Fuel Additives

[TiAgX5]

Has anyone else been using fuel additives to fight the ill effects of ethanol fuels? I am WELL aware that BMW does not approve any additives other then the Techron type that is relabled to read BMW fuel additive or LubroMoly fuel system cleaner. The BMW engines were designed to run on non-ethanol fuels and that's why I've been using the stuff. For the past 15+ years I have been using the Lucas Fuel injector cleaner and upper cylinder lube in all my vehicles (540 with M62, X5 with M62, E46 with 330I, Viper, ZR1) on every fill up. The only time I don't use it is when the vehicle will not be driven for a few weeks or more, in that case I use StaBil or Lucas Fuel stabilizer. In my experence I have never experenced any ill effects from these products. Anyone else using these?

[JCL]

I have used Techron when I have suspected a build up of deposits on injectors, and it has resulted in smoother running. I have used it rarely, as I much prefer to buy better quality fuels and not overdose with it from the bottle.

I wouldn't ever use Lucas, Lubro-Moly, or other fuel additives, other than diesel fuel stabilizer. Read the data sheets, and see that they are usually made up of kerosene, or white camping (Coleman) fuel, and not much more.

I don't worry much about ethanol, since I am able to largely avoid it by purchasing select premium fuels. But I don't worry about 5% ethanol much in any case.

[TiAgX5]

Originally Posted by JCL

I don't worry much about ethanol, since I am able to largely avoid it by purchasing select premium fuels. But I don't worry about 5% ethanol much in any case.

I've only been using Amoco, Shell and Chevron premium fuels for the past 15 years, 10% ethanol has been unavoidable for most drivers in the FLA to TX area of the U.S.

[thunderX]

I was told by an indie that Marvel Mystery Oil added as instructed to fuel would lubricate the fuel system, neutralize ethanol, and keep things clean. I would love to hear other opinions on this one since MMO is only $12 / gallon at Wal-Mart and would last months.

[Ricky Bobby]

If you're gonna use Stabil, make sure you get the blue one which has extra ethanol protection (says marine on the bottle)

[mylifeasapc]

Every vehicle below and the boat get a bottle of Seafoam added to a fulltank of gas once every three or four months. Occasionally I'll add it to the oil just before, as in earlier in the day of, an oil change to help clean out additional crap.

I've had zero mechanical issues with every vehicle and have been doing this for years. Interested to hear thoughts on this. I swear by the stuff.

[JCL]

Originally Posted by mylifeasapc

Every vehicle below and the boat get a bottle of Seafoam added to a fulltank of gas once every three or four months. Occasionally I'll add it to the oil just before, as in earlier in the day of, an oil change to help clean out additional crap.

I've had zero mechanical issues with every vehicle and have been doing this for years. Interested to hear thoughts on this. I swear by the stuff.

Seafoam is a blend of oil, naptha, and alcohol. The oil doesn't belong in a fuel system, and can only reduce the quality of a modern full synthetic lubricating oil. The naptha is a solvent, and is often used to make camping fuel (white gas, etc). The alcohol is another cleaner, commonly sold as white-board cleaner and lock de-icer. Interesting that the oil is listed by Seafoam as being between 40% and 60%. Makes me wonder if the recipe varies from batch to batch. Also interesting that the same product (according to the MSDS) is packaged as TransTune. That saves on product development costs, I presume. Just add a new label.

None of the above were designed to be burned in a modern engine, or provide improved lubrication in the oil sump of a modern engine. If you do add it to the oil sump I would make sure to drain it out very soon after.

[mylifeasapc]

Originally Posted by JCL

Seafoam is a blend of oil, naptha, and alcohol. The oil doesn't belong in a fuel system, and can only reduce the quality of a modern full synthetic lubricating oil. The naptha is a solvent, and is often used to make camping fuel (white gas, etc). The alcohol is another cleaner, commonly sold as white-board cleaner and lock de-icer. Interesting that the oil is listed by Seafoam as being between 40% and 60%. Makes me wonder if the recipe varies from batch to batch. Also interesting that the same product (according to the MSDS) is packaged as TransTune. That saves on product development costs, I presume. Just add a new label.

None of the above were designed to be burned in a modern engine, or provide improved lubrication in the oil sump of a modern engine. If you do add it to the oil sump I would make sure to drain it out very soon after.

Good to know, thanks for this. I guess I have to repeat the original question the poster sent in that case;

What should I be using (if anything else) in my oil, gas, transmission, etc.?

[JCL]

Originally Posted by mylifeasapc

Good to know, thanks for this. I guess I have to repeat the original question the poster sent in that case;

What should I be using (if anything else) in my oil, gas, transmission, etc.?

Not much of anything.

Use good quality gasoline with cleaners such as Techron. If you notice symptoms of uneven idle or low power, consider adding a bottle of Techron. If you are using it more than once a year I would rethink the choice of quality gasoline.

If you are storing the vehicle for an extended period of time consider the use of a fuel stabilizer, added to a full tank.

Use good quality engine oil that meets an API SM or SN spec. Nothing else.

Use approved coolant. It has conditioners in addition to the antifreeze component. Use windshield washer fluid, not water.

No other additives. Think of them as expensive contaminants.

[SkidmarkX5]

Being the offspring in a family of scientists & engineers, I cannot help but chime-in here. I must agree with "JCL" on all accounts. The best thing one can do is consistantly pump premium quality fuel into the car. This is Chevron, Texaco, Shell and other "Top Tier brands" then premium grade at these outlets. Its NOT all the same gasoline. The extra ten cents or so per gallon between these fuels & discount outlets may be considererd a substitute for the additives you may be persuaded to buy at the flashy Auto Zone store & other similar outlets. The benefits are much greater. If you do not put garbage in you do not need to clean it out. As I suggested to my wife, its like how you feel the next day after drinking Monarch or Grey Goose. If you spend more up front, you avoid the hangover.