Oil additives

[Codshead]

It is often stated that these cars need to be used regularly to keep them in top condition, especially the engines, as the oil will drain from the top end causing extra wear on start up. Whats the opinion on using an oil additive like STP or Wynns, which are supposed to leave a coating on the bearing surfaces, or aren't they suitable for these engines?

[GreenV8S]

Just use a good quality oil of the correct grade, and change it regularly. All oils leave a protective coating on the moving parts (even engines dismantled after being left standing for years will be covered by an oil film). Most of the damage that occurs at startup occurs due to corrosion rather than metal-to-metal scuffing.

[Bomber Denton]

GreenV8S said:

Just use a good quality oil of the correct grade, and change it regularly. All oils leave a protective coating on the moving parts (even engines dismantled after being left standing for years will be covered by an oil film). Most of the damage that occurs at startup occurs due to corrosion rather than metal-to-metal scuffing.

Also worth mentioning don't use flushes either, you are far better getting the oil as hot as possible prior to draining and as said before change the oil more regularly.

[Codshead]

Thanks, I'm using 0W-40 so I was a bit concerned as this oil is so thin and I sometimes have to leave the car for 2-3 weeks.

[Uncle Fester]

There have also been cases where a mystery deposit on the back of the car has been identified as oil additive burned through the exhaust of a worn engine.

[snorky]

If you Google Sl$ck50 you can read some real horror stories - most of these additives seem to be snake oil...

[Codshead]

snorky said:

If you Google Sl$ck50 you can read some real horror stories - most of these additives seem to be snake oil...

Say no more!
I used to use it in the old bangers I started out with but couldn't tell if it was working or not, they smoked all the time anyway, but I'd try anything to keep them running!
Not worth it with the V8 though.
Thanks for all the info.

[Rum Runner]

I agree with most of the additives being rubbish , but if anyone has tried molyslip gearbox as i have for the last 20 years ( and my father before me as both where in the trade )you will find it makes a quite a difference to selection , especially when cold and layshaft rumble.
It takes a while to bed in but it does work unlike most of the others .
That's probably why they say not to put in LSD's .
One thing i have to say though is they used to supply a good syringe applicator , now they don't and its not as easy .

Edited by Rum Runner on Friday 15th February 19:41

[Codshead]

I can see the additives working in the gearbox and diff and have used them in these situations and noticed the improvements you mentioned.From what I have read on here though, it seems the problems arise in the oil filter when used in the engine.