Oil additives

[Oldmogman]

Are there any members experienced in rebuilding engines and 'boxes who could advise me on the value of oil additives?

I'll shortly be waking my Mog from its winter hibernation and treating it to its spring service, and was wondering about the benefit of oil additives. Do they really help the engine/gearbox and are they worth the money? Or should I just continue with my regular oil and filter changes using quality oil?

I recall putting Slick 50 (the engine oil version) in a noisy gearbox many moons ago, and it did quieten things. But I did wonder if the extra gloop in the oil might compromise lubrication.

And on the subject of oil, does anyone know if oil 'goes off'? I've got several litres of Kendal, a high-quality American oil, but it must be at least 20 years old.

Thanks all

[bmcecosse]

Don't waste money on additives - although the likes of STP can sometimes quieten a noisy gearbox or final drive - for a while. But so can a few handfuls of sawdust.... I would use your old oil, as long as it's been in sealed cans - and is 20W50 grade.

[andypocock]

It's a 100 million years old when it comes out the ground so I doubt the extra 20 in your garage will hurt

[les]

------ but once mankind sticks his oar in, one never knows!

[SteveClem]

Once used a thing called 'amtech'? in an old clapped out generator. I seem to remember some Top Gear guy used to recommend it. It really seemed to make a difference after the thing had run for a while. Much quieter anyway.
Apparently it's still running...must be nearly 10 years ago.

[dalebrignall]

that armetec stuff needs 1000 miles before it really takes effect they claim it fills in the scratches in the bores , i honestly dont know , good qualiaty oil cant do much harm , but for a tired engine just use the supermarket stuff if its burning and leaking