Marvel Mystery Oil has been around for along time. What is it? Can you use it in your Engine? Can it be mixed with gas? Lets take a look today.
Originally designed to clean and maintain clogged jets, Marvel Mystery oil has been around for almost 100 yrs. It has been used in Cars, trucks, boats, lawnmowers, airplanes and even tanks!
Even though it has been around for a long time, I was always hesitant to give it a try. Was it just snake oil? What are the benefits?
Well, after doing alot of research I finally decided to pick up a bottle and test it for myself.
Mixing it in with my engine oil and also as a gas additive I have since used it in a car, truck, lawnmower, string trimmer, generator and chainsaw. Here is my opinion on the product.
Where can you use Marvel Mystery Oil?
Per the manufacture this stuff can be used in Automatic Transmissions, Engine oil (diesel or gas), Fuel (diesel or gas) and Power Steering Units.
It can also be used in 2-cycle engines and as a fuel stabilizer.
Can you use Marvel Mystery Oil in your Engine?
Yes, Marvel Oil Company recommends replacing 10 to 25 percent of your motor oil with their MMO formula. As an example, if your motor calls for 5-quarts of oil. You would do 4 quarts of your typical oil and then 1 quart of Marvel Mystery Oil.
Currently I am using Marvel Mystery Oil in a Toyota Tacoma that calls for 5.5 quarts of oil. My oil of choice is Pennzoil Ultra Platinum Fully Synthetic 5w-30 oil (5 quarts) & (.5 quart MMO).
The Pennzoil Ultra Platinum is made from Natural Gas and receives glowing reviews from just about ever test I have come across. While it is priced reasonably it can be very hard to find.
Marvel Mystery Oil as a Fuel Stabilizer
The other place I have been adding Marvel Mystery Oil is in the fuel I use in all of my small engines. Which is then used by my lawnmowers, string trimmer, chainsaw, snowblower and a Honda portable generator.
The mixture I use: 2oz MMO per 5 gallons gas (non-ethanol)
Since alot of this equipment is seasonal and can sit for months, fuel stabilization is very important. By running this blend in every tank I don’t have to worry about ever having to drain the fuel when it comes time for storage.
Marvel Mystery Oil is also advertised as a cleaner
From all the tests I have seen, Marvel Mystery Oil is able to remove small amounts of carbon build up. This is great to keep your carburetor and jets clean for maximum performance and easy starts.
Let me tell you, there is nothing worse than needing a piece of equipment only to find out it won’t start. Pull after pull….nothing.
Why won’t it start?
Typically the issue is related to gas that has gone bad. If left untreated, gas has a shelf life of roughly only 3 months and will eventually start to “gum up” the small holes in a carburetor.
Treated gas on the other hand can last anywhere from one to two years.
Marvel Mystery Oil in a Lawnmower (engine oil & fuel tank)
Another place I use Marvel Mystery Oil is in my John Deere Lawnmower.
It is used as an engine oil additive and is part of the gas mixture above that goes into all of my small engine equipment. Again, by adding it into every tank of gas it not only keeps the gas stable (for long term storage) but it also acts as a cleaner throughout the entire system.
When adding it to the Engine Oil:
Per the manufactures website, they recommend replacing between 10 to 25 percent of your oil with MMO.
Since this mower takes roughly 1.5 quarts of oil (48 oz), I typically replace around 8oz with MMO. This equals roughly 83% full-synthetic oil to 17% MMO mix.
So far, so good with this blend. If anything changes I will be sure to update the post accordingly.
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