Old wives tale or not
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Monroe, WA
I ran this by my injector shop, they said it wasn't the best thing for them. What they really need is some lubrication. I did know a guy that always put a qt of atf in his oil when he changed it (6.9). We did the headgaskets at 130k and you could eat out of that engine it was so clean inside.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: South Dakota
So the atf fluid works as a kind of cleaning agent inside the engine? I plan on putting in some head studs with a turbo this comming summer and possibly opening up the engine to clean everything out. If this works to clean everything up, then half the work will be done for me before I even get started! I tried finding the Duralube that was recommended by Hamberger and can only find spray cans of the stuff. Will the atf fluid harm any engine components? That is my biggest fear is having that stuff eat up the valve stem seals I just replaced or destroying my engine...
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,782
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From: Huntington Indiana
What you'll want to use is something which doesn't leave a residue on your components. Since I see you have IH equipment talk to the repair guys in the shop what they use. This is what I do at our IH dealership. I bought the equipment from them and have repairs done there so I just flat out ask.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2006
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Melcom, did you happen to look at bearings etc. for extra wear?
I have heard of using ATF in [fuel] for diesels and in gassers to quiet down lifters. But this the first I've heard of using it in oil.
Dave7.3, I'm surprised you can't find Duralube....it should be along side of Slick 50 etc.
I have heard of using ATF in [fuel] for diesels and in gassers to quiet down lifters. But this the first I've heard of using it in oil.
Dave7.3, I'm surprised you can't find Duralube....it should be along side of Slick 50 etc.
Tuned
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 291
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From: houston,tx
atf acts like detergent-it really cleans. I would have been concerned about running a quart with an oil change. I would, if i wanted to clean things up add a 1/2 quart about 500 mi. right before i changes oil; because if there is excessive sludge in the motor i don't want to be driving with a clogged filter. I have always gotten favorable results with Marvel Mystery Oil whitch has been around as long as i can remember and you can add it to anything 'cept the coolant n brakes.
Elder User
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From: South Dakota
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Tuned
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 291
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From: houston,tx
yes, down here it comes in pints, quarts, and gallons; sort of like liquor. LOL but i try not to drink the stuff . next time you go to the parts house pick up a can and read it (mostly red and black) i think you'll be impressed.
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Elder User
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: South Dakota
I used to work in the Automotive department at a local store. Used to stock GALLONS of the stuff. I know exactly what it is I just didn't know it was a cleaning agent as well. Thanks for the info guys! Also, I looked and the duralube I buy in cans has the same properties as the MAG-1 Sylicone Lubricant sold at the local store. Same problem though, all sold in spray cans...
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: South Dakota
I had another thing come to my attention. Using a sort of cleaning agent would break up all the soot and buildup over the years right? Then wouldn't all that buildup breaking loose cause other problems? Just double checking. Reminds me of the old rule: Measure twice, cut once! 
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2007
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you can go check out a product called Seafoam. you dump it the fuel.go drive for about 30 to 45 minutes.it will smoke allsorts for a few minutes.it brakes up the build up in your engine and blows it out the pipe.most auto parts stors sell it.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2005
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i wouldnt use any of the over the counter flush stuff, i've seen numerous problems from them removing too much lubrication and causing galling/scaring or bearings, etc. The atf honestly does work, I usually put a quart into an older engine and run about 500 miles then change it out, i dont know about atf in the long haul though, it should be fine i'd imagine but its not confirmed on my end. b/c as mentioned atf is a detergent but it also provides lubrication.
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Houston TX
I ran my '91 f350 on JetA for about 1 1/2 years and added a quart of ATF (or 5606) for every 5 gallons. Jet fuel is a little dryer than diesel so I added the ATF for lubrication. Just the cheap O'riellys stuff. Never had a problem.
When I change my fuel filter, I fill the new one up with ATF prior to installation and it makes starting the truck much easier. It'll chase the mosquitoes away for a 1/4 mile too.
Someone mentioned Seafoam and man I love that stuff. Ran some in the truck and it was unimpressive, probably because it didn't need it. Added some to a motorcycle that had been sitting for a long time and it really worked. Turned it into a new bike!
When I change my fuel filter, I fill the new one up with ATF prior to installation and it makes starting the truck much easier. It'll chase the mosquitoes away for a 1/4 mile too.
Someone mentioned Seafoam and man I love that stuff. Ran some in the truck and it was unimpressive, probably because it didn't need it. Added some to a motorcycle that had been sitting for a long time and it really worked. Turned it into a new bike!
Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,008
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On the rotary side, we used to use ATF for removing carbon and cleaning seals internal to our engine. That's since been scrapped for Marvel's Mystery Oil.
MMO is also available in the 55 gallon drum and it smells so nice and minty. (Although I don't know how it tastes, but am the least bit curious.)
It does say it can be added to fuel as well as crank case oils, which I do on a regular basis. It does keep stuff nice and clean.
MMO is also available in the 55 gallon drum and it smells so nice and minty. (Although I don't know how it tastes, but am the least bit curious.)
It does say it can be added to fuel as well as crank case oils, which I do on a regular basis. It does keep stuff nice and clean.
Tuned
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 291
Likes: 4
From: houston,tx
nice to hear some testimony(?) about the Seafoam as i have seen it and wondered- should i?
i especially like the MMO to loosen up a motor that been setting a long while-just pour a half-a-quart in the crankcase and 2 Tbls. in each cyl. turn the engine by hand a couple turns and let set 1/2 day and turn again. by day 2 everything is nice and free
i especially like the MMO to loosen up a motor that been setting a long while-just pour a half-a-quart in the crankcase and 2 Tbls. in each cyl. turn the engine by hand a couple turns and let set 1/2 day and turn again. by day 2 everything is nice and free