marvel mystery oil

[duffer]

Does any body use Marvel mystery oil in there gas? Or anywhere else in there car? Any thoughts on this stuff good or bad?

thanks
bob

[Ross/Kzoo]

Look for previous posts about MMO. I've used it and had great results.

[Gary WA]

Every fill up Good stuff been around since 1923!!!

[Ron/IA]

I agree with those above, it is good stuff. Not only are you providing top end oil (valve stems and top combustion ring, but you now have a coating of oil inside you gas tank to help prevent rust.

Ron/IA

[ford1]

i use 4 oz per 10 gal of fuel and 1 qt in the oil at oil change , i have a filter so i need 5 qts at every change i use 40w all year long in my 4 flathead v/8s, and heaven forbid, i change the oil every 5000 miles, for you guys that still have and read the owners manual that was given with the car when new that says change every 500 miles, i save $150 more on one oil change over what you spend in 5000 miles , i save 10 oil changes, it adds up , and yes i have over 45000 on one engine and several thousand on the others, AND no problems

[socalplanedoc]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

I've encountered testimonials to the wonder cure that MMO creates in my years with hit-miss, antique car, and vintage plane groups. It wont hurt anything (other than a tiny hit on your wallet) but there's simply nothing more than anecdotal evidence that it has any direct benefit. Lots of guys swear by it and love to spin stories on how it fixed everything from stuck valves to scurvy - Just as many will tell you it's a waste of time. The reality is, if anything improved it's most likely from the increased attention the sick patient got.

BUT, if it makes you feel better to use it, well, feeling better is a good thing isnt it?

[Huckster Dave]

So turn the coin over and you have no proof that it doesn't help. I would say that the testimonial of several people with nothing to gain would be a great start at some kind of proof. being around since 23 suggest that must be some new fangled snake oil.

[J Franklin]

When my engine was freshly rebuilt the valves would get noisy when it got hot, most likely valve to guide clearance. A shot of MMO in the carb while running instantly quieted them. If nothing else it is a good upper cylinder lube. It smells good too!

[Ross/Kzoo]

Originally Posted by socalplanedoc

I've encountered testimonials to the wonder cure that MMO creates in my years with hit-miss, antique car, and vintage plane groups. It wont hurt anything (other than a tiny hit on your wallet) but there's simply nothing more than anecdotal evidence that it has any direct benefit. Lots of guys swear by it and love to spin stories on how it fixed everything from stuck valves to scurvy - Just as many will tell you it's a waste of time. The reality is, if anything improved it's most likely from the increased attention the sick patient got.

BUT, if it makes you feel better to use it, well, feeling better is a good thing isnt it?

In my 31 Buick I had sticky valves and after MMO it smoothed it out. Seems more people swear by it than at it.

[duffer]

i'll agree with it smelling good .

[sconnors]

I use it with every fill up (4oz for 10 gal) and when I change my oil, the first quart is MMO then regular oil. I've also used it over the years to free bolts, nuts, and anything that sticks. In the past I've pulled my plugs and squirted some down the cylinders, let it sit for a few days...works wonders.

[msmaron]

4 oz EVERY fill up....18.4 MPG..thank you

[Purdy Swoft]

I use it in the gas and oil. It has a detergent effect and keeps the inside of the engine clean.

[peters180a/170b]

Before i put the "A' away i put some in the gas and let it coat the inside of the carb. And by using this stuff remember to clean off the spark plugs.

[Bruce Adams]

I can't imagine someone NOT using MMO in their Model A gas tank at each fill up.

[andrewsheldon]

MMO is good stuff I've used it in a siezed up chainsaw after we got flooded run like atop now. Great stuff I'll mix it in my Model A.

[P.S.]

Not sure if this is the cure or not, however...

I live on top of a ridge, and both roads down are fairly steep. Going down hill, the A is in second and using engine braking all the way. Used to be that the car would lunge now and then, maybe 5 times on the down hill as if one of the cylendars didn;t "inhale" enough on a stroke.

I started adding MMO tot he fuel and that almost totally stopped now. Maybe it freed up the valves a little? Maybe not.

I still have to richen the GAV 1/2 turn or so on the downhill to keep carb from popping though.

[Special Coupe Frank]

I don't think the stuff would still be around if it didn't have some merits...

I like to add it to the fuel-tank, particularly in L-head, and splash-lubricated engines, for additional upper-cylinder lubrication.

Also for engines that have been dormant for a long time....

I have wondered for years if the odor of MMO comes from the inclusion of oil of wintergreen, which has interesting solvent properties...

[V4F]

i like it to keep the carbon off the pistons , valves , etc .................

[Dodge]

I always put a little in my antique cars gas tank with a fill up its supposed to help a little with the unleaded gas. A friend of my fathers has taken a teaspoon full every
day since the 1920's and claims it keeps him regular, he's in his mid 90's now and still
hitting on all cylinders..go figure one more use of the stuff.

[400A-64]

I have used MMO for 40 years in the gas and feel that it has lived up to the ads. It is great for preventing vapor lock!!

[P.S.]

It really prevents vapor lock?

[Mitch//pa]

i wish they would come out with an MMO type cure all for the human body

[hombres ruin]

i use it in my flathead at every fill up and before an oil change,it smoothes out the ride and cleans out the engine during the oil change.But in reality how many of us go for cures in a bottle?..MMO works in my opinion.

[spdway1]

Rub a little MMO on you male pattern baldness, (read the fine print) It helps slow it down!

[Duffy1]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

On this forum ( do a search ) there is the findings of some test performed on additives ( MM,Sea Foam ,etc,etc ) and the effect on an engine . The test found that these additives wash the lubrication off the cylinder walls .

[steve s]

Anything added to the oil dilutes the oil.

[HoarseWhisperer]

The Psychological Placebo

"You have to wonder, with the volume of evidence accumulating against oil additives, why so many of us still buy them. That's the million-dollar question, and it's just as difficult to answer as why so many of us smoke cigarettes, drink hard liquor or engage in any other number of questionable activities. We know they aren't good for us - but we go ahead and do them anyway.

Part of the answer may lie in what some psychiatrists call the psychological placebo effect. Simply put, that means that many of us hunger for that peace of mind that comes with believing we have purchased the absolute best or most protection we can possibly get.

Even better, there's that wonderfully smug feeling that comes with thinking we might be a step ahead of the pack, possessing knowledge of something just a bit better than everyone else.

Then again, perhaps it comes from an ancient, deep-seated need we all seem to have to believe in magic. There has never been any shortage of unscrupulous types ready to cash in on our willingness to believe that there's some magical mystery potion we can buy to help us lose weight, grow hair, attract the opposite sex or make our engines run longer and better. I doubt that there's a one of us who hasn't fallen for one of these at least once in our lifetimes. We just want it to be true so bad that we can't help ourselves."


Read more: http://www.carbibles.com/snakeoil.html#ixzz25MP2PgKV

[Mitch//pa]

Originally Posted by HoarseWhisperer

The Psychological Placebo

"You have to wonder, with the volume of evidence accumulating against oil additives, why so many of us still buy them. That's the million-dollar question, and it's just as difficult to answer as why so many of us smoke cigarettes, drink hard liquor or engage in any other number of questionable activities. We know they aren't good for us - but we go ahead and do them anyway.

Part of the answer may lie in what some psychiatrists call the psychological placebo effect. Simply put, that means that many of us hunger for that peace of mind that comes with believing we have purchased the absolute best or most protection we can possibly get.

Even better, there's that wonderfully smug feeling that comes with thinking we might be a step ahead of the pack, possessing knowledge of something just a bit better than everyone else.

Then again, perhaps it comes from an ancient, deep-seated need we all seem to have to believe in magic. There has never been any shortage of unscrupulous types ready to cash in on our willingness to believe that there's some magical mystery potion we can buy to help us lose weight, grow hair, attract the opposite sex or make our engines run longer and better. I doubt that there's a one of us who hasn't fallen for one of these at least once in our lifetimes. We just want it to be true so bad that we can't help ourselves."


Read more: http://www.carbibles.com/snakeoil.html#ixzz25MP2PgKV

thanks for the free head session doc ::i feel better now
you convinced me to order a 55 gal drum of the stuff

[HoarseWhisperer]

Originally Posted by Mitch//pa

thanks for the free head session doc ::i feel better now
i just ordered a 55 gal drum of the stuff

Did the drum have the official label?

[Terry, NJ]

MMO is great for old, stuck engines. I aquired a 1938 Allis-Chalmers mod B. (see my pictures) They can be notorious for getting stuck from non use. A little MMO and over night to let it work and Viola! It turned once again. Some will tell you it's just ATF with some perfume. Remember, MMO is from 1923 and ATF dates from the mid to late 30s. The effect is much more than just "feel good".
Terry

[trulyvintage]

F350 Crew Cab Dually with 7.3 IDI K code diesel factory turbo engine
330K on original engine
Towing an enclosed trailer every day
All lower 48 states year round'

I use a gallon jug of MMM (Walmart $14) with 7 quarts Rotella
and an FL-1995 Motorcraft oil filter every 4000 miles

I change oil myself

I get cooler and smoother running engine with
a mile per gallon fuel increase

Can't argue with proven results ....


Jim

[spdway1]

So some put it in the GAS and some put it in the OIL...Whats better?

[duffer]

Looks like Jeff is gettin drunk off this stuff . And it seems also good for oil and gas togeather. I don't see any bad things from all the members, so i'll give it a try.Thank you all for the info.
bob

[Mitch//pa]

Originally Posted by spdway1

So some put it in the GAS and some put it in the OIL...Whats better?

both

[glenn in camino]

One time on a long nightime tour one guy on the trip put MMO in his gas tank before filling it with gas. When we were ready to go his car wouldn't start. Moral- put the MMO in after the gas.

[my1930coupe]

I have seen mmo for gas wich is thin like like most gas additives and then there is just the plain mmo. Are you folks talking about the old mmo?

[duffer]

thanks Glenn, i never thought of what one to put in first....i did that with my snowblower once and had to flush it all out.

[The Master Cylinder]

I use it in my air tools, a little squirt once in awhile in the air inlet to lube. Makes the air smell good too when it vaporizes.

[dumb person]

Originally Posted by Mitch//pa

i wish they would come out with an MMO type cure all for the human body

They did, they were all banned.

[40 Deluxe]

Don't know that it really washes down cylinder walls. In '53 my uncles (3 batchelors) bought a new Ford flathead V8. They always used MMO in both gas tank and crankcase. This was a time when valve jobs at 50,000 miles or less were common, and rings were worn out before 90-100,000 miles. A ridge reamer was always needed to remove the pistons due to upper cylinder wear. This car went well over 100,000 miles and never had the heads off. It then started smoking and using oil. They tore it down and found a wrist pin keeper had broken and the pin gouged into the cylinder wall in one cylinder. The others were smooth and had hardly any ridge at the top so very little wear (usually a '50's engine had .012" to .020" taper by 100,000 miles). All the valves looked good; none were burned. The crankshaft was still standard.
This car sat outside in Minnesota winters so had to start on -30 deg. mornings, which is a sure recipe for washed-down cylinder walls and oil dilution. So, again, I find the cylinder-washing theory a little far-fetched!

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Originally Posted by duffer

Looks like Jeff is gettin drunk off this stuff . And it seems also good for oil and gas togeather. I don't see any bad things from all the members, so i'll give it a try.Thank you all for the info.
bob

Duffer,
Knew an old car painter who laced his shop coffee with about?? 1/8 teaspoon of lacquer thinner No, he didn't smoke! Bill W.

[Terry, NJ]

I only use MMO in the crankcase, a couple of days before oil changes in my cars. I don't like what it may be doing to the oil's viscosity. MMO is basically a solvent. However, the modern injectors in my Saab and VW TDI, and my Ford truck are kept clean. I knew a guy, from the internet, who had been a aerospace engineer for Boeing. He used to tell me about Torqueing 12" nuts, to 8000 lbs and other esoteric stuff like that. We met on "Yesterdays Tractors". It was "Dell" that told me about MMO. Up until then, I always thought MMO was just another phoney additive
only suckers believed in. The inclusion of the word "Mystery" in the name was enough to turn up my flames of scepticism. Experience has shown me to have been wrong. In fact, MMO was the only additive that he endorsed. Being an engineer, he was more discerning than most people and he thought all additives were just a waste of petro chemicals, except MMO.
Terry

[Safari-wagon]

I toss a couple oz in every time I tank up. I seem to have less vapor-locking issues on hot, humid days.

I have one of the old MMO Oilers that were sold in the 50's. Uses vacuum to draw a bit of oil into the cylinders as you run down the road. This device purportedly stops carbon build up & increases mileage.

Who knows? I just think it's kind of cool.

[P.S.]

And I got hassled for adding some ProLong to the crankcase once... Added some to the gearbox also and it made an instant difference. Shifting was smoother, gearbox got quiet, and temp went down.

[kingbee]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

I don't think so. In a search for a cure, I insulated my carb, sediment bowl and fuel line, to no avail. Tried using 2 oz. of MMO per gallon of gas as a last resort.

Unfortunately, it was NO help whatsoever. I had to wait the usual 45 minutes to get started again.

[P.S.]

Mine has only vapor locked once. I still got it started (barely) using some choke, just couldn't let the motor slow down at all.

[Duffy1]

kingbee ;
Let me know when/how you solve the vapor lock problem . I have the same problem and have done everything you have done except adding MM .

[J Franklin]

Kingbee, it's 4oz. to ten gallons! not 20oz.

[kingbee]

If 20 oz didn't help, there's no way 4 oz would....

[California Charlie]

After removing my 33 Chevy motor spark plugs, squirting some of that Marvel Mystery Oil down the cylinders and waiting a week with a prayer each night, I went to start my 33 Chevy with a somewhat stuck motor. I first managed to free the motor with a hand crank this morning (I now call it a foot crank because I had to jump up and down on the hand crank to break the engine loose) , and then with using the starter motor the motor turned over freely. Of course I ran it with white smoke coming out of the exhaust system for a few seconds, but the engine soon stopped smoking and was purring like a kitten after a while. That stuff has my seal of approval. CC

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Is there a SNAKE that produces OIL? We could make a fortune!$$$$$$
Chief called ALL penetrating oils, "PANTHER P*SS." He also said, "If you "THINK" they work, then they do!"
John Cochran,
I think I'll pretend to take a pain pill, go to bed, and see if I feel better?? Why was pain invented?? Or why flies & mosquitos?? Why weren't we just equipped with like a check engine light, labeled, "PAIN!" I would have paid extra for that OPTION!
I used to dig antique bottles, why did they quit makin' some of those miraculous cures?
When Chief had his BAD heart attack that almost "PUT OUT HIS LIGHTS, all he did in the I.C. unit was complain about his painful ingrown TOE NAIL! He even asked if they would cut his toe off! Maybe MMO would have helped?? Bill W.

[steve s]

Originally Posted by California Charlie

After removing my 33 Chevy motor spark plugs, squirting some of that Marvel Mystery Oil down the cylinders and waiting a week with a prayer each night, I went to start my 33 Chevy with a somewhat stuck motor. I first managed to free the motor with a hand crank this morning (I now call it a foot crank because I had to jump up and down on the hand crank to break the engine loose) , and then with using the starter motor the motor turned over freely. Of course I ran it with white smoke coming out of the exhaust system for a few seconds, but the engine soon stopped smoking and was purring like a kitten after a while. That stuff has my seal of approval. CC

Sorry to interject a downer into your success, but white smoke usually means antifreeze in the combustion chamber, which would also explain why pistons were frozen. Maybe a cracked head or leaking gasket? Any kind of lubricant or penetrant would have helped free things up.

[steve s]

Originally Posted by Duffy1

kingbee ;
Let me know when/how you solve the vapor lock problem . I have the same problem and have done everything you have done except adding MM .

After trying all of the insulation techniques, heat shields, additives, new carburetors, and new ignition systems, here's what cured it for me:



There have been several extensive threads on vapor lock, which you can find by searching the archives. They can get a bit testy; like women's pms, those who have never experienced it personally tend to view those who claim to have had the problem as wacky.

Steve

[Duffy1]

Steve ;

Thanks for the response . I guess I am a little slow on the uptake . What did cure your VL problem ? Is it the new carb in the picture , It sounded like in the text that you tried a new carb and that did not help . I guess I missed something .

[Tom Wesenberg]

Using only the good gas without corn crap is what curred my vapor lock problems.

[1952henry]

Some of the various units produced to introduce it to the manifold. Three of those pictured are NOS as is a Shaler (similiar to the Allstate) that is not pictured.

[steve s]

Originally Posted by Duffy1

Steve ;

Thanks for the response . I guess I am a little slow on the uptake . What did cure your VL problem ? Is it the new carb in the picture , It sounded like in the text that you tried a new carb and that did not help . I guess I missed something .

Sorry, you're right--I wasn't very clear. I meant other new carbs besides the 13922 pictured, that includes numerous rebuilds of Zenith A & B carbs, plus the brand new Zenith 1 reproduction. The latter was much better than any rebuilds I tried.

I'm not certain how the 13922 works its magic. There is no doubt that vaporization can occur in the sedimentation bowl and fuel line, and most likely that it also occurs in the carb too. Somehow the 13922 is able to pass along the vapor bubbles without them hanging up or causing a problem--vapor without the lock, I guess.

Steve

[kingbee]

Does anyone know if adding an electric fuel pump would help with the VL problem?

[duffer]

1952Henry,

Love the old stuff in the picture.

Bob

[1952henry]

Thanks. The one on the left is NOS to my knowledge, but the die cast top was in bad shape finish wise. I cleaned, prepped and rechromated it to new. Now just need to get my two old vehicles restored so I can put them to use.

[Kirby1374]

I have an 85 chevy truck with a 454. I've had it 7 years, always had a slight valve/lifter tick. I put a heavy dose in both fuel tanks and some in the oil and pulled our fifth wheel trailer camping up several hills in the heat.
The tick is now gone, pinging under load has subsided and the occasional dieseling after turning it off has quit. So, it cleaned up the carbon and loosened/lubricated the valves and lifters. I think that that is a good thing!

[California Charlie]

Originally Posted by steve s

Sorry to interject a downer into your success, but white smoke usually means antifreeze in the combustion chamber, which would also explain why pistons were frozen. Maybe a cracked head or leaking gasket? Any kind of lubricant or penetrant would have helped free things up.

No downer Steve. I've been driving around town today with no hint of white smoke indicating a cracked block or leaking head gasket. No overheating nor evidence of oil in my radiator water etc. So far so good. CC

[steve s]

Originally Posted by California Charlie

No downer Steve. I've been driving around town today with no hint of white smoke indicating a cracked block or leaking head gasket. No overheating nor evidence of oil in my radiator water etc. So far so good. CC

Good news! But, to be sure, pay close attention for the first several seconds after starting up after it has sat for a while.

Steve

[Fred K-OR]

Wow, I am confused. Yes I too have had the pleasure of having a case of Vapor Lock (I think). My first with either of the cars. After reading all the posts on VL I am confused as to what I experienced today on our 10 mile drive. After about 6 or 7 miles the old coupe quit on us. Pulled over to the side of the road and let it sit for awhile. Temps were in the high 70's. After a short pause, tried to start it, started fine and ran another mile or so before the next shutdown. Same thing happened for the next few miles over and over again. Went into the local store (when we finally got there) and purchased a crescent wrench (never leave home without your tool box) to take the gas line off. Drained the line and tried it again. This helped for the next two or so shutdowns but we did get home without a toe. Wheeee! So I don't know what happened but it sure seemed like vapor lock to me (if there is such a thing).

P.S. I painted my carb black. Maybe I should have painted it silver to shed the heat!

[J Franklin]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

I've run my car across the Mojave desert mid summer had a boil over due to a loose (bad) fan-belt. Helped a modern car that had overheated with my desert waterbag. I have never once had vapor-lock since first started driving this car in 1966.

[California Charlie]

Originally Posted by steve s

Good news! But, to be sure, pay close attention for the first several seconds after starting up after it has sat for a while.

Steve

I'll keep an eye on things as you suggest and hopefully things will continue to be as they currently appear to be normal operating conditions. I do appreciate your input and suggested help.

[JBohannon]

I could not fine MMO so I bought seafoam. Would anyone like to compare the two.

[kingbee]

Fred K, your problem sounds more like the gas cap vent is partially blocked.
Next time I happens ,loosen the cap and listen carefully for a little whoosh.
Even if you don't hear it, if the car starts right back up, it's the gas cap.


JB, there is no comparison, as sea foam is a carb cleaner, while MMO is more of a lubricant.

[HoarseWhisperer]

Sea Foam

Pale Oil
Naphtha
Isopropyl Alcohol
Carbon dioxide

Marvel Mystery Oil

Benzene
MINERAL SPIRITS
NAPTHENIC HYDROCARBONS

You have to ask, is it a good idea to put more alcohol into today's fuel that already has "more alcohol"?

[steve s]

Originally Posted by kingbee

Does anyone know if adding an electric fuel pump would help with the VL problem?

If you can find a cool place to put it; otherwise, it's just one more place for bubbles to jam up. Modern cars have them inside the fuel tank. In my car, I've watched the fuel start to vaporize as soon as it enters the sediment bowl.

I recall spending time sweltering along the road as we applied wet rags to cool the electric fuel pump my brother in law had added to his '58 Ford fliptop.

Steve

[Fred K-OR]

Thanks Kingbee. Will give it a try next time. I did take a look at the gas cap tonight and it looked like if was OK. But it is an aftermarket one so it could still have a problem.

[Duffy1]

Steve ;

Thanks

[PetesPonies]

The tick is now gone, pinging under load has subsided and the occasional dieseling after turning it off has quit. So, it cleaned up the carbon and loosened/lubricated the valves and lifters. I think that that is a good thing!

its a good detergent . . some ATF would do the same thing.

[Cory Moffat]

Well I bought myself a gallon of Mmo today. My new thing to do every fill. However am a little leary about thinning the oil with it.

[trulyvintage]

As is the case sometimes, a Thread takes on a flavor of its' own ..

Sure is a lot of good advice here on the Barn ....




JIm

[duffer]

Got my bottle first of Mmo today...smells yummy..Saw Sea foam on shelf too. Not to keen about putting something called "sea foam " in my gas. Just doesn't seem right.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Originally Posted by Fred K-OR

Thanks Kingbee. Will give it a try next time. I did take a look at the gas cap tonight and it looked like if was OK. But it is an aftermarket one so it could still have a problem.

Fred,
Not for your car, But I've read that on '30-'31 caps, sometimes gasket moves & blocks vent hole. Idea! drill 1/16" hole up through center cap rivet, up to, but not THROUGH the top shell of the cap. Also, when purchasing 1/16" drill bits, buy 6 at a time & when buying any toilet repair parts, buy 2. Bill W.

[Special Coupe Frank]

Originally Posted by 1952henry

Some of the various units produced to introduce it to the manifold. Three of those pictured are NOS as is a Shaler (similiar to the Allstate) that is not pictured.

Love this stuff, especially the "Motor Rhythm" unit on the right, using a Ball "Lightning" canning jar !

I think MMO still advertises their "Marvel Inverse Oiler" for automatic dispensation of their product.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

If MMO still sells their Inverse Oiler, they had better speed up their production line! Bill W.

[steve s]

How about Casite Motor Honey?

[J Franklin]

Casite Motor Honey = time for a rebuild or at least an "overhaul".

[tierod]

Pouring it in the carb helped with a sticky valve problem.

[phartman]

Went out and bought some MMO. Dang, it does smell good.... Who'da thought? My wife said, "Must be a guy thing." Yup.

[duffer]

I put 4oz. in with every fill up...Is it good to put in the oil too?

[dave in australia]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

With all this talk of MMO, I'll add that it is also good for bicycle chains and Hartzel propellor beta rods.

[400A-64]

Fuel Pumps will NOT pump VAPOR!!!

[duffer]

What do you mean by VAPOR? Does MMO give off vapor?

[springerpete]

I use it in my gas tank with each fill but I've never quite had the courage to add it to the crankcase during an oil change. I see above 1 +3 and 1+4 with the filtered engine. So, MMO is as good as 30 wt or 10-30 / 10-40 oil ? Be interested to read some reasons why adding MMO to regular oil is a good thing or a bad thing. I'm sure this coin has 2 sides ! Thanks.

[Terry, NJ]

Pete, I really am nervous about adding ANYTHING to my oil except STP. STP has things in it that make it a stickier lube. MMO does not. However, If I'm going to change my oil on Friday, I might throw a few ounces of MMO into the crankcase on Monday. I read somewhere that MMO is basically a solvent, not a lubricant. That's why construction guys like it in Diesels. It helps to keep things clean.
Terry

[Stan/MO.]

A buddy of mine uses MMO in everything. He has a 87 H-D, and he puts it in his gas and oil.
Ok here's the deal...he's got 150,000 miles on the bike, and he had a base gasket leaking. He took it apart and the cylinders still had hone marks in em.' So we checked all the clearances,and they were all factory specs. NO WEAR!!!! I told him he should call "Ripleys" believe it or not.

[jjcom]

MMO from my understanding, is a thin oil mixed with some detergents/solvents. While I've never used the stuff, the idea behind I feel is sound. With todays oils, I feel it's no longer as needed as it would have been in the times before multi-viscosity oils and high detergent oils, it can still serve a purpose.

MMO does thin the oil out, which would have been handy during cold winters. Thats probably what helped keep that V8 together that 40 Deluxe was talking about. A straight weight oil in those temperatures would have been brutal, but adding MMO do a 30 or 40 W oil would help bring it down a whole grade, which would have been great in those cold winters.

On an engine thats seen good maintenance through the years and runs a modern say 10-30, 15-40, etc would probably not always need anything else to keep it clean. But a few missed oil changes, or just a fluke causing some build in a lifter would make MMO great.

In my own modern stuff, I'll use Seafoam or Lucas fuel injector cleaner every oil change (about every 6-7k miles) and neither have had any injector issues since starting that practice. The 96 had an injector get plugged shortly after I got it, and I had the injectors professionally cleaned. Since then, no issues...she's got 220k miles now. The 07 has never had any injector issues. The Model A sees Seafoam probably a couple times a year, and a dose before winter hibernation. Since I've started that, the carb no longer fusses near as much after sitting.

[Skibb]

Perhaps it was the Navy's requirement for strict adherence to preventive maintenance schedules with Milspec lubricants that got me hooked on "oils" or perhaps it was my first Model A, nevertheless I've read and reread this thread. My conclusion was that I "dont need it" because of a rebuilt engine in the ole boy. Next thing I know, I'm in an auto parts store buying MMO after a Club outing. Still saying "dont need it", in goes 4 oz. at a fillup and 1/3 quart was added next day after an oil change. What happened? A rough engine idle that this newbie could not adjust to save his life all of a sudden became perfect and the car runs smoother in 2nd gear. "Dont need it" turned to "use it".

[duffer]

I guess marvel mystery oil is a mystery....I love the stuff.

[sewman]

I read somewhere a qt. of diesel fuel to 10 gallons of gas will cure vapor lock.

[woofa.express]

I had carbon build up in a radial aero engine. the manufacturer advised to use Marvel Misery oil every 100 hours of operation. and yes it worked. On startup the next morning a substantial amount of carbon was exhausted. It was induced via the manifold pressure line whilst the engine was idling at 700 rpm.

[rocket1]

I use a quart of diesel fuel in 20 gal. of corn gas in my collector cars with good results.

[Bob Bidonde]

I have a friend who puts WD40 on his aching knees. He swears it stops the aching. Maybe he should try MMO!

[woofa.express]

Originally Posted by socalplanedoc

I've encountered testimonials to the wonder cure that MMO creates in my years with hit-miss, antique car, and vintage plane groups. It wont hurt anything (other than a tiny hit on your wallet) but there's simply nothing more than anecdotal evidence that it has any direct benefit. Lots of guys swear by it and love to spin stories on how it fixed everything from stuck valves to scurvy - Just as many will tell you it's a waste of time. The reality is, if anything improved it's most likely from the increased attention the sick patient got.

BUT, if it makes you feel better to use it, well, feeling better is a good thing isnt it?

I see you are from San Diego and restore vintage aeroplanes. I am aware of a vintage very near you that would create world attention if you were to restore and fly it. I would even come to the US to watch it's second ever flight. cheers, gary

[fords]

I use it when I have the heads off to keep the cylinder walls oiled and clean - I use it heavily during this maintenance time and never had it foul up my motors. Great stuff.
You’ll be fine.

[FrankWest]

MMO contains Naphtha. It was an old watchmakers cleaner for watch and clock movements.. The same action of Naphtha along with fine machine oil in MMO dissolves buildup and lubricates too. Great product.

[Art Newland]

I recently purchased an 8BA for my 49 F1. The fellow bought it with intentions to replace a six cylinder in a 46 coupe. He didn't realize it wasn't going to be a straight across swap and other things would have to change to get the V8 in there. So for the last 6-7 years he would start it up on the test stand to show his buddies. For me it would miss and pop and snap and I could hear a valve snap shut after being stuck open. A few drops of MMO down the carb and a good shot in the fuel tank had it smoothed out in about 30 seconds.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-BwooaXbqs

[Corley]

The biggest mystery to me is why anyone would pay $7.00 a quart for some thin oil with solvent in it. But that's just my CAMO side talking. (CAMO means Cheap A__ Model A Owner)

[FrankWest]

Originally Posted by Corley

The biggest mystery to me is why anyone would pay $7.00 a quart for some thin oil with solvent in it. But that's just my CAMO side talking. (CAMO means Cheap A__ Model A Owner)

Naphtha is no longer CHEAP..I was surprised that last time I purchased it.

[Art Newland]

Hey Corley, have you ever been sorry you went cheap? 8^)

[Clem Clement]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

I use low cost ATF from the dolla store. Just found a jug of Power steering fluid. the goes in next

[Corley]

Originally Posted by Art Newland

Hey Corley, have you ever been sorry you went cheap? 8^)

YES, but not too often.


We've all got oil stories I guess. I've got a '99 Vette, and on a long trip it came due for an oil change, so I pulled into one of those quick change places. They didn't have the Mobil One (Full synthetic recommended by Chevrolet, and I've always used in it), so I let them put in some Amsoil full synthetic. After about 100 miles, it developed a tic-tic valve lifter issue. When I got home, (about 2000 miles later and still tic tic-ing), I replaced the Amsoil with Mobil One, and in about 100 miles, the tic tic went away and hasn't been back since.
It probably had nothing to do with the oil used, but it COULD have, so most people would probably claim Mobil One is better than Amsoil. Personally, I doubt that, and attribute it to coinkydink.


Now I bet if only I had added a $7 quart of MMO, (which by the way, I've been told is excellent for sewing machines and warts), I'm sure all my problems would have dissolved into lovely bliss. Since I did not do that, owning to my CAMO nature, we'll never know for sure. ;~)

[FrankWest]

Funny stuff..
Maybe mind over matter??
Still I think Thinner oil is good sometimes because it wets the parts better than heavy oil.
A solvent like Napthta could unstick valves and other motor parts just like it unsticks clock and watch movements...I have witnessed it work there on old stuck movements.
I wonder how much Naphtha an engine could take.,m it does evaporate.

[Corley]

Originally Posted by FrankWest

Funny stuff..
Maybe mind over matter??
Still I think Thinner oil is good sometimes because it wets the parts better than heavy oil.
A solvent like Napthta could unstick valves and other motor parts just like it unsticks clock and watch movements...I have witnessed it work there on old stuck movements.
I wonder how much Naphtha an engine could take.,m it does evaporate.

Just thinking here, (something I don't do too often), but does Naphtha (sp) actually evaporate out of MMO? Would, perhaps, the molicules of the Naphtha be surrounded by the oils molicules and stay in suspention? Otherwise, if one left the lid off of a bottle of MMO, wouldn't about 25% of it just evaporate? (Or would the bottle just overflow with dead flys, attracted to the nice smell? Oh no, MMO might be hazzardous to my health, if it kills flys! Never drink the Koolaid folks! Personally, I wouldn't even sniff the stuff!)

So, about that thinner oil. Most manufacturers now day recommend thinner oils in engines. Most seem to recommend something like 5w - 20w. Therefore, my brain says thinner might be good. But, my brain also tells me that might be why they sell thinner oil, and I should probably not try to create it with some witches brew. (A little mineral oil, a little mineral spirits, some lard, a sprinkle of other crap, oh wait, that is what the NTSB found MMO contains, so maybe I CAN home brew it!). I think I'll just buy thinner oil ready to go instead of the brew my own route by adding MMO to heavier oil. But I suppose that's just me being CAMO.

But wait! Who said thin oil is good in an old model A engine anyway? Hum, I'm not so sure with the older technology (that's a big word I use now and the, I'm not sure what it means, but it impressed some folks a lot). Anyway, model As seem to be better suited to a bit thicker oil, something around 20w - 30w, with their greater tolerances. That's just what I thought just now anyway... You go ahead and think on it too though, two brains are sometimes better than one, right?

PS. Just remembered, I saw some greasy looking stuff on the road from a dead possum, that seemed pretty slippery. Please just ignore all the above, I'm now cojitating on grinding up banana peals to make a new motor oil additive, after all, banana peals are pretty slippery. (At $7 a bottle, I might get rich and move up to restoring Chevies instead of Fords! ) Need a catchy name for it, maybe "Nanna Piss", or something like that. Now that brings up another problem, is "piss" a dirty word or not? It was when I was little, but now days,,,,,,,

[DHZIEMAN]

Originally Posted by Corley

Just thinking here, (something I don't do too often), but does Naphtha (sp) actually evaporate out of MMO? Would, perhaps, the molicules of the Naphtha be surrounded by the oils molicules and stay in suspention? Otherwise, if one left the lid off of a bottle of MMO, wouldn't about 25% of it just evaporate? (Or would the bottle just overflow with dead flys, attracted to the nice smell? Oh no, MMO might be hazzardous to my health, if it kills flys! Never drink the Koolaid folks! Personally, I wouldn't even sniff the stuff!)

So, about that thinner oil. Most manufacturers now day recommend thinner oils in engines. Most seem to recommend something like 5w - 20w. Therefore, my brain says thinner might be good. But, my brain also tells me that might be why they sell thinner oil, and I should probably not try to create it with some witches brew. (A little mineral oil, a little mineral spirits, some lard, a sprinkle of other crap, oh wait, that is what the NTSB found MMO contains, so maybe I CAN home brew it!). I think I'll just buy thinner oil ready to go instead of the brew my own route by adding MMO to heavier oil. But I suppose that's just me being CAMO.

But wait! Who said thin oil is good in an old model A engine anyway? Hum, I'm not so sure with the older technology (that's a big word I use now and the, I'm not sure what it means, but it impressed some folks a lot). Anyway, model As seem to be better suited to a bit thicker oil, something around 20w - 30w, with their greater tolerances. That's just what I thought just now anyway... You go ahead and think on it too though, two brains are sometimes better than one, right?

PS. Just remembered, I saw some greasy looking stuff on the road from a dead possum, that seemed pretty slippery. Please just ignore all the above, I'm now cojitating on grinding up banana peals to make a new motor oil additive, after all, banana peals are pretty slippery. (At $7 a bottle, I might get rich and move up to restoring Chevies instead of Fords! ) Need a catchy name for it, maybe "Nanna Piss", or something like that. Now that brings up another problem, is "piss" a dirty word or not? It was when I was little, but now days,,,,,,,

Lotta people like it! I have never seen the need to use it! And the ole model A runs fine!

[WHN]

Originally Posted by DHZIEMAN

Lotta people like it! I have never seen the need to use it! And the ole model A runs fine!

Just try it once in your gas. You might be surprised. It will not do any damage.

[Bob-A]

I add MMO to the gas of my '31 A (& '29 Chevy) and never have to worry about vapor lock . Funny thing: I'm constantly checking my Zenith carb on my "A" for gas leaks. And the only thing I find underneath the carb, when checking, is a light film of MMO...?!?


Bob-A

[DHZIEMAN]

Originally Posted by Bob-A

I add MMO to the gas of my '31 A (& '29 Chevy) and never have to worry about vapor lock . Funny thing: I'm constantly checking my Zenith carb on my "A" for gas leaks. And the only thing I find underneath the carb, when checking, is a light film of MMO...?!?


Bob-A

Bob;

I will keep it in mind as a suggestion. At present, too many other things on this old girl are drawing my attention. Regards.........

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by WHN

Just try it once in your gas. You might be surprised. It will not do any damage.

I agree, and I think my Model A does run and sound better since I started using it. Today's gas doesn't have the lubricity of the good gas of the 60's and 70's, so adding a bit of oil is a good thing. It should also help keep the gas tank from rusting.

[oldforder]

I put MMO in the gas in all my old cars and my OPE. But it didn't keep the A from vapor locking last week when it was really hot. Of course I also had an in line filter on it also. Yes it was a fuel problem, and not electrical, as I took off the line, and no fuel came to the carb, but it came out of the sediment bowl. I have now removed the filter, and covered the line, and no more problem. I have never had a car vapor lock before . Yes it is non alcohol gas. And yes I will continue to use MMO.