BHT in Gasoline

[Old Baldy]

Bryan: I finally got around to seeing if BHT would dissolve in gasoline.

I used an old Planter's peanut glass jar and put 8 ounces of gasoline in it.

I then sprinkled 1/8 teaspoon on top of the gasoline.

I put the container back in the garage (15 degrees F) and let it sit there. I tried not to agitate the gasoline at all.

I went to check on it in 10 minutes.

The BHT was completely dissolved. No crystals visible.

I now can use BHT in my gasoline. (I wouldn't even worry about it in the car gas tank.)

I was surprised to see the BHT dissolve so quickily, in very cold gasoline, without any purposeful agitation to speak of. (The gasoline is always stored in the garage. So, at this time of the year in Michigan, it was COLD.)

 

[Bryan]

Cool! I'm gonna try that test, myself!

 

[Bryan]

What is the benefit of BHT in gasoline? Is it a cold weather thing? Better gas mileage, or performance I'm guessing??

No, it helps stabilize the gasoline, slowing-down its autoxidation. It's great for gasoline that's going to be going into engines that see only rare or intermittent usage, like lawn mowers or snowmobiles.

 

[Old Baldy]

What is the benefit of BHT in gasoline? Is it a cold weather thing? Better gas mileage, or performance I'm guessing??

I always put a quart of automatic trans fluid (ATF) in the gas tank every 100,000 miles. This is only for fuel injected cars. Becuase ATF has detergents in it, it helps clean and lubricate the injectors, and it smoothes out the injector spray pattern. It cleans the combustion chambers as well - similar to a top-end cleaner as it burns.

When you buy additives such as Berryman's and STP injector cleaner, it has the same ingredients as a quart of ATF.

You know I've always wondered about ATF. Some mechanics/engineers have touted the usage of ATF and others have criticized ATF used in this way for decades around the Detroit area.

It's almost reached the level of an urban myth around car country here in southeast Michigan.

Does the ATF usage damage the catalytic converter?

Also, what about adding ATF at lesser amounts but more frequently?

I've never found any studies stating one way or the other, relative to using ATF now and then to clean the fuel system.

Off topic, but one great homemade firearms cleaner/protectant is to use equal parts of ATF, mineral spirits and kerosene. Some people just use ATF mixed with mineral spirits in equal amounts and others add some acetone to the mix for more agressive/quicker cleaning.

That mixture gets rid of everything except copper fouling and protects the firearms for up to two years in storage. (Also seems to reduce copper fouling build-up, but won't actually get rid of copper deposits.)

 

[Old Baldy]

Yes, it helps alot!!

I won't use it on my newer cars.

Thanks for the info dudemon!

What do you recommend as gasoline and/or oil additives?

Thanks for any info.

 

[Old Baldy]

Great info. Thanks!!

I just had my 2001 Oldsmobile cleaned out by the dealer (i.e., top-end cleaner).

I change the oil myself in my Oldsmobile and Lucerne and luckily have usually bought Valvoline. I did good!!

I've used Prolong before, didn't know it is off the market now, or has been changed as to recipe.

Thanks again.

Btw, here's a site I've linked a few members to, you might find it interesting (good forum also IMHO):

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/

 

[yvakin]

That won't be me, I'll still do all my own work on all my cars. "If you want the job done right - do it yourself."

Damn,right!! Just got POWER STEERING PUMP replaced by mechanic on my BMW, 2 week after and its broken again(total of 400$), SUCKS!!!!

 

[Old Baldy]

I never knew that about BMW's. I always assumed they were built like tanks and very rarely broke down. (Parts being expensive doesn't surprise me though.)

Learn something everyday.

Good luck on your new job dudemon.

Btw, people talking down to you are usually weak, inferior minded a**wipes in reality dudemon IMHO. They are the one's with the problem, not you. NEVER let them get on your nerves. Listen to Old Baldy on this one. Put up that mental "shield"!!

There ain't nothing wrong with being a grease monkey.