Lucas Oil Stabilizer OT ?

[55 Fargo]

Hi all, has anyone on here used Lucas Heavy Duty Oil treament, I was thinking of using it in my flathead, as it leaks a bit of oil, , and to keep the parts well lubed.

I have never tried this stuff, my uncle swears by it, uses it, in all his vehicles, I am a little skeptical.

So if anyone knows if this product is a good one, and if it can deal with minor oil leaks let me know..................Thanx Fred

[Don Coatney]

I believe the Lucas Heavy Duty Oil treament is to be used as replacement for the oil in Lucas electricals only. Does not cure oil leaks but enhances them. Most Lucas electricals do not work so they may as well leak oil at a high rate too.

[55 Fargo]

Hey Don, just got of a 12.5 hour nightshift, you lost me on this one...............LOL

[Lou Earle]

I am told that the reason the British have so much electrical problems with their cars is because Lucas switches are not very good.

I was also told the Brits drink warm beer because Lucas also makes most of their refrigerators!! Is that true Robin?

[55 Fargo]

Okay Lou, but what do you think of the Lucas oil product, or what might be another good oil addditve for our old flatties.........Fred

[Captain Neon]

I use Restore for no other reason than it is what my father has used. I use Rislone in the '92 convertible, Marvel Mystery Oil in the Jeep, and ATF in the wife's car. I'm an equal opportunity consumer.

[55 Fargo]

Sounds like you don't want to put all

your eggs all in one basket. I personally like to try different things, but will stick with something if it works........Fred

[Don Coatney]

Okay Lou, but what do you think of the Lucas oil product, or what might be another good oil addditve for our old flatties.........Fred

Fred;

Why do you think you need an oil additive? You must make way too much money if you want to spend funds on an oil (snake oil comes to mind) additive:eek:

[bob_amos]

In my shop we've used Lucas products. They are a local company for us being that we are in Riverside and Lucas is from Corona right next door. In the past we have had good service from the products they offer. But, as of late, we have been avoiding their additives. We have heard of 2 cases where the oil is turning to a jelly after adding Lucas Oil Stabelizer to the crankcase. One was a fellow Golden State Region member that I know well and he defenately knows his cars so it wasn't anything that he did wrong. I have not heard any explaination from Lucas, so, for the time being, I'd recommend avoiding it.

[Merle Coggins]

They are a local company for us being that we are in Riverside and Lucas is from Corona right next door.

I thought Lucas Oil was out of the Indianapolis area. I know their NHRA race team is, and they have the naming rights on the new football stadium in Indy.

[wilmot andy]

I work with a guy who works for Lucas. He used to race cars, and was one of the first to be sponsered by Lucas. He swears by it, and there are alot of different oil products they make. Lots of racers use it, and they have grown so much they sponser NHRA, sponser the Speed Channel, and are building the sports dome. Big money, more than a snake oil would get.

[p10plymouth]

I was told that our older engines need more Zinc.... I use all the Lucas products... Fantastic results... (noticeable) .... Last season I used the oil additive only... This year I found a product from Lucas .. Engine Oil Stop Leak ... I called and spoked to Lucas... I wanted to use the Oil Stop leak and wonder if it had the same oil additive as I used last season ... He told me it did and that If you are using the STP brand it also will give more protection (Zinc)... This season It is on trail to see if indeed the claims are true.. (only way to know is to try.. ( I do have a small rear seal leak.) The product itself is thick .. Best to have a warmer engine when draining and it will go down the pipe no problem. Then I use straight Kendal 30 weight .. Engine is smooth .... Note: I f I had a brand new engine with modern materials ie bearings rings etc.. I would not probably conceder any additives .. But with a original motor . I wouldn't drive with out a additive..

[Don Coatney]

I was told that our older engines need more Zinc.... I use all the Lucas products... Fantastic results... (noticeable) .... ..

How did you measure the noticeable results?

[p10plymouth]

I use my 4 gas analyzer... also I consulted a Alcoa enginer.... He claim the additives in these chemicals work by friction. as the metal to metals get hot the additives act like ball bearings .... less friction better sealing any where there is heat more attraction ... which will improve compression and quiet small imperfection and wear... No additive can replace a motor in need of a rebuild ...

[Captain Neon]

Since you brought up zinc, I have to ask, which does STP or Lucas have more zinc? Which oil supplements out there have the most zinc for our old flatheads. I'm running Rotella T this season, but have been told that Rotella T has begun to phase out zinc. I'm assuming Delo will be as well. I would prefer to go back to Havoline, then, and use a zinc additive.

[p10plymouth]

Don't know .... I did not know there was zinc in the Lucas .. I called and they told me... Honestly I did not know there was zinc in STP till I read it here or somewhere.. Might be a good canidate for the lab if someone has access to one...I used to know a guy that worked in a lab ,that could of anilize it... (free) but got transfered ,sorry

[Don Coatney]

I use my 4 gas analyzer...

Interesting;

Can you post before and after results?

[Norm's Coupe]

I for one will not use additives in my oil or radiator, and very seldom will use any type of gas additive other than one that displaces moisture. Will also use a cleaner additive for the gas once in awhile.

That said. When it comes to all these additives, are we absolutely sure the race car drivers really use this stuff. Lets not forget, they are getting paid a lot of money to advertise this stuff. That also goes for other products you see celebrities advertise. Most do it for the money. They have to convince you that they are really using the product, otherwise they'll lose their sponsorship, then have to pay for those expensive engines on their own.

Now, if I see a race crew actually dumping in these additives just before a race, then I'll believe it. Have any of you actually seen them doing that at the track on race day?

[p10plymouth]

I did not use the save and print ... It was for my own information (not the states for pa inspection)... Since the engine is running smoothly .. and the Lucas is in it ... there is no point of retesting..I could not take out the additive.I will say this .... If a certain type of motor has .... lets say a life of 150,000 miles and known to wear out.. putting in a additive is useless... but if one would put it in when it had 90,000 mile one would feel the improvement .... Now this is not to say the engine still would not need to be torn down for a rebuild at 150,000 , Also if there was any customer produce problems ie driving when it got hot over heated it , running low on oil... and running it... Any oil addictive would be senseless... no magic in any bottles I know of ...

[T120]

Since you brought up zinc, I have to ask, which does STP or Lucas have more zinc? Which oil supplements out there have the most zinc for our old flatheads. I'm running Rotella T this season, but have been told that Rotella T has begun to phase out zinc. I'm assuming Delo will be as well. I would prefer to go back to Havoline, then, and use a zinc additive.

I had a visit with an old timer mechanic the other day and the conversation drifted to modern engine oils.He mentioned zinc additives (zddp) have been reduced to extend the life of catalytic converters - downside is engine wear is

compromised and he suggested using diesel engine oil lubricant.I'm not sure

what advantage this would have as most older vehicles have minimal use and don't clock a lot of miles.

[Captain Neon]

By law, any one that endorses a product actually stating that it is a product they use they must actually use the product. For instance, when Valerie Bertenelli states that she lost weight while on the Jenny Craig Diet she really had to be following their program and the results occurred while following their program. When Richard Petty says that he uses STP in his cars (both race and personal vehicles) he really has to use them. BTW, I don't think Richard Petty (at least) would perjure himself just for the money. Also, he and STP have a long relationship. He actually began endorsing Marathon gasolines because they use STP fuel additives. He may still have a relationship with Sunoco too as I do not believe both products are marketed in the same areas.

[p10plymouth]

HOLD THE Press..... I called Lucas and miss informed you guys the stabilizer does NOT have Zinc in it ...BUT it has the equivalent of what Zinc did to our old cars , better film protection on the bearing and metal surfaces.....The old time Mechanic is RIGHT Zinc will ruin the converters on newer cars.... This said Lucas recommends for our cars.(cars with out convertors) "Engine break in Oil Additive TB ZINC PLUS" Now there more Zinc than A guy need or wants in his car ....Now this said any ? you can call 1-800 3422512 they are in California..

[Don Coatney]

True story. In the summer of 1969 I trailered my BSA three cylinder motorcycle to the Bonneville salt flats attempting to set a go-fast record. Just past the check in tent was the STP promotional tent. They were giving away product samples, fender covers, race banners, pith (no I am not lisping) hats, decals, pens, and other stuff to all entrants. If you as an entrant actually set a record, and had the STP decal on the vehicle, and used STP in or on the vehicle then STP could use a picture of your vehicle for advertising and possibly pay royalties if the record was substantial. A drop of STP in the transmission, or a dab on your finger to polish the paint on a fender was all that was required. I still have and use the fender covers.

[Norm's Coupe]

What Don Coatney said is correct. And yes, by law if you endorse a product by saying you used it then you must have used it. However, you don't have to say how much, when, or how often. As for the race car builders and drivers, all they need to do is pour some in an engine that is ready for replacement anyway and run that car for a few minutes. That constitutes usage. It doesn't mean they have to put it in the new engine they are going to race with.

[55 Fargo]

Hi Don, seems I brought up a hot topic here, didn't realize oil additives would have such an effect on the masses.

My reason for wanting to try Lucas, was for a few reasons,

A) my engine has a miles on her, not rebuilt, she has good oil pressure and decent even compression 105 across the board. I figured an additive would give the old engine added protection, and better lubrication.

The other reason is my engine is leaking oil, more than I thought, probably rear main seal, pan gasket, valve cover gaskets leak a bit too. I thought maybe the Lucas product might help with the oil leaking.

But I normally just stick with oil, I use Rotella T 15 W 40 in my flattie right now.....................Fred