Questions about Additives/Cleaners!

[KiaSedona05]

I have two vehicles, a 2005 Kia Sedona van (600 miles) and a 2002 Honda Civic EX. (115,000 miles!)

What kind of additives or cleaners should I use in both vehicles? I am using Mobil 1 oil and filter for both vehicles BTW.

But, to get better gas mileage what is the best additive for that, along with a good cleaner additive. Now, the Kia being so new it's probably not important right now to worry about a cleaning agent but I know my Honda could use one! I just want to keep both vehicles in tip-top condition, especially our new van.

I've heard in the past that additives hurt engine oil by breaking it down. Is this true? Some people have said to only use an attitive on one gas tank full before the next oil change.

So I am a little confused. Some machanics say additives and cleaners are useless and just a waste of money while others swear by them. DOES IT REALLY MATTER?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I love looking at all the cool stuff at PepBoys for my vehicles but don't know if I would just be wasting money or if some things actually work. AND, what to use if they do work!

So here's a little poll while we're at it:

What are your favorite Additives and why?
What are your favorite Cleaners and why?

Also, please explain why you use these products!

 

[04SpecV]

Good oil choice.

Plenty of cars last a long time without using ANY additives.
But my my favorite fuel adds are Redline SI-1 and Marvel Mystery oil.

AutoRX is a good oil addtive for engines, transmissions. Mostly for ones that are neglected or see a lot of short trip driving.

 

[KiaSedona05]

I read up on the Auto-RX and would like to try this in my Honda. It has 115,000 miles and the engine has never been treated or cleaned. I was reading there is a method to using Auto-RX using a clean and rinse cycle or something like that but all I am seeing is bits and pieces of information.

Has anyone used RX and how do you do it properly?

Also, that Redline SI-1 looks good too but I need to clean my engine first I would imagine?

To put it this way, how do I properly clean my Honda engine that has 115,000 on it and then maintain it? What products would be best for both? If the above mentioned won't do the trick that is.

 

[KiaSedona05]

Also, can someone explain how the Marvel Mystery oil works? Is it used in the fuel system or put in the engine oil, or both? They sell this at Wal-Mart for about $2 believe it or not. I was surprised to see it there but didn't buy any because I am not sure how to use it or where to put it. The bottle states you can put it anywhere but does not go into much detail or explaination. Like how often do you use it or will it harm your oil. Should I do it before an oil change or after? Those kinds of questions, you know!

 

[bigwillie]

quote:

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Originally posted by KiaSedona05:
I read up on the Auto-RX and would like to try this in my Honda. It has 115,000 miles and the engine has never been treated or cleaned. I was reading there is a method to using Auto-RX using a clean and rinse cycle or something like that but all I am seeing is bits and pieces of information.

Has anyone used RX and how do you do it properly?

Also, that Redline SI-1 looks good too but I need to clean my engine first I would imagine?

To put it this way, how do I properly clean my Honda engine that has 115,000 on it and then maintain it? What products would be best for both? If the above mentioned won't do the trick that is.

---

Auto-Rx is a ester derived cleaning agent that you add to your engine oil, it works as you drive first change your oil and filter then add the specified amount of auto-rx and drive 1500 miles for the clean cycle, after that is done you will change the oil and filter again for the 2000 mile rinse cycle. after the rinse your finished with the application.

Many people on this site have used auto-rx and by doing a search on auto-rx you'll find many positive reviews is is one of the safest engine cleaners to use a lot better than those $3 10 minute flushes you buy at the store. I'm currently using it on my 88 Ford Bronco II with 46k I'm only 400 miles into the clean cycle though, but in those 400 miles my engine has become much quieter, smoother and seems to have a bit more pep. Your Honda would probabley benifit from a good cleaning you can find more info at auto-rx.com

As for the Redline SI-1 and the Marvel Mystery Oil I haven't used them so I can't really tell you if there good or bad. There is a fuel cleaner that I recomend you use called Fuel Power it is available from this sitelubecontrol.com
You use it with every tank of gas I have used it and am very impressed whenever I use it my engine seems smoother and usually gets better gas mileage.

If you don't want to use that then just pick up some pick up some techron or gumout regane from wal-mart they are both good OTC fuel additives.

 

[kingrob]

On the MMO I usually pour half a quart in the gas tank and the other half down the crankcase.

As fuel treatment it's kind of like STP injector or carb cleaner; in the motor it helps gently dislodge little crud particles and carbon deposits as well as help stop minor leaks and give some extra top cylinder lubrication.

I've also used it as a penetrating oil when WD-40 won't quite cut it.

 

[unDummy]

With a good synthetic oil and reasonable OCI, you shouldn't need any engine cleaners. But, if you want, use a 5-10 minute flush every 5-10 OCI's.
Others say to always dose Neutra/LC20/seafoam/marvel/rislone/auto-rx/lubegard/prepup along with numerous other oil additives mentioned in the next 100 or so pages of this forum.

For the gasoline, stick with a toptier gas and/or use any name brand FI cleaner 3-4 times a year. FP/Neutra/Regane/BG44k/Seafoam/Amsoil/Redline/Techron/VentilSauber/Lucas........ and numerous others mentioned here.........
I don't have brand loyalty and rotate among the ones in the local autoparts stores.

For an fuel added lubricant, I've used doses of 2-stroke oil, Lucas UCL, Marvel Mystery oil......but adding something to the gas a every fillup can be a hassle.

 

[KiaSedona05]

For the Auto-RX I am reading you can only use non-synthetic oil, even before the treatment. Is this true? If so, then I have to switch to non-synthetic for a while, then do the treatments, then back to synthetic? Sheesh!

 

[04SpecV]

quote:

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Originally posted by KiaSedona05:
For the Auto-RX I am reading you can only use non-synthetic oil, even before the treatment. Is this true? If so, then I have to switch to non-synthetic for a while, then do the treatments, then back to synthetic? Sheesh!

---

If your engine already has synthetic in it, you can use that for the first clean. After that you should use non synthetic for the rest of the treatments(for best results).

 

[LubeOiler]

This is just the way I have evolved to the use of additives & cleaners.On my newer cars you need them to break in and to save $ I would use a petroleum based oil for 3000 miles till the type car you have is about broken in which is about 1000 miles according to Nissan.After that I would go to a good synthetic or blend for its life with the help of additives at certain times. Once a month I will use FP or Techron in the gas and after 3750 miles I will add LC and or Mola Brew to help boost the oils ability to go longer OCI.My goal is 7500 mile OCI with low wear numbers as indicated by the oil reports.As the engine gets older ARX cleaning may be needed depending on the driving style and OCI and oil type.

 

[Thatwouldbegreat]

quote:

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Originally posted by LubeOiler:
This is just the way I have evolved to the use of additives & cleaners.On my newer cars you need them to break in and to save $ I would use a petroleum based oil for 3000 miles till the type car you have is about broken in which is about 1000 miles according to Nissan.After that I would go to a good synthetic or blend for its life with the help of additives at certain times. Once a month I will use FP or Techron in the gas and after 3750 miles I will add LC and or Mola Brew to help boost the oils ability to go longer OCI.My goal is 7500 mile OCI with low wear numbers as indicated by the oil reports.As the engine gets older ARX cleaning may be needed depending on the driving style and OCI and oil type.

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I think that sums it up!

I'd follow this program.

 

[mdocod]

just fyi on the MMO...

I feel- from what I have read here- that it is great as an every-day gas addative, but should only be used in oil for short durations (around 500 miles or less) for mild cleaning. ARX being a much better for crankcase cleaning.

I've been using it(mmo) for a little over a month now(in the gas)- I haven't noticed any difference in my engine performance, noise, or smoothness, but I continue using it because I have read good things about the long term results it generates. (less wear and deposits in the upper engine area). I should note that in a month- this engine gets about 2500 miles primarily in-town style driving. I found a 1 gallon jug of mmo at walmart recently for $10... went ahead and bought it- will use it to refill my smaller 32oz container that has the measurements on the side. With the cost of gas these days... adding ~0.5oz/galon of something that costs $10/gallon isn't that much difference in overal costs... if it can potencially keep this old engine running a little longer- it'll be well worth it.

I did the math on it... running 0.5oz MMO per gallon increases the cost of 1 gallon of fuel by about 2 cents per gallon. (i'm paying $2.59 per gallon for gas latally, so the difference is less than 1% in running costs)

 

[KiaSedona05]

Regarding the ARX treatment...

I just did an OC last week. I am using a cheap (don't spank me!) FRAM filter and was wondering if I would be ok with the ARX treatment with this filter or should I wait until my next OC and get a better filter before I start treatments.

I am using Mobil 1 Synthetic BTW.

Since I just did an OC, shall I wait and get my use out of the Mobil 1 or what? Then, just add regular oil for the treatments next change, about 5,000 miles from now?

I hate to waste a good oil you know.

I was thinking, to start this whole process I can wait for my next OC, then put something in like regular Havoline and a decent filter, do the first ARX treatment, use Havoline again with a decent filter, then when all done go back to Mobil 1 Synthetic and a Mobil 1 filter. Eh?

 

[Thatwouldbegreat]

quote:

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Originally posted by KiaSedona05:
Regarding the ARX treatment...

I just did an OC last week. I am using a cheap (don't spank me!) FRAM filter and was wondering if I would be ok with the ARX treatment with this filter or should I wait until my next OC and get a better filter before I start treatments.

I am using Mobil 1 Synthetic BTW.

Since I just did an OC, shall I wait and get my use out of the Mobil 1 or what? Then, just add regular oil for the treatments next change, about 5,000 miles from now?

I hate to waste a good oil you know.

I was thinking, to start this whole process I can wait for my next OC, then put something in like regular Havoline and a decent filter, do the first ARX treatment, use Havoline again with a decent filter, then when all done go back to Mobil 1 Synthetic and a Mobil 1 filter. Eh?

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I also just changed oil in my 86 BMW 325es, so I asked Frank from Auto-RX.

Here's his advice:

>>wait until your oil life is down to 1500 miles before change than add 1 bottle of Auto-Rx drive till you reach 1500 miles change out oil and filter with a non synthetic drive for 2000 miles, change oil and filter again
I used Redline oil so I will wait until 5500 miles to add the Auto-RX, OC at 7000 miles, then I'll drive 2000 miles on Valvoline 10W-40.

Then I'll probably run a second Auto-RX treatment treatment, with 1500 OCI and a 2000 mile rinse and a non synthetic oil.

 

[bobo]

Follow the instructions for the 2nd AutoRX clean and rinse. I am sure they differ from the first treatment and are not 1500 and 2000 miles, respectively.