Lucas oil additive
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New User
Joined: Jun 2005
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Lucas oil additive
I have a new engine in my 75 f 100. My question is... is lucas a good product? Would I benefit from adding it to my engine at the next oil change? My engine only has about 1200 miles on it. Its a 360. What kinds of problems if any could result if I added the Lucas. I have heard slick 50 is something I should stay away from
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,600
Likes: 4
From: Iowa
The following are my own personal opinions, so take them as such. Here are my answers to the questions, in order:
Is lucas a good product? NO.
Would I benefit...? NO.
What kind of problems...? You'd be out however much it cost with nothing to show for it.
You want to stay away from ALL oil additives. I've yet to see one that does anything good. This includes engine oil stop leak products. I've yet to see one work. The only automotive additive I actually believe in, is the aluminum radiator seal stuff. That seems to work well, but is still just a temporary fix.
Since you've got an old FE motor, the best thing you could do is run a diesel rated oil. Look for the CH-4 or CI-4 rating. Diesel rated oil has extra anti-wear additives that protect the flat-tappet cam. The additive is ZDDP, or Zinc Dialkyldithiophosphate. The levels of ZDDP are dramatically reduced in the latest API grade of gasoline engine only oils, rated SM. Theoretically, this can cause problems with older motors with flat tappet cams.
Good luck with the 360, and drop by the FE forum!
Is lucas a good product? NO.
Would I benefit...? NO.
What kind of problems...? You'd be out however much it cost with nothing to show for it.
You want to stay away from ALL oil additives. I've yet to see one that does anything good. This includes engine oil stop leak products. I've yet to see one work. The only automotive additive I actually believe in, is the aluminum radiator seal stuff. That seems to work well, but is still just a temporary fix.
Since you've got an old FE motor, the best thing you could do is run a diesel rated oil. Look for the CH-4 or CI-4 rating. Diesel rated oil has extra anti-wear additives that protect the flat-tappet cam. The additive is ZDDP, or Zinc Dialkyldithiophosphate. The levels of ZDDP are dramatically reduced in the latest API grade of gasoline engine only oils, rated SM. Theoretically, this can cause problems with older motors with flat tappet cams.
Good luck with the 360, and drop by the FE forum!
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 105
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From: Indianapolis
A story about Slick 50
Rusty - I have a slick story for you. 1994, I had a old Chevy truck with a 350. Had to go to a Navy school in Chicago, 3.5 hours from Indianapolis. Before leaving, I added Slick 50 for the Sunday trip. That night I began having trouble with the truck. Monday it was still giving me problems, Tuesday it seemed a little worse. By Wednesday, I became friends with a Navy mechanic from Kentucky (what a yahoo!). I asked him why my truck was acting like that. His first question was, "did you slick it?" "What does that mean?" "Did you use Slick 50?" "Yes." "That's why." The problem? The idle was too high, which caused a little run-on when I turned it off. He came out and turned down the idle speed - the truck ran like a top from then on. "Slicking it" caused less resistance, and back then, we didn't have computers to automatically make the adjustment. True story. I've use Slick 50 in a bevy of our fleet vehicles ever since. Most of them go well over 200,000 miles easily. That's my story and I'm stickin' to it.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26,007
Likes: 575
From: Brentwood,CA
You're right, that's a slick story alright...
oh yeah because it does not even make sense. slick 50 contains teflon a solid particle that even the maker of strongly diagrees with its use in engines. slick 50 is snake oil pure and simple.
oh yeah because it does not even make sense. slick 50 contains teflon a solid particle that even the maker of strongly diagrees with its use in engines. slick 50 is snake oil pure and simple.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis
Slick story
True story. Navy mechanics are the best the nation has to offer, and he understood the value of Slick 50. Oh, by the way, after Slick 50 lost its endorsements, I stopped using it, about 2 years ago. "There was something amiss at the Circle K, Ted"
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,968
Likes: 3
From: So Cal
Additives are generally useless in an engine that is in good condition. There have been many reputable independent lab tests and magazine articles on this, and none of the additives have any benefit for most of us.
Some additives are useful but they are only bandaids and only for sick engines.
Use a good grade engine oil that meets your engine specs, change regularly, and you will never have to worry about lubrication related issues. Most engine failures are from other causes, such as poor maintenance.
BTW, since your engine is an older model, the oil specs for it are long obsolete, so just use the current grades, I think SL or SM?
Good Luck,
Jim Henderson
Some additives are useful but they are only bandaids and only for sick engines.
Use a good grade engine oil that meets your engine specs, change regularly, and you will never have to worry about lubrication related issues. Most engine failures are from other causes, such as poor maintenance.
BTW, since your engine is an older model, the oil specs for it are long obsolete, so just use the current grades, I think SL or SM?
Good Luck,
Jim Henderson
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 326
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From: North Alabama
My father in law owns & operates an 18-wheeler......He has been driving for over 25 years. He always uses a gallon of Lucas heavy duty oil stabilizer at every oil change. I think he said that his Peterbilt holds like 13 gallons of oil, or something near that amount.
He gets at least 1 million miles out of his engines before he buys a new truck & has never had an lubrication-related engine problem.
Now, I'm not saying Lucas helped him achieve that kind of mileage, but I do believe that Lucas won't hurt anything.
He gets at least 1 million miles out of his engines before he buys a new truck & has never had an lubrication-related engine problem.
Now, I'm not saying Lucas helped him achieve that kind of mileage, but I do believe that Lucas won't hurt anything.
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 105
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From: Indianapolis
Lucas response
I posted some of the repsonses to our Lucas threads (specifically the tranny fix) to the Lucas Oil Company. Here is the repsonse, after sending a couple of emails back and forth:
Terry,
Thanks for looking to Lucas for Solutions. Our Transmission Fix contains a polymer additive and has the ability to coat the bands with this polymer; rejuvenating the contact surfaces. It also gives you added lubricity and film strength that result in smoother shifting and cooler, quieter running.
A review of some of these responses leads me to the conclusion that for the most part they are based on opinion rather than experience with Lucas Oil Products. The testimonials on our website are from customers who have used the products and we do post them but we don't edit. At least take a look and make your own decision.
Terry,
Thanks for looking to Lucas for Solutions. Our Transmission Fix contains a polymer additive and has the ability to coat the bands with this polymer; rejuvenating the contact surfaces. It also gives you added lubricity and film strength that result in smoother shifting and cooler, quieter running.
A review of some of these responses leads me to the conclusion that for the most part they are based on opinion rather than experience with Lucas Oil Products. The testimonials on our website are from customers who have used the products and we do post them but we don't edit. At least take a look and make your own decision.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 550
Likes: 1
From: Effingham,IL USA
i used to use lucas in my truk b4 i rebuilt the engine, i kinda had too with so low oil pressure and all. but a in new engine i wouldnt use it. just break it in and maybe go with synthetic oil if u want the extra protection, but i wouldnt use any oil additives in a new (rebuilt)one. additives r for old or worn out powerplants that need that xtra boost of oil pressure. lucas is a good product, just dont need it in a good, tight engine , imo.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,821
Likes: 19
From: South Dakota
http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/images/lucas/lucas.htm
Take what you will from this un-scientific test. Its pretty much like the Lucas display only at a higher speed.
There used to be a picture of foamed up tranny fluid with lucas on BITOG, but it's been a while since I've posted it, and frankly I doubt it's still around.
Take what you will from this un-scientific test. Its pretty much like the Lucas display only at a higher speed.
There used to be a picture of foamed up tranny fluid with lucas on BITOG, but it's been a while since I've posted it, and frankly I doubt it's still around.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,234
Likes: 3
From: In the woods of Oregon
wow the Lucas debate rages on. Oh and a million miles in a 18 wheeler is not alot of miles. Most carry warranties that are for 7 yrs or 750,000 miles. So a million is just outside of warranty. Regular oil changes and proper maintanace will carry them well past a million miles. My 2cents.
Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 18,423
Likes: 9
From: iowa
Most carry 7yr 750,000 mile warrenty huh? not that I have ever seen the extended warrenty on mine was 5yr 500,000 mile, standard is 1yr 100,000 the only part that I ever seen that was warrentied to 750,000 miles is diffs if they are factory filled with synthetic gear oil.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,234
Likes: 3
From: In the woods of Oregon
Optinal warranty. 7yr 750,000. Dad wish he got it, he does about 300 a day and has about 600,000 total. Rods and mains done, bumped up turbo, 53' curtain van , 105,500 maxi. I drove for him about yr before I went back to college. They have awesome warranties now, and turn over is high for trucks now a day.