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Engine FAQ
DIR By: Frank
Date: May 3, 2014, 8:26 am
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What kind of oil filters can I use in the cleaning phase?
You can use inexpensive oil filters, especially in sludge
removal as you will be changing filters often.
What is the shelf life of Auto-Rx? Can I still use a bottle that
has been sitting around awhile?
There is no known shelf life for Auto-Rx® Plus. If you have
bottles left sitting for a while, or if the product appears
frozen after a hard winter, just run the bottle under warm water
until completely thawed. Shake the bottle to mix the product
thoroughly, as some settling may have occurred during storage.
Then use the product as instructed.
Can I use Auto-Rx® Plus in a hybrid?
Yes, all engines, even those in hybrids, are subject to
breakdown of the motor oil. Periodically, the motor oil needs to
be drained and replaced as suggested by the engine manufacturer.
Auto-Rx® Plus can be used in hybrid motors.
Why is my engine making noises?
If your oil filter becomes loaded with contaminant during an
Auto-Rx® Plus treatment, this can result in your engine running
rough. You may experience some new engine noises, as well. If
this occurs, change the oil filter; then top off with fresh oil
only, before continuing with the application.
Do you still make Auto-Rx?
Auto Rx® has been replaced with Auto Rx® Plus, a product we
believe is superior to our previous three blends. Auto Rx® Plus
works faster and outperforms previous blends of Auto Rx®. There
is added value to Auto Rx® Plus because it requires less product
to achieve even better results.
What do I need to know about rotating seals?
Oil seals are polymer and metal composite items. Seals are
generally mounted at the end of shafts. They are used to keep
fluids, such as motor oil, transmission fluid, and power
steering fluid inside the object they are sealing. Seals are
designed to flex, allowing for a tight fit around the shaft that
comes out of a housing, preventing fluids from passing through.
Rotating seals are common points of leakage and can usually be
purchased fairly inexpensively. However, the placement of some
seals make them very difficult to access, resulting in a very
labor intensive repair.
Can Auto-Rx® Plus restore elasticity to seals and stop seals
from leaking?
The answer to this question depends on the condition of the
seals and the cause for the leak. Seals, especially those
exposed to heat, stiffen over time. Seals that are torn,
hardened with age, or simply beyond their service life need to
be replaced. Seals may have a buildup of oxidized contaminant
behind them that is in essence a false seal. After Auto-Rx® Plus
has gently removed the contaminants fluids can then reach the
seal. If there is life left in the seal Auto-Rx® Plus will
restore its elasticity, allowing it to once again seal as
intended. In the short term some leakage may occur.
Is Auto-Rx Plus compatible with my turbocharger?
Auto-Rx® Plus is compatible with the internal workings of
turbochargers, their ball bearings, seals, etc. Turbochargers
create a tremendous amount of heat. As a result turbochargers,
and superchargers alike, can be quite taxing on motor oil and
special lubricants. Life expectancy of a turbocharger is often
linked to lubrication failure caused by heat. Auto-Rx® Plus
safely removes oxidized contaminant allowing the turbocharger’s
lubrication system to work as intended. As a result turbocharger
life expectancy can be increased when Auto-Rx® Plus is used as
directed.
What about the PCV valve? Do I need to replace it?
PCV stands for positive crankcase ventilation. The purpose of a
PCV system is to re-direct blow-by gasses back into the
combustion chamber, not allowing them to escape directly into
the atmosphere. Some engine designs allow for a simple system,
while others are quite complex containing many check valves and
hoses. PCV systems should be serviced on a regular basis,
especially on engines that are prone to experiencing sludge. A
clogged or improperly working PCV system can lead to
contamination of motor oil and eventually sludge build up. The
makers of Auto-Rx® Plus suggest you always replace the PCV valve
(if so equipped) from the original engine manufacturer. OEM PCV
valves are engineered for proper flow characteristics;
after-market valves may not meet the same specifications.
When is the Auto-Rx Plus treatment fully completed?
After you drain your oil and Auto-Rx® Plus mixture, the fresh
oil will rinse away any remaining residue from internal engine
surfaces. Although engine benefits have already taken place, it
will take another 1,000 miles or so (2,500 miles on a diesel
engine) to fully remove the residue, and it will be gone after
your next regular oil change. Depending on the amount of
contaminants removed, your oil may be very dark after this
rinse.
What is “dino oil”?
“Dino oil” is an informal name for standard, non-synthetic oil.
It is presumed that the remains of dinosaurs contributed to the
formation of petroleum thousands of years ago. Read Choosing an
Oil for Use with Auto-Rx Plus.
Why do you recommend non-synthetic oil for the rinse phase of
the application?
We recommend simple, non-synthetic oil (do not use
semi-synthetic or high-mileage oil) for this important step in
the Auto-Rx® Plus application. Synthetic oil has a complex
additive package that polarizes the liquefied debris on the
internal oil-lubricated engine parts. The goal is to rinse this
liquefied debris from all the internal parts; a good “dino oil”
with its simple additive package does the job very well. Read
Choosing an Oil for Use with Auto-Rx Plus
Does it matter what type of oil I use with Auto-Rx Plus?
It does not matter what type of oil you use for the cleaning
phase of the Auto-Rx® Plus application. However, for maximum
results, we recommend that you use plain, non-synthetic oil for
the rinse phase. Please see our application instructions for
complete details.
Is Auto-Rx the same as those solvent flushes found at the auto
parts shop?
NO! The solvent flushes that you find in the auto parts store
use powerful solvents that can be destructive to your engine and
seals. These products are “shock solvents.” They can only be
kept in the engine a short time and have a tendency to break off
large chunks of sludge that can get trapped in the engine oil
passages. Clogged oil passages can cause engine failure. Oil is
also negatively affected by the introduction of a solvent; it
changes the chemistry of the oil, whereas Auto-Rx® Plus does
not. Auto-Rx® Plus works slowly, methodically, and efficiently
and will take approximately 2,000 miles to do its job. Engine
deposits are formed layer by layer; they should be removed layer
by layer. Auto-Rx® Plus does exactly that.
Is there any potential for damage to my engine when using
Auto-Rx® Plus?
Auto-Rx® Plus will not damage any oil-lubricated parts of an
engine, including seals. Auto-Rx® Plus is a specially formulated
green chemistry (not harmful to the environment) that cleans
metal without using toxic substances. It does not act like
so-called friction reducers designed to disguise mechanical
problems that need the attention of a professional mechanic.
Oftentimes, poor engine performance can be traced back to oil
debris buildup between piston rings. Auto-Rx® Plus addresses
engine problems caused by brown carbon (sludge).
Do I have to use new oil when beginning the Auto-Rx® Plus
treatment?
Using fresh oil is an option most of the time. Exceptions would
be contaminated oil, which would have to be changed. Many people
want to see the color of the new clean oil change after an
Auto-Rx® Plus application, which is understandable. However,
another person may not want the added expense of starting with
clean oil. Oil does not wear out; it just gets dirty and its
additives are used up. Auto-Rx® Plus suspends contaminants in
the oil while it goes about cleaning the oil-lubricated rotating
parts. Auto-Rx® Plus has an additive package built into its
chemistry to perk up dirty oil while it is in use.
What is the Auto-Rx® Plus Maintenance Plan?
The maintenance plan is our Extended Performance Program. It is
your assurance that the gains you received from your application
will continue. Left unchecked, contaminants and sludge will
return. For most engines a maintenance dose of 3 ounces with
each oil change will maintain the benefits you received from
your Auto-Rx® Plus application. For those engines that are prone
to sludge, you should use 4 ounces as your maintenance dose.
After a full cleaning has been completed, then you can maintain
your engine on just the maintenance dose in the future.
How many times do I need to apply Auto-Rx® Plus?
We have seen customers get extraordinary results after only one
application of Auto-Rx® Plus. One application is all that is
needed. The exception is sludge-prone engines. Sludge prone
engines have manufacturer design problems that leave them
vulnerable. Using a maintenance does of Auto-Rx® Plus with each
oil change will give you added security that a second cleaning
will not be needed. If you’ve experienced sludge in the past, it
is important to understand why it occurred and then take steps
to prevent it in the future. Servicing the PCV system on a
regular basis is one way to be proactive when it comes to sludge
prevention.
I am no mechanic so I need products that are easy to use. Is
Auto-Rx® Plus like this?
Absolutely! Auto-Rx® Plus was created specifically for the
do-it-yourselfer. Anyone can easily apply our product by
following the simple application instructions.
Can I still use Auto-Rx® that has been in my garage for a couple
of years? What’s the shelf life?
Auto-Rx® Plus is a highly concentrated combination of
ester-based cleaning components and has a thick consistency.
Shake the bottle thoroughly before use. If the bottle is intact
and the contents have not been contaminated by foreign
substances, Auto-Rx® Plus should remain viable for use. Auto-Rx®
Plus pours best at room temperature.
How do I use Auto-Rx® Plus in very cold weather?
Auto-Rx® Plus is a highly concentrated combination of
ester-based cleaning components. In its concentrated form,
Auto-Rx® Plus will not flow from its container below 32 degrees
F. However, once dispersed into the host motor oil, it has
little to no effect on the pour point of the host oil. In very
cold weather, before opening, hold the bottle under hot tap
water for 10-15 minutes; then shake well. If the bottle of
Auto-Rx® Plus has been subject to below-freezing temperatures,
you may need to increase the time. In the meantime, warm the
motor to operating temperature. With a warm motor and Auto-Rx
warmed to at least room temperature, you are ready to proceed
with your Auto-Rx® Plus application.
How much Auto-Rx® Plus do I need to buy?
Each bottle of Auto-Rx® Plus contains 12 fluid ounces. It will
take one full bottle to run the cleaning phase in the motor. It
will take one-half bottle to treat the automatic transmission.
It will normally take 1 to 2 fluid ounces to clean up a power
steering unit. This will leave you with enough for one
maintenance dose application after the initial cleaning of the
motor. See the application instructions for greater detail.
If your passenger car or light truck has become sludged, it is
recommended that you buy at least three bottles, using two
bottles in the cleaning application. The third bottle should be
used for the maintenance dose. Take advantage of our quantity
discounts available on the order page.
Why does my engine light come on?
On some engines, internal sensors for the engine light, oil
light, and temperature gauge will act in an erratic manner
during the cleaning phase. Do not be alarmed as Auto-Rx® Plus is
removing contaminants found on sensors. IT DOES NOT INDICATE A
PROBLEM. Gauges will return to normal operating condition after
the rinse phase. The exception to this advice is on sludge-prone
engines whose oil pump pickup screens are known to become
clogged with contaminants that are hard to dislodge. If you
experience a persistent low oil pressure warning, the safest
course of action is to have the oil pump pickup screen cleaned,
or replaced, before continuing with your Auto-Rx® Plus
treatment.
Auto-Rx and Overfilling of the Crankcase
We know of no automotive motor design that cannot tolerate this
amount of Auto-Rx® Plus added on top of a full oil fill.
However, for small 4-stroke motor applications (such as
lawnmowers, snow blowers, etc.), please apply the appropriate
amount of Auto-Rx® Plus for the oil sump capacity. (Do not use
Auto-Rx® Plus in any engine where oil and gas are mixed
together.) Auto-Rx® Plus is the same chemistry for engines as
transmissions, but the ratio changes. Transmission fluid is
highly viscous hydraulic fluid in a sealed unit; 6 ounces of
Auto-Rx® Plus is all that is needed. Please visit our
transmissions page for more information.
What is white smoke?
White smoke is almost always associated with water or, more
accurately, steam exiting the tailpipe. It is odd that we would
not see it during a cold start up and do see it after the motor
has semi-cooled down. As you know, the motor is ingesting
airborne humidity with every intake stroke. Many times, the
exhaust system loads itself with water after the motor is shut
down, simply by the pipes cooling and the water vapor
condensing. Upon restarting the car, as the exhaust heats up,
the water in the exhaust vaporizes and exits the tailpipe as
steam. Perhaps if you were to watch the exhaust on a cold start
in the morning, it would go through the same steam phase as it
does after your highway run. The difference is that it takes a
lot longer to build up the heat from dead cold. With today’s
catalytic converters that burn fuel remaining from the
combustion process, 3000 degrees at the converter is often
achieved. It is doubtful that the exhaust system has lost its
heat totally during a 45-minute shutdown. However, back near the
muffler and tailpipe area, it is likely to have cooled and
condensed some moisture. Then, when you start the car, some very
hot air from the converter area quickly flows to the back end of
the exhaust at restart. If you have no head gasket issues,
whereby water/coolant is getting into your oil or being sucked
into the combustion chamber, then we would tend to think that
you may not have any real issue. If water was being sucked right
into the combustion chamber, it would be smoking white all the
time. If you have water droplets on the oil dipstick, or a
frothy mess, then you have a head gasket issue. A used oil
analysis could also tell if you have coolant leaking into the
oil.
Valve Stem Seals
There are many automobile engines that have worn or fouled valve
stem seals without any appreciable loss in compression.
Normally, a stem seal’s lack of integrity results in burning oil
caused by oil seeping down into the combustion chamber, usually
causing a plume of blue smoke during cold starts, acceleration,
or deceleration. Many cars run just fine with less than perfect
valve stem seals. But frequently, with more than desirable
amounts of oil being burned in the combustion chamber, it
becomes likely piston rings will become coked up from heat
generated during the combustion process. When the rings,
particularly the top two compression rings, get bonded together,
they cannot work independently and compression suffers. If this
is your case, then you can expect great improvement from an
Auto-Rx® Plus cleaning and rinse. Also, many times with oil
burning from poor stem seals, deposits form at the interface of
the valve and its seat at the head, resulting in poor sealing
and lost compression. Auto-Rx® Plus can clean oil contaminants
from the polymer valve stem seal material. After cleaning, they
sometimes rebound to good functionality.
Can Auto-Rx® Plus help with worn metal?
Worn metal is caused by little or no lubrication. Auto-Rx® Plus
cannot repair worn metal, but it can remove existing
contaminants to allow oil to lubricate fully, thus altering the
effects of worn metal.
Will Auto-Rx® Plus Work with synthetics?
The answer is yes if your goal is to clean out deposits and
contaminants in a relatively well-maintained machine. Auto-Rx®
Plus will certainly enhance a full synthetic’s ability to clean
while performing its primary objective of lubricating. Most oils
have only the amount of detergent to maintain a clean system,
but not to clean a dirty one. So what happens is that, if you
put clean oil in a dirty motor, the detergent package gets
consumed long before the scheduled oil drain, and what initial
cleaning occurred with fresh change, you will lose over time and
miles. Auto-Rx® Plus will give the host oil, many times over,
the cleaning capacity of the host oil. The oil is still capable
of lubricating while Auto-Rx® Plus slowly cleans the deposits.
However, if you are attempting to address a rotational seal
issue, such as front or rear main seal or cam seal, then I would
suggest using a dino oil. Auto-Rx® Plus cleans a bit faster when
run with dino oil because Auto-Rx® Plus is composed entirely of
esters that are polar and have somewhat of an attraction to
metal. With dino oils, there are no other large quantities of
polar materials, and Auto-Rx® Plus has little competition for
the metal surfaces. In full synthetics, typically you have a PAO
lubricating base combined with esters to hold the oil additive
package in suspension. These coupling esters will compete with
Auto-Rx® Plus for space on the metal surfaces. Also note that
many Group III dino derived/refined base oils are marketed as
full synthetic. Auto-Rx® Plus will work with these, as well.
So, in conclusion, yes, you may run Auto-Rx® Plus with a full
synthetic and enjoy good results. However, if you have
rotational seal issues, dino would be your choice. Also, other
exceptions may apply to various applications. Please read the
information concerning approved synthetic oils for use with
Auto-Rx® Plus.
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