Not really...just a throw back from the Solyent Green era.
So what's up with this stuff? Who's using it, when, why, how much and how often?
I use it, but I'm not the least bit sure what it does. Pouring a bit in my gas and my oil makes me feel good, but I don't have a smucking clue what it is actually doing.
My mechanic mixes it with engine oil to make a general purpose lubricant. Consequently his shop smells like MML, which is a smell I associate with things getting fixed. Probably why I put it in my gas.
Facts regarding the stuff would be nice, but I'll settle for speculation and conjecture.
Marvel Mystery Oil is People!
Tue Nov 27, 2007 7:30 pm
Tue Nov 27, 2007 7:37 pm
marvelmysteryoil.com wrote:MARVEL MYSTERY OIL HISTORY
Marvel Mystery Oil, boasting an enviable reputation among vehicle owners world-wide, is truly a legend of its own. From an auspicious beginning, it is now recognized as a product that has stood the test of time and continues to provide unsurpassed performance and benefits in motors in the automotive, industrial and marine world.
Burt Pierce founded the Marvel Oil Company in 1923. His reputation for ingenuity preceded him as he was already well-known for inventing the Marvel Carburetor, standard equipment on 80% of all vehicles produced after World War I.
Vehicles of the post WWI era encountered carburetor problems, the most perplexing being clogged jets due to high lead content and other contaminants found in the gasoline of the time. The problem motivated Mr. Pierce to direct his creative ingenuity towards formulating a blend of chemicals and petroleum products to clean and maintain clogged jets. He was successful beyond his wildest expectations and the legend was born!
“Mystery Oil”, as it was originally called, proved to have other beneficial effects on the engine. By creating a top ring seal, it produced higher compression and, by preventing blow-by on power strokes, it resulted in more power. Mystery Oil also improved gas mileage and minimized engine wear.
Initially based in Chicago, the company moved to New York City and then in 1941 moved to its long-time home in Port Chester, New York. In 1999, the Marvel Oil Company was acquired by Turtle Wax, Inc. and is now headquartered back in its hometown in the Chicago area.
Marvel Mystery Oil continues to be an extremely relevant and effective product, even in today’s “high-tech” vehicles. With the cost of vehicle maintenance increasing every year, preventive maintenance is the key in avoiding astronomical repair bills.
Why the name Mystery Oil? Burt Pierce refused to divulge the formula for his new product and answered all inquiries as to its make-up with “It’s a Mystery!” The name caught on and is still recognized today for its “mysterious” ability to cure and prevent almost any engine ailment.
http://www.marvelmysteryoil.com/main.taf?p=2
Never used it but many many of the Luscombe guys swear by the stuff.
Jon
Wed Nov 28, 2007 10:03 am
Note that MMO is not an approved additive, according to Lycoming or Continental or the FAA. It was formulated for automotive engines originally.
I seriously doubt that it does any harm, since it's been used for many years in many engines of all different types. Question is, does it really do any good? I don't have an answer for that question, but I've asked engine experts from both Continental and Lycoming that question, and they all stated that they doubt it does any good, but it is also probably harmless, in their opinions.
On the other hand, take a look at ASL CamGuard: http://www.aslcamguard.com/
Their product is specifically designed for AIRCRAFT engine use, has been tested, and is an approved additive for most aircraft engines.
I've used this stuff for five or six years now, and nothing's blown up yet
.
MTV
I seriously doubt that it does any harm, since it's been used for many years in many engines of all different types. Question is, does it really do any good? I don't have an answer for that question, but I've asked engine experts from both Continental and Lycoming that question, and they all stated that they doubt it does any good, but it is also probably harmless, in their opinions.
On the other hand, take a look at ASL CamGuard: http://www.aslcamguard.com/
Their product is specifically designed for AIRCRAFT engine use, has been tested, and is an approved additive for most aircraft engines.
I've used this stuff for five or six years now, and nothing's blown up yet
.
MTV
Wed Nov 28, 2007 10:44 am
Use of mystery oil shortens the takeoff roll, increases climb rate, increases top speed, and lowers stall speed. Makes your coat shiny too!
Seriously, I use the stuff-- about 2 ounces per 5 gallons of car gas, as I recall. Not sure if it really helps, but like hammer sez, it makes me feel better -- kinda like the old saint christopher medal on my airplane key ring-- and that's good enough for me.
Eric
Seriously, I use the stuff-- about 2 ounces per 5 gallons of car gas, as I recall. Not sure if it really helps, but like hammer sez, it makes me feel better -- kinda like the old saint christopher medal on my airplane key ring-- and that's good enough for me.
Eric
Cessna Skywagon -- accept no substitute!
Wed Nov 28, 2007 11:27 am
MMO......
Have used it for years in everything I own...... from outboards to
aircraft both oil and gas....... I first noticed the way the outboards ran better and cleaner.
No it's not approved, but Ithink it's as good or better than avblend ...
aircraft both oil and gas....... I first noticed the way the outboards ran better and cleaner.
No it's not approved, but Ithink it's as good or better than avblend ...
- glaciercub offline
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Wed Nov 28, 2007 12:59 pm
I use to use it all the time in my C180 using car gas.
Years later, I was using it in a C172 with auto gas. Then some one tried to talk me into putting it into my 500 gallon storage tank, so I didn't have to add it every flight.
I was worried about the MMO settling out so I did an experiment. I put the proper amount in a glass gallon jug and filled with auto gas and shook it up. After sitting for about a week or two, the stuff settled to the bottom as a glob of crap. That was when I quit using it. JG
Years later, I was using it in a C172 with auto gas. Then some one tried to talk me into putting it into my 500 gallon storage tank, so I didn't have to add it every flight.
I was worried about the MMO settling out so I did an experiment. I put the proper amount in a glass gallon jug and filled with auto gas and shook it up. After sitting for about a week or two, the stuff settled to the bottom as a glob of crap. That was when I quit using it. JG
- patrol guy offline
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...remember, life is uncertain, eat desert first!
... and, those that pound their guns into plows, will plow for those who don't.
... and, those that pound their guns into plows, will plow for those who don't.
Wed Nov 28, 2007 1:22 pm
couple of things
MTV
I've heard of Camlube, and good things. I thought that this was for the crankcase. can you put it in with the fuel and receive any benefits?
I use MM in my fuel, as directed. Both for upper end lube and is supposed to "cushion" the closing of the valves, hopefully relieving a little stress in that area. And not creating a build up.
But I was told by a guy that seems generally quite knowledgeable that MM changed there formula a year or so ago and now had an aditive in it that they use in brake cleaner, and may be more detrimental to the rubber components of the fuel system.
I am looking for something else to get this upper end lube. I have thought about Lucas additives which seem to work pretty well in my truck, but fear they may be pretty high in detergents, and therefore be pretty hard on the rubber components also.
Thanks Gary
I've heard of Camlube, and good things. I thought that this was for the crankcase. can you put it in with the fuel and receive any benefits?
I use MM in my fuel, as directed. Both for upper end lube and is supposed to "cushion" the closing of the valves, hopefully relieving a little stress in that area. And not creating a build up.
But I was told by a guy that seems generally quite knowledgeable that MM changed there formula a year or so ago and now had an aditive in it that they use in brake cleaner, and may be more detrimental to the rubber components of the fuel system.
I am looking for something else to get this upper end lube. I have thought about Lucas additives which seem to work pretty well in my truck, but fear they may be pretty high in detergents, and therefore be pretty hard on the rubber components also.
Thanks Gary
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Wed Nov 28, 2007 6:16 pm
ASL Cam Guard is an OIL additive. I have never used MMO as a gasoline additive. Remember, Oil goes almost everywhere in these engines.
Why are you so worried about your valves? Do you have any specific problems with them? If so, I'd suggest other solutions. I seriously doubt that ANY gasoline additive does any "cushioning" of valves..
MTV
Why are you so worried about your valves? Do you have any specific problems with them? If so, I'd suggest other solutions. I seriously doubt that ANY gasoline additive does any "cushioning" of valves..
MTV
Wed Nov 28, 2007 6:27 pm
There is a very important reason why no one seems to know exactly what MMO does (or doesn't do.)
Because if they claimed it did anything, they'd get their pants sued off.
Remember Jogging in a Jug?
Because if they claimed it did anything, they'd get their pants sued off.
Remember Jogging in a Jug?
- onceAndFutr_alaskaflyer offline
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Wed Nov 28, 2007 7:11 pm
I think MMO is very similar to automatic transmission fluid, that is it's very high in detergent. Tranny fluid for example was the way to clean old style diesel fuel injectors by adding some to the fuel. It would also almost completly prevent the M-16 from jamming in the Vietnam era when ball powder was used. If used judicously in the bolt of the M-16 it would keep the carbon build up to a min.
I think MMO will scavenge lead and carbon from the combustion chamber, I know it is excellent for cleaning out air tools. I don't think it'a anything but a light solvent or oil and a detergent additive. It apparently does little if any harm, but if it does help prevent lead and carbon deposits, it could help prevent a valve from sticking for example. I know it will help clean out sludge in a crankcase, but that just points to either a solvent or detergent. Kerosene will help clean out sludge, but you don't see it added to oil very often.
I've started using it now that I'm burning car gas in my 140. I can't find a source of tcp, Spruce has it on back order.
I think MMO will scavenge lead and carbon from the combustion chamber, I know it is excellent for cleaning out air tools. I don't think it'a anything but a light solvent or oil and a detergent additive. It apparently does little if any harm, but if it does help prevent lead and carbon deposits, it could help prevent a valve from sticking for example. I know it will help clean out sludge in a crankcase, but that just points to either a solvent or detergent. Kerosene will help clean out sludge, but you don't see it added to oil very often.
I've started using it now that I'm burning car gas in my 140. I can't find a source of tcp, Spruce has it on back order.
Wed Nov 28, 2007 8:06 pm
Something I pulled from a different thread
I've been using MMOil since one of the exhaust valves stuck open due to lead fouling (unfortunately or fortunately the mechanic also found cracks around the spark plug and the entire cylinder needed replacing.) Previously, I would have to lean the mixture to clean the fouling off the plugs fairly regularly. Since then I haven't had to clean the plugs once. So approved or not, it seems to work for me and since it seems to be quite popular at the local airport, I'm not overly concerned.
a64pilot wrote:Vick wrote:A64, I meant to mention...I was under the impression that MMO and TCP do different things. MMO is a detergent and TCP is a scavenging agent. The supercub discussion states that they are both simply detergents. Thoughts?
I think you are exactly right. I think that MMO and transmission fluid do similar things, high detergent. A difference is that I think MMO is kerosene or some other light solvent based that pretty quickly flashes off if put in tbe crankcase.
I've been using MMOil since one of the exhaust valves stuck open due to lead fouling (unfortunately or fortunately the mechanic also found cracks around the spark plug and the entire cylinder needed replacing.) Previously, I would have to lean the mixture to clean the fouling off the plugs fairly regularly. Since then I haven't had to clean the plugs once. So approved or not, it seems to work for me and since it seems to be quite popular at the local airport, I'm not overly concerned.
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Wed Nov 28, 2007 8:29 pm
The most popular reason I've heard of using MMO is to prevent lead build up when running 100LL or to help lubricate the valves when using auto fuel. Seems double sided to me.
I have also heard that if you add it to the crankcase oil of an engine that has any oil seeps that is will leak like crazy after a short period. Since none of our engines seep we don't have to worry about that
Jon
I have also heard that if you add it to the crankcase oil of an engine that has any oil seeps that is will leak like crazy after a short period. Since none of our engines seep we don't have to worry about that
Jon
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