STP Oil in Small engines?

[Youngtractorman]

I have two good friends. One says they use STP in everything they own, and that is why he has had so much luck with the stuff. The other says not to use STP oil treatment unless the engine is burning a good amount of oil.
Which is right, or are any of them right? The first is a great mechanic, and can do about anything He worked on the state highways. The other is a tractor repairman, having experiece in Ford tractors(25 years). He is also a great mechanic, and can do anything is body will allow.

 

[Nasty135]

Young tractorman, I have to agree somewhat with the oil burning theory. The stp is not neccessary in a newer engine due to close tolerances where an older engine with some wear on the bearings might be able to use the motor honey to thicken up the oils viscosity to help in cushing the metal to metal contact of worn bearings or worn rings. But I wouldn't put too much faith in it to start with unless you know your motor is clean inside because sludge build up can eventually starve the oil pan and cause bearing failure of the most unpleasant magnatude /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

I think the best possible use for stp is in the rear-end for its cling factor, other than that I won't use it.

 

[gsxr1100]

I would not use it and maybe just use a thicker oil.

 

[Bird]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Which is right, or are any of them right? )</font>

I have no technical expertise or knowledge, but I've never known of an oil "additive" that did any good. So while I could be wrong, I have some strong "opinions or feelings" about them, and can only say that not only would I not use STP in anything, but I would never buy a used engine of any kind if I knew that anyone else had ever used it in that engine.

 

[slowrev]

I use NO oil additives, just good oil, and change when needed. I have long life on all my engines.
Ben

 

[SPIKER]

I've used the Slick50/Dura-Lube stuff many times, in car engines and small engiens. but the STP is a bit different if youhave burning oil form bad rings it may help? never had one bad enough to that point though. as others said lower pil pressure the thicker stuff can help if it is a wear issue other wise the other types of additives are more for metal to metal at start up and when the engine is cold & dry. I use the slik50 2 cycle stuff as an aditive to the gas too (this is designed as a Mix Additive and I use it in chain saws & weedeaters) seems to make them run with a bit more free power or it could just be better gas? lol... anyhow I know I haven't blown an engine yet and my brother wo siys I'm nuts has blown about 6 engines but then I drive FORDS and he is a CHEVY man /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif lol... I DID explode one harmonic ballancer in my Cougar while driving in middle of nite on Long trip. engine was treated with Duralube & slick 50 and only had some 30K on it after a semi-performance rebuild. staied running even though it was shaking car appart and did tear up the bearings to copper plating is gone but still runs even though it has next to 0 oil press when warm. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif

MarkM

 

[bontai_Joe]

I've never been a fan of any oil additives, just use good quality oil that meets the specs required and change it often. My personal opinion is that oil additives are a lot like fishing lures, they are designed to catch the buyer more so than do what they claim.