In another thread people were talking about the benefits of oil additives.
I have always been leery of these "Miracle Additives" ever since Slick 50
was shown to actually damage engines. This was especially bad news for me,
since I used Slick 50 in my new boat, thinking it would reduce wear when the
engine was started after sitting for a few weeks, or over the winter.

Here is what "Landline" (a magazine for professional truckers) says:

"I researched professional journals on lubrication and spoke with my
contacts at The Technology and Maintenance Council (TMC) from the oil
companies, engine manufacturers and wholesale oil additive chemical
suppliers, companies like Lubrizol and Exxon-Mobil. They sell the component
chemicals that oil refiners put into their oils.
They were unanimous in their opinions: Truck operators should not put
anything in their oil. Oil is a delicate balance of about 30 percent to 35
percent additives blended under controlled conditions and proprietary
processes with selected base stocks of mineral or synthetic oil. Having too
much of any particular additive could reduce the benefits of other
additives, and if an aftermarket additive is not compatible with a component
or refiner's oil, the additive could damage the engine."

What do the additive suppliers say?


Typical comments a "The oil companies don't want our products used
because it would cut their sales volume by at least 10 to 20 percent (mix
ratios) and probably more because we make oil last longer," and "We have a
breakthrough product, and the establishment testing hasn't caught up with
our performance."

Many rely on anecdotal evidence, not controlled tests. Some refer to "a
prestigious university" or "a well-known testing laboratory," but rarely
identify which ones. Many that are identified are outside the United States.
I still haven't seen evidence from any manufacturer with properly documented
tests.

Normally, when test results are published, verifiable reports give the
location and dates of testing, names of personnel conducting the tests, a
description of test procedures if new, or a list of established test
protocols developed through the scientific process (reaching consensus and
addressing all objections) by ASTM, SAE, API and other recognized technical
organizations"

and finally a conclusion:

"Can we reach a conclusion?
This is one of those questions drivers argue about now and will argue about
for decades to come. I've heard owner-operators swear by the oil they use,
most often Rotella-T, Delo 400, Delvac 1300 or Delvac 1. I then hear those
same drivers rave about the good that Lucas or some other additive does.

Well, which is it? Is the oil good, but only with the additive? And what
does "good" mean? How is oil performance really determined? Engines and oils
have improved in the past decade, and we have 10-year-old engines that have
gone a million miles or more with extended oil-drain intervals.

My own personal opinion is that if it were my truck, I'd pick one oil based
on its reputation and use it for the life of the engine without any oil
additives. One of the oils I'd consider would be Lucas. LL Paul Abelson can
be reached at ."

So it would appear that if any of the additives are any good, Lucas just
might be a good one.

What sold me on NOT using Lucas is their web site. They did not show any
test results, they based all of their success on Testimonials. I am leery
of Testimonials.

from: http://www.landlinemag.com/Archives/...t/maint_qa.htm