Should I continue 2-Cycle oil in my 4-Cycle gas?

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I have also used 2 cycle tcw-3 rated oil in my 95 towncar tanks, and many of my other car and truck gas tanks. It seems to smooth out the compression quite a bit for me. Whereas 99% of my driving is hwy, easily 250-300 (roundtrip) miles per day between 2 driver's in the household. I was using the semi synthetic Mecury marine tcw-3 rated, and then I just switched over to Walmart's version in the blue gallon jug. This stuff works very well for me. It helps to fight corrosion within the fuel system, in addition to keeping everything clean and well lubricated. And the fact that its an ashless product is key! I use to use Lucas upper cylinder lube, but the 2 cycle ashless is much more feasible and cheaper, and I think more potent as a marine oil regarding corrosion protection. I don't experience any solvent exhaust smells, and or any carbon issues. And my cel hasn't illuminated. Most important, my plugs give an all clear with regards to any soot/carbon deposits. I have been reading that Walmart's 2 cycle ashless tcw-3 in the blue jug (it clearly states "ashless" unlike many others in its class), has a 60/40 ratio base of solvent/lubrication additive package. Is a 40% lubricant additive sufficient and or effective? And or how well does a 60% solvent additive package clean. I am not really worried about deposits into my motor oil, whereas., I am always on the hwy at sustained speeds averaging 65-75 mph. What say you?

Best Regards!
 
Any amount of oil, labeled ashless or otherwise, is going to leave more residue than not using any oil. Ashless just means it doesn't use a (much) detergent package that could leave metallic ash that could possibly cause a plug to foul at low speeds or steady throttle speeds. (outboards trolling). Doesn't mean the base oils and additve don't leave ash, carbon residue etc.

I've dribbled different oils, twostroke, mmo, etc in my bike tank on trips just experimenting with mpg. Not matter what I used there was always additonal soot shown by wiping inside the pipe end.

Think there's a fine line between how much is good and how much is detrimental.
 
to gulfstream: All TCW3 is ashless

to wileyE: Here in California, the gas is politically correct, which means it isn't very good for your motor, injectors, or fuel pump. (In my opinion) Adding a little TCW3 to the fuel adds longer life to the fuel delivery system, which makes up for any carbon deposits that it may leave in the combustion chamber. I have put a little TCW3 in my motorcycle for almost 100,000 miles, and the carbs, intake valves, and exhaust valves were clean. the exhaust valve had minor soot that could be wiped off, but nothing that was caked-on. I sometimes experienced better millage with the TC3 oil, but realistically, I can't say that it was the TCW3 over a heavy tail wind.
 
Originally Posted By: Audi Junkie
Would you trust MMO to run a 2C engine on it? No, and I hear the choir singing... blah blah blah, but if it would not keep a 2C running, why put it in a 4C?
I would not trust MMO in a 2C engine, but then my distrust would be for different reasons than I am using it in the 4C engine.
 
I recently switched my 93 Aerostar from MMO to TCW3 in the gas. I really can't comment on which product is better, but I can say this. I can tell when I didn't add anything to the gas. With the MMO or TCW3 the engine idles smoother (it is now past due for a tune up). It also seems to have a bit more power with the MMO or TCW3 mixed in. The Jury is still out on mpg gains in this app, because my use of the vehicle has changed.

Having used MMO in the gas for such a long time, I do know it keeps the spark plugs clean. I've had the Throttle Air Bi-Pass off my 88 E-150, along with the EGR valve, both were extremely clean. Looking at the tops of the pistons in my mower, power washer, and snow blower they're clean as well. They've only seen MMO.

I believe that a small dose of either product, protects the fuel pump, and gives a very thin coat of lube to the upper cyl areas. This increase ring seal, (which could explain the increase in power as well as smoother idle), it might also boost compression slightly. I believe it reduces or eliminates corrosion inside the cyl if the vehicle should sit for long periods of time. As far as I'm concerned for someone who holds on to a vehicle a long time, the benefits outweigh the costs.

One last note, I found TCW3 can be used at almost half the dose of MMO, it is very easy to OD an engine on TCW3. JMO
 
Originally Posted By: demarpaint
One last note, I found TCW3 can be used at almost half the dose of MMO, it is very easy to OD an engine on TCW3. JMO
What is your recommended dose for each product?

Seems we can get either product, whichever is best price per treatment.
 
I use MMO at the 320:1 ratio they suggest. 4oz/10 gallons of fuel.

Seems TCW3 should be run at half that rate or 1oz/ 5gallons of gas.

The TCW3 is the better deal price wise. I'm sorry but I don't have any mpg figures. My gut feeling is that MMO will keep things cleaner than the TCW3. If one gives better mpg than the other that will be the real determining factor.

I didn't want to rob your idea about starting TCW3 vs MMO thread, but it might be a good idea. I figured it would be best if you started that thread since it was your idea. That is if you want too. :)
 
I'll let you start the TCW3 vs MMO thread. You're in a better position to start it, since you have the experience with both products. If I started it, I'd probably have to include a quote from one of your posts anyway).

I will gladly go over to MMO if it really is a better product. I don't expect any fuel mileage improvement. All I want is that the fuel pump, injectors and other fuel system parts stay cleaner, last longer, and don't get gummed up. Also like the product to do good things to the valves, rings, and combustion chambers.

If either of these products has a fuel preservative qulity (like Stabil) that would be good also.
 
Sounds good, I'll start the thread. I have slight bias toward MMO. When I spoke with someone at Turtle Wax re: MMO I was told it does help preserve the fuel, how true that is I have no way of knowing.

I can tell you this about adding it to the gas. I had an old Ford Falcon 1966, the float in the gas tank was hanging up so I wasn't getting a true fuel reading. After a few doses of MMO in the gas the gauge started working again, and was never a problem again.

My feeling is that MMO cleans better and is a thinner lube than TCW3. I think TCW3 might make a better piston ring seal than MMO, and obviously is a better lube when it comes down to protecting a Two Cylce Engine. In that situation it can be used as a stand alone product, where MMO cannot. But we aren't talking 2 cycle engines here.
 
Once my son filled my 2-cycle Lawn Boy mower from a container with plain gasoline and mowed the lawn. Fortunately I had put quite a bit of MMO in the gas. I thought the mower would have been ruined, but it is still running fine.
 
I quit 2C oil and did pretty poorly. 24.5 it's on the low end of the range. Anything under 26 is bad, I'm looking for at least 27. Same engine oil w/2C in the fuel netted 29 last time.

Mixed driving again, some hammering it, but w/o the 2C oil, I really feel at a disadvantage.

I'm continuing on w/o 2C oil for a while. Maybe when some serious summer heat hits, I'll try it again. The thick 10w30 should be less of a factor as ambient start temps rise.
 
Originally Posted By: Audi Junkie
Would you trust MMO to run a 2C engine on it? No, and I hear the choir singing... blah blah blah, but if it would not keep a 2C running, why put it in a 4C?


Exactly ...you reed in my mind.
 
I wasn't using the 2-cycle regularly during the winter, but now that the weather is warming up (at least the last 2 days) I'm getting out my Spartan TCW3 and doing 1oz. per 4 gallons of gas/gasohol.
 
Originally Posted By: Audi Junkie
Cold starting is one item I believe 2C is able to work well at.



That is an interesting point, and something I've almost forgotten about. When you use something for so long you take things for granted. During the dead of winter the cars treated with MMO in the gas start easier and faster, using the suggested dose. There has been mention of this IIRC in other threads.

I can't comment on TCW3 since I started using it when temps warmed up a little, but I would think the same thing would be true. I'm thinking the residual oil film left on the cyl walls aids in reducing friction, (however slight in might be), but just enough to make the car turn over a little easier. JMO
 
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