Marvel Mystery Oil

[old-sailer]

I used to use it in my 1962 Pontiac. Back then it was a good product, like Fram oil filters, I used them also. Since then though, like many of these companies, they have changed hands and STP is now facing some controversy as to its effectiveness. Like Fram, now owned by Allied Signal is one of the poorest oil filters made according to the recent tests.

There are many of these popping up using what were once good names and now selling questionable products under those names. Singer, who once made good sewing machines is now appearing on late night TV selling hand machines of limited value. Dewalt, one of the best shop tools around went bust and the name picked up by Black and Decker. The new Dewalt tool line is just B&D's Pro line which no one would buy but now Dewalt is flying off the shelves at greatly inflated prices thanks to marketing and consumer unawareness. Bell and Howell is another one. The list goes on.

STP may still, but used to have some additives that helped against wear, scuffing, etc. that was a bonus to add to some oils.
And I think it used to have zinc in it too,
For a while I used it as a assembly lube.

[Dromo]

I agree with Old-Sailer on company changing hands, but I still like my DeWalt tools because they stand behind their product.

Having said that, speaking of companies changing hands, what about MMO being bought out by Turtle Wax?

Cheers Rick

[old-sailer]

So all their products will have a better polish on them now..

And so did B&D for half the price..

I agree with Old-Sailer on company changing hands, but I still like my DeWalt tools because they stand behind their product.

Having said that, speaking of companies changing hands, what about MMO being bought out by Turtle Wax?

Cheers Rick

[Sootydan]

Sticking valves and MMO

Today I tried starting my Atomic 4 and it started once but ran terribly. I had it running fine a week ago. I checked the compression with my thumb- no compression in #1 &4 cylinders, I remembered Don's advice about loosening sticking valves,tried using an allen wrench but then I tapped my engine( carefully) with a hammer on both ends of the block, got compression right away on #1, #4 took a little more tapping, started the engine and its running fine. I've added MMO as suggested hoping that will help with the sticking valves. I don't know if it was intake or exhaust valves sticking, I know exhaust valves are harder to work on. I'm hoping this will help without having to pull the head etc. I definitely need a new thermostat, my engines running cold, PO said thats fine -better than overheating but I know cold running engines can cause sticky valves. Any other suggestions would be appreciated.Thanks

[tenders]

Sootydan, I agree with your previous owner - cooler is much better than hotter. I run my A4 without a thermostat, and an ounce of MMO in every 10 gallons of gas, and have had essentially zero issues with sticky valves in 18 years. I put a little extra in with the stabilizer in the fall for good measure over the winter.

[Dave Neptune]

Hot & cold & oil.

Sootydan, I agree that running warmer is better for wear and power but will have nothing to do with sticking valves. As the engine warms the clearance in the valves is reduced!!! If your valves are getting oil there not going to stick, unless there is moisture and a bit of rusting from lack of oil.

That is why I recommend a top oil when experiencing stick valves. Either MMO, or a good 2-stroke oil in the fuel for a bit mixed at around a 100:1. The oil in the fuel lubes constantly and the valve stems will get a coating when the engine is shut off or on. Usually running a tank or two will clean off the rust and the valve can again be run "dry" with "splash" oiling handling the lubrication!

Dave Neptune

[Sootydan]

MMO /sticking valves

Thanks for the input Dave and tenders, I am using MMO to help, and yes, of course cooler is better than hotter, at least better than too hot I read a note from Don Moyers that if your engine isn't running at correct temp you can get sticking valves because of moisture and deposits if i remember correctly. Yes, heat makes things expand, I agree, and I don't want the engine running excessively hot of course. Guess I'll run it as is and see if i run into the sticking problem again. going out today to give it a good run Thanks

[marthur]

As the engine warms the clearance in the valves is reduced

Actually, clearances will remain the same when engine parts are heated UNLESS the parts are made of different materials. In this case, the valve stem will expand but so does the block--that means the hole gets bigger too. In general, the hole expands at exactly the same rate as the material that was removed to make it.

If the parts are made of different materials they expand at different rates, so all bets are off. Think of the brass plug that contains the temp sensor. The brass expands faster than iron block.

[Dave Neptune]

Noit really

The expansion rates are somewhat similar between C/I and steel however the temps of the valves are drastically different. The exhaust is much hotter than the cooled block and the intake is much cooler when operating.

Dave Neptune

[Nick duBois]

MMO in Canada

mike Jenkins;6315]Hi Folks,

I just found out that my local Canadian Tire Store no longer carries Marvel Mystery Oil. Does any one know of a suitable alternative product that can be used for a similar aplication. Or, can anyone suggest an eastern Canadian supplier of Marvel Mystery Oil.

Regards, Mike

I was surprised to find MMO at a Wal-Mart here is Halifax.

[bmcdannel]

Mmo

Thanks Don. I have always been a big fan of MMO but did not know how to use it in an A4.

[quiesence65]

MMO is easily available in the US at almost any auto parts store. I have heard that it can be difficult to obtain in Canada. As to its comparison with the sea foam product I don't have any experience with it.

dvd

Marvel Mystery oil is available in all Princess Auto Supply stores across Canada!!