the OCI and add a pint of MMO, drive the remaining 1000 miles of the OCI and change the oil. Hold off until the winter and run the 20% MMO with 5W30 oil for the full OCI. MMO can be used in the summer, I've done it many times. Doing it over the winter is less stressful for some people because it takes "hot summer time" out of the mix. MMO also aids in cold starts, a plus.


+1

 

[Robenstein]

MMO told me to go up one level from a 10w30 to a 10w40 as the MMO will thin out a 30 or 40 wt oil one grade down on average (thats what they told me). I did a flush in my 305 using 4 quarts of Delo Multigrade HDEO CI4+ rated 15w40 (not the LE low emmissions type)and a quart of MMO. Cleaned like a bat out of hades. Oil was BLACK as tar in 500 miles, ran it with a Bosch Distance Plus filter. The next run was Mystik 10w30 HDEO and its at 1k miles and just turning dark now.

BTW this was in a 86 Chevy with a 305 that speced 5w30

 

[Scott88]

Thanks again guys. I found out the oil is due for a change in ~1K miles, so I may add a pint now, and another with the next oil change. Using a pint shouldn't thin in out too much....

 

[Robenstein]

If you can find a CI4+ Diesel Oil, it will be loaded with a robust cleaning and anti wear package. That way if you add the MMO to it, it will not dilute the natural cleaning detergents and anti wear additives as much. Heck a CI4+ oil on its own will clean well.

 

[Scott88]

^ I may try the Rotella.

 

[kasedian]

 

[demarpaint]

Originally Posted By: Scott88
Thanks again guys. I found out the oil is due for a change in ~1K miles, so I may add a pint now, and another with the next oil change. Using a pint shouldn't thin in out too much....


There's a plan. Or wait till winter for the full qt for the full OCI. If it makes you feel better use a 10W40 and add a qt of MMO to it and run the full OCI next time you change the oil. Either way you won't hurt the engine!

 

[PontiacFan]

Originally Posted By: demarpaint
MMO can be used in the summer, I've done it many times. Doing it over the winter is less stressful for some people because it takes "hot summer time" out of the mix.


Is there any proof to what you are saying about using MMO in the summer as opposed to the winter, I have never read anything about anyone having problems with using MMO in the summertime, I would think that if someone had a dirty engine, that they would want to use MMO or any other oil additive during the warmer months since there engines would be getting to operating temp quicker, I really think what you are saying is just an opinion, and that is fine, but let's be honest, it is not scientific fact.

Quote:
MMO also aids in cold starts, a plus.


This statement I can agree with, my car that has MMO in the oil during the wintertime starts up very easily, it practically stars up just like it does during the summertime when there is no MMO in my oil.

 

[CourierDriver]

Originally Posted By: Scott88
I'm not a huge fan of oil additives, but I have used MMO a few times to help clean up a dirty motor.

Here's my situation.. New-to-my-dad 1991 Silverado 305 needs an oil change soon. 5w30 recommended. I'll probably use Maxlife for this first change. Now if I add a quart of MMO(20% of crankcase) would it be wise to run 10w30 for this oil change as MMO is thin and it's summer time, or am I over thinking the whole thing? I assume the Valvoline MaxLife High Mileage oil will be slightly thicker that "normal" so the 5w30 should be fine.I would probably run it 2-3K miles.

Let me know what you think. Thanks guys.
Go to www.marvelmystery.com and have fun

 

[demarpaint]

Originally Posted By: PontiacFan
Originally Posted By: demarpaint
MMO can be used in the summer, I've done it many times. Doing it over the winter is less stressful for some people because it takes "hot summer time" out of the mix.


Is there any proof to what you are saying about using MMO in the summer as opposed to the winter, I have never read anything about anyone having problems with using MMO in the summertime, I would think that if someone had a dirty engine, that they would want to use MMO or any other oil additive during the warmer months since there engines would be getting to operating temp quicker, I really think what you are saying is just an opinion, and that is fine, but let's be honest, it is not scientific fact.


Why not re-read what I said, word for word. I've used MMO many times in the summer, more times than I can count, never a problem. Read the pages here on Bitog where people are afraid it thins their oil, [which it does, but with no negative UOA impact]. Others say it might leak, burn off, you name it. In the winter you want thinner oil, so for those people who are afraid, or stress over these things they should consider using MMO during the winter if they want to try it, less stress for them. Better oil flow, and better cold starts, I proved it at -35F sitting my van next to my cousin's newer Toyta, both filled with Mobil 1 5W30, only I had a qt of MMO in the sump. Care to guess what engine started easier, and made less noise? You seem to know, and have an interest in engine cleaners, do you have any facts to offer?

 

[PontiacFan]

Originally Posted By: demarpaint
. I've used MMO many times in the summer, more times than I can count, never a problem.


Then why are you advocating using MMO during the wintertime when you have had success during the summertime, if someone needs there engine to be clean, then it should not matter what time of year it is. We all wash our clothes during the warm and cold months.

Quote:
. Read the pages here on Bitog where people are afraid it thins their oil, [which it does, but with no negative UOA impact].


You probably would have warned them, I think this is a myth, if this were true, then there would be a warning from MMO.

Quote:
. Others say it might leak, burn off, you name it.


Have you seen this, maybe MMO is getting into the crud.

Quote:
In the winter you want thinner oil,


If you car is speced for a 5W-20 oil, are you saying that we should go against the manufactures spec and use a different oil during the wintertime, no offense, but do you know something that the manufactures do not know, if you do, please let us know.

Quote:
so for those people who are afraid, or stress over these things they should consider using MMO during the winter if they want to try it, less stress for them.


AFRAID, if your engine needs to be cleaned, then it needs to be cleaned, it does not matter what time of year it is.

Quote:
Better oil flow, and better cold starts, I proved it at -35F sitting my van next to my cousin's newer Toyta, both filled with Mobil 1 5W30, only I had a qt of MMO in the sump. Care to guess what engine started easier, and made less noise? You seem to know, and have an interest in engine cleaners, do you have any facts to offer?


You have obviously told us that since MMO is thin that it helps in cold weather starts, but you have failed to realize that maybe MMO does work better at cleaning during the warmer months, like the summertime, I know I am going off on a tangent, but I have to say that I will stick with my point that there is no harm in using MMO during the summer months.

I have to say that what you are saying is not scientific proof, you and I can go on debating whether to use MMO during the winter time or summertime, but unless we here something from the folks at MMO then everything you have to say is just your opinion and that is fine. I do enjoy our debate, just do not feel bad when I WIN the DEABATE.

 

[SOHCman]

MMO appears to be a straight 10wt. oil, so it would make sense that it would bring a regular motor oil down some regardless of the oil weight you mix it with.

At operating temp, a 30wt. at 20% MMO mixture oil would mathematically be 20% closer to a 10wt. so thats what, a 25wt.? anyone care to do the math??

Having used MMO in multiple vehicles, every one experienced some oil burnoff about in proportion with the amount of MMO that was mixed in, so make sure you watch your oil level and top off with regular oil.

 

[demarpaint]

Originally Posted By: PontiacFan
Originally Posted By: demarpaint
. I've used MMO many times in the summer, more times than I can count, never a problem.


Then why are you advocating using MMO during the wintertime when you have had success during the summertime, if someone needs there engine to be clean, then it should not matter what time of year it is. We all wash our clothes during the warm and cold months.

Quote:
. Read the pages here on Bitog where people are afraid it thins their oil, [which it does, but with no negative UOA impact].


You probably would have warned them, I think this is a myth, if this were true, then there would be a warning from MMO.

Quote:
. Others say it might leak, burn off, you name it.


Have you seen this, maybe MMO is getting into the crud.

Quote:
In the winter you want thinner oil,


If you car is speced for a 5W-20 oil, are you saying that we should go against the manufactures spec and use a different oil during the wintertime, no offense, but do you know something that the manufactures do not know, if you do, please let us know.

Quote:
so for those people who are afraid, or stress over these things they should consider using MMO during the winter if they want to try it, less stress for them.


AFRAID, if your engine needs to be cleaned, then it needs to be cleaned, it does not matter what time of year it is.

Quote:
Better oil flow, and better cold starts, I proved it at -35F sitting my van next to my cousin's newer Toyta, both filled with Mobil 1 5W30, only I had a qt of MMO in the sump. Care to guess what engine started easier, and made less noise? You seem to know, and have an interest in engine cleaners, do you have any facts to offer?


You have obviously told us that since MMO is thin that it helps in cold weather starts, but you have failed to realize that maybe MMO does work better at cleaning during the warmer months, like the summertime, I know I am going off on a tangent, but I have to say that I will stick with my point that there is no harm in using MMO during the summer months.

I have to say that what you are saying is not scientific proof, you and I can go on debating whether to use MMO during the winter time or summertime, but unless we here something from the folks at MMO then everything you have to say is just your opinion and that is fine. I do enjoy our debate, just do not feel bad when I WIN the DEABATE.



Did I mention the words scientific proof? Didn't I say I used MMO during the summer more times than I can count w/o issue? What is your problem? Are you looking to discuss the product or pick a fight? I'd be willing to bet I've used a lot more MMO since the 1970's than you have, and probably know a lot more about the product than you do. Do whatever you like, I really don't care.

I'm trying to help members with problems get better results and not be disappointed if/when the MMO burns off faster during the summer heat. Most people using the product have problems, MMO will clean during the summer or winter, it burns off less in the winter, and gives better cold starts. Prove me wrong, I've only been using the stuff for close to 40 years now.

 

[kasedian]