Additives, exotic adjustments, and gizmos

Xray28 · Post by **Xray28** » Wed Jun 14, 2006 5:40 pm

In my many loong years of experience there have been a plethora of performance/longevity enhancements sold for motor vehicles.
Folks used to put mothballs in their gas tank. Others bought "Full flow oil systems" which used rolls of toilet paper as oil filters, spark enhancers, water vapor mist systems, top cylander lubricants, exotic spark plug electrode configurations, Lubricants containing Molybdenium disulphide, and or teflon. Most people end up wanting to believe that they're somehow "in the know" about something that is better than the "ordinary". When asked about it their answer is "Well, I've been using this for XXX years and so far nothing bad has happened." While this is not negative information it never really speaks to the question..."Is this an improvement?"
So what are folks doing to or for their bikes nowadays? Please don't think that I'm passing judgement...I have my own can of Marvel Mystery oil, an empty Slick 50 can, and once helped install a Jacobsen Spark system on a friend's Honda.

Post by **jm1515** » Wed Jun 14, 2006 6:39 pm

Nothing.
We're doing nothing at all......

Post by **wncbmw** » Wed Jun 14, 2006 7:52 pm

I think everyone on this board believes the German engineers know best and rides a completely stock bike!

Yeah, right.

Post by **Beemeridian** » Thu Jun 15, 2006 5:58 am

beemerphile · Post by **beemerphile** » Thu Jun 15, 2006 7:35 am

Xray28 wrote:Lubricants containing Molybdenium disulphide.

I do use this. Dow GearGard M. I use it in the trans and final drive at a 5% level along with non-synthetic name brand 80w-90 GL-5 gear oil. The moly additive is not suitable for use with synthetic. This product has been promoted for years by the famous Airhead wrenches Oak Okleshen and Snowbum. While it doesn't prove anything, I've run over 300,000 miles without any gearbox or bearing problems. Both of my previous bikes (a 1977 R100RS and a 1992 R100RT) are still running on their original gears and bearings.

I think I'll keep using it. Other folks choose synthetic lubes or Redline Shockproof or Wal*Mart SuperTech and that is fine. In the end, it is whatever you personally have confidence in that you should use. - Lee

Capt. Blackadder · Post by **Capt. Blackadder** » Thu Jun 15, 2006 10:35 am

Let's see... synthetic oils everywhere, Chevron gas with Techron, and I actually went with less exotic spark plugs than stock, Champion RC9YC.

I can feel and hear the difference with the synthetic oils versus dino juice. The Chevron gas, I dunno... that's mostly in the "hopefully beneficial" category, I guess. I don't have empirical evidence either way, but a single-spark Oilhead used mainly for commuting can use any help it can get in staying clean, in my opinion. The Champion plugs are a definite improvement over the stock NGK plugs in terms of drivability. I can feel less hunting, smoother running at low RPM, and smoother on-off throttle transitions.

So there.

Xray28 · Post by **Xray28** » Mon Jul 03, 2006 12:41 am

Since I started this thread I've gotten myself all sold on Sea Foam. Per a previous thread I used some in my bike and it helped resolve a problem. Even more recently I put some in my old Sears chipper/Shredder with an 8 hp Kohler gas engine. This thing has had the carb removed three times and soaked in a bath of carb cleaner and it still wouldn't run with the choke comepletely off. It lacked power, was a bear to start, and stalled on anything larger than a Dixon #2 yellow pencil. I added some of the above menitioed product to the gas tank and in a few minutes I was able to completely open the choke, and feed it branches nearly as thick as my wrist. I know it sounds like I'm shilling for them, but I honestly didn't expect all that much in the Chipper. After all it's nearly an antique and she's been "rode hard 'n put away wet" too many times, but it did indeed help. I'm not saying it runs like new, but it runs better than it has in five years.

Fozzie · Post by **Fozzie** » Mon Jul 03, 2006 3:08 am

I just try not to fall off!

I find staying onboard, without any fancy stuff except for my one big secret - regular, by the book, servicing and cleaning - seems to preserve me and my bike perfectly well.

Otherwise I just ride it.

Post by **Beemeridian** » Fri Sep 15, 2006 6:24 pm

Post by **iowabeakster** » Fri Sep 15, 2006 11:05 pm

how about using exotic gasses in the tires! i bet that makes a huge difference.

Post by **boxermania** » Sat Sep 16, 2006 3:41 am

Is anyone old enough to remember "Wynn's Friction Proofing" oil treatment.......during my days wrenching.....many, many moons ago that product was a God send.

I didn't have a foggiest idea what it was but if you had a hydraulic lifter tapping in your engine that would fix it in a jiffy.

Sea Foam is also an elixir......

Post by **Beemeridian** » Sat Sep 16, 2006 6:35 am

Post by **toolinalong** » Sat Sep 16, 2006 9:18 am

a proper valve adjustment.

Post by **iowabeakster** » Sat Sep 16, 2006 5:06 pm

Beemeridian:

the shipping is free but you won't like the delivery method.

Post by **Beemeridian** » Sat Sep 16, 2006 7:06 pm

Post by **challey** » Sun Sep 17, 2006 7:13 am

Beemeridian said:

I have looked around Virginia for Redline and can't seem to find it.

None of my local shops sold it either - I ordered online and had it in 3 days.

Arbreacames · Post by **Arbreacames** » Sun Sep 17, 2006 10:50 am

Beemeridian wrote:I have looked around Virginia for Redline and can't seem to find it.

Dave

I can get Redline Shockproof and Sea Foam here in Newport News. Where are you?

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Additives, exotic adjustments, and gizmos

Additives, exotic adjustments, and gizmos

Re: Additives, exotic adjustments, and gizmos

Well, I'm sold on Sea Foam for now.