19. Recommended additives for gas and oil

There is probably no stronger consensus among the entire Atomic 4 fraternity (present and past), as well as among the few retired Universal folks who are good enough to take questions from us on occasion, than that which exists on the great value of Marvel Mystery Oil added to the gasoline. This fine old product is available at practically any auto parts store, and it is the only additive we recommend be used in the gasoline or crankcase.

The recipe on the can calls for 4 ounces per 10 gallons to be added to the gasoline, but the experts at Universal recommended that we at least double that amount if you even suspect that you may be having sticky valves. The main properties of the oil are that it is thin, highly penetrative and, as per the can, "it leaves behind a lubricating residue when introduced into the combustion process." What it does is to keep the valves free in their guides and rings free in their grooves. It also tends (through its lubricating residue) to cushion the valves somewhat in the way that lead additives used to do.

If you are already experiencing sticky valves and rings, you can introduce several squirts of Mystery Oil from an oil can directly into the cylinders through the spark plug holes.

If you have reason to believe that your oil rings are a bit sticky (e.g.,higher than normal oil consumption), you can add up to a quart in the crankcase during oil change. - Updated: November 4, 2003