Manufacturer | zMax |
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Brand | zMAX |
Model | 51-212 |
Item Weight | 13.6 ounces |
Product Dimensions | 3.5 x 3.5 x 8.25 inches |
Item model number | 51-212 |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Manufacturer Part Number | 51-212 |
OEM Part Number | 51-212 |
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51-212 - Engine Formula - Easy to Use - Engine Treatment - Reduces Carbon Build-Up, Lubricates Metal, Extends Life of Car or Truck - Runs Efficiently & Improves Gas/Diesel Mileage - 12 oz. Single
Brand | zMAX |
Vehicle Service Type | all-terrain-vehicles;utility-vehicles;street-sport-motorcycles;off-road-motorcycles;street-cruiser-motorcycles;street-touring-motorcycles;street-motor-scooters;snowmobiles;marine-personal-craft See more |
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About this item
- EXTEND THE LIFE OF YOUR ENGINE: zMAX Micro-lubricant Engine Formula is simple and easy to use. Formula soaks into metal surfaces, which improves lubricity and reduces deposit build-up while boosting performance and protecting vital parts in your vehicle.
- ENGINE EFFICIENCY: Perfect to use in new and used gasoline or diesel engines with each oil change. Easily pour zMAX into the engine oil to gain efficient combustion resulting in more power.
- IMPROVES FUEL MILEAGE: Make zMAX a part of your car or truck’s routine maintenance! Add the cost-saving and eco-friendly engine treatment to your vehicle every 6k miles to reduce engine wear, lower emissions and keep your engine running smoothly.
- TRUSTED BY PROFESSIONALS & DEALERSHIPS: Stock zMAX in your garage to regularly treat your car like a professional. From local repair shop mechanics to major car dealerships, our formula is road tested and mechanic trusted.
- REPUTABLE QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE: zMAX is proud to be the Official Micro-lubricant of Speedway Motorsports. Proven and trusted for over 80 years, zMAX helps save money at the pump and extends your engine’s life. Made in the USA!
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Product Description
zMAX Engine and Fuel Formula Features:
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ENGINE EFFICIENCYAdd zMAX Engine Formula to gain efficient combustion resulting in more power. Use the engine treatment at your routine oil change or every 6k miles to reduce engine wear, lower emissions, and keep your engine running smoothly. |
TRUSTED BY PROFESSIONALS & DEALERSHIPSStock zMAX in your garage to treat your car like a professional. From local repair shop mechanics to major car dealership groups, our formula is road tested and mechanic-trusted. |
REPUTABLE QUALITY AND PERFORMANCEzMAX is proud to be the Official Micro-lubricant of Speedway Motorsports. Proven and trusted for over 80 years, zMAX helps save money at the pump and extends your engine’s life. |
FUEL CONDITIONER AND ENGINE EFFICIENCY
Pour zMAX Fuel Formula into the fuel tank to lubricate and maintain a clean fuel injector system. It improves fuel efficiency and performance and conditions the pumps and nozzles reducing carbon residue from the valves or pistons.
Add zMAX Engine Formula to gain efficient combustion resulting in more power. Use the engine treatment at your routine oil change or every 6k miles to reduce engine wear, lower emissions, and keep your engine running smoothly.
Engine & Fuel Formula Kit | Engine Formula | Fuel Formula | Multi-Purpose Formula Treatment | Heavy Duty Multi-Purpose Formula | Transmission Formula | |
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Customer Reviews |
4.7 out of 5 stars
1,510
|
4.7 out of 5 stars
1,510
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4.7 out of 5 stars
1,510
|
4.8 out of 5 stars
421
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4.8 out of 5 stars
421
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4.6 out of 5 stars
694
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Engine | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
Fuel | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||
Transmission | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
Power Steering | ✓ | |||||
Mileage | 6,000 Miles/ 6 Months | 6,000 Miles/ 6 Months | 6,000 Miles/ 6 Months | 6,000 Miles/ 6 Months | 6,000 Miles/ 6 Months | 6,000 Miles/ 6 Months |
Type | Liquid | Liquid | Liquid | Liquid | Liquid | Liquid |
Size | 12 Oz each (2 pack) | 12 Oz | 12 Oz | 32 Oz | 154 Oz | 6 Oz |
Product information
Technical Details
Additional Information
ASIN | B002T5ZGUS |
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Customer Reviews |
4.7 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #11,554 in Automotive (See Top 100 in Automotive) #21 in Fuel Additives |
Date First Available | July 20, 2005 |
Warranty & Support
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This Item zMAX 51-212 - Engine Formula - Easy to Use - Engine Treatment - Reduces Carbon Build-Up, Lubricates Metal, Extends Life of Car or Truck - Runs Efficiently & Improves Gas/Diesel Mileage - 12 oz. Single | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | |
Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | ||
Price | — | $8.40$8.40 | $32.99$32.99 | $49.49$49.49 |
Delivery | — | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2 |
Customer Ratings | ||||
Mileage | 4.5 | 4.4 | 3.4 | 4.0 |
Value for money | 4.5 | 4.7 | 4.1 | 4.0 |
Easy to use | 4.7 | — | 5.0 | — |
Longevity | — | 4.4 | — | 3.5 |
Sold By | — | Amazon.com | GlobalEcom | XADO TECH, LLC |
compatible vehicles | all-terrain-vehicles;utility-vehicles;street-sport-motorcycles;off-road-motorcycles;street-cruiser-motorcycles;street-touring-motorcycles;street-motor-scooters;snowmobiles;marine-personal-craft | — | Lawn Motor, Tractor | Car |
liquid volume | 12 fluid ounces | 300 milliliters | 2 quarts | 225 milliliters |
flash point | — | 181 degrees celsius | — | 120 degrees celsius |
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Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the value, vibration, and emissions of the auto accessory. They mention it's a great product that saves money in the long run, and reduces valve train noise. They also appreciate the ease of use, performance, quality, and health. However, some customers have reported issues with the seal leaking or breaking.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers are satisfied with the quality of the auto accessory. They mention that it works fantastic, does a great job, and is worth a try. Some say that it reduces wear on vital parts and provides better dependability and longer engine life.
"This product is amazing, i’m using it on my cars since 2003, i love it" Read more
"...for numerous other products: reduced wear on vital parts; better dependability and longer engine life, improved fuel efficiency, lower emissions and..." Read more
"...Great stuff!" Read more
"...engine parts and gives some enhanced protection against wear, it's worth a try. I may use it once a year unless or until I find a better product." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the performance of the oil filter. They mention that it makes their engines run smoother, cooler, and quieter. They also appreciate the better throttle response, and better mpg's. Overall, customers are happy with the product's performance and recommend it to others.
"...All of these tests showed improvements in friction (i.e., lowering thecoefficient of friction) and reduced wear when zMAX was present..." Read more
"...My car turned 10 years old and still running smoothly. Use this product every 6 months. Keeps maintenance cost down over the years." Read more
"Immediate results. Better gas mileage. Better acceleration. Smoother ride...." Read more
"...(extremely smooth)..." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the emissions of the auto accessory. They mention that it's a great engine additive that improves fuel efficiency, lowers emissions, and restores engine life. Some say that the fuel additive was ok, but didn't give them as much as the brand they normally use. Overall, most are happy with the performance and benefits of the product.
"...It starts as highly refined mineral oil, not a synthetic, and the molecular structure is further refined to create what zMAX calls a “micro-lubricant..." Read more
"...All vehicles saw an all around improvement. I now have these on subscribe and save. Note for the Seller: maybe wrap these a bit with bubble wrap...." Read more
"...a bore-scope and was incredulous at how new it still looked, very little carbon buildup and non-existent wear and tear. highly recommend it!" Read more
"...After fixing the leaky oil cooler my van doesn't use any noticeable oil consumption, engine doesn't smoke ect... ZMAX saved my transport and..." Read more
Customers like the value of the auto accessory. They mention that it's easy to use, saves money in the long run, and keeps maintenance cost down over the years.
"...Use this product every 6 months. Keeps maintenance cost down over the years." Read more
"...Good product, worth it." Read more
"Easy to use and save money in the long run." Read more
"used in my two vehicles. thought the price was a tad high. will see how well it works after a few miles are driven." Read more
Customers like the vibration of the auto accessory. They mention that it makes their car run quieter, and reduces valve train noise. Some say that the engine literally purrs after a day or so.
"...Engine is quiet. 500 miles later I changed oil and now the car runs as if it was new. Yes I did replace the zmax...." Read more
"Update: I can honestly say after a day or so that the engine is much quieter and smoother...." Read more
"...1.During the first tank of fuel I felt a slight vibration as well as carbon dust when i kicked in the pony's2...." Read more
"I use this every 6k miles, as is recommended, engine runs quieter and there is a slight increase in mpg, the cooler fans for the cooling system used..." Read more
Customers find the auto accessory easy to use. They mention it's clear to use, and easy to add to the crankcase.
"EASY TO USEDID NOT SEE ANY DIFFERENCE IN GAS MILEAGEBUT IF IT KEEPS MY ENGINE WORKING BETTER AND LONGERTHEN IT IS WORTH IT" Read more
"Easily used,seems to have more get up & go" Read more
"easy to use bottle,treat engine to maintain engine performace" Read more
"Easy to use and save money in the long run." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the health of the auto accessory. They mention that it reduces engine wear and deposits in critical high-pressure areas. They also say that it helps maintain the life of the engine, especially older engines. Customers also say it gives better mileage and saves engine life. They say it's a must have to keep your car running like new and is designed to improve wear, particularly on cold-starts.
"...benefit’s echo those boasted for numerous other products: reduced wear on vital parts; better dependability and longer engine life, improved fuel..." Read more
"...I had a 1991 dodge Daytona v6 for 20 years. Never had an engine issue. I love this stuff. Now getting it for my daughter." Read more
"...I always buy brand new cars and drive a lot for work. Never once had any engine problems put over 300k on every car!..." Read more
"...When added to your oil with each oil change, helps maintain the life of your engine, especially older engines...." Read more
Customers are dissatisfied with the seal of the auto accessory. They mention that the seal is not intact, the lid is not tight, and the product leaks out. Some customers also appreciate the sealing cover falling into the bottle. Overall, customers are not happy with the quality and performance of this auto accessory, and may not recommend it to others.
"caps were loose, and there was some leakage." Read more
"Didn’t appreciate the fuel bottle’s sealing cover falling into the bottle...." Read more
"The lids were not tight and some of the product leaked out" Read more
"...my delivery one of the containers the cap was loose and leaked inside the packaging. Lost about an 1 oz." Read more
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solutions to common automotive issues like oil usage or burning, hard starting, poor fuel mileage, better performance, reduced emissions and just about everything else short of curing baldness. And they often come with testimonials from well-respected automotive personalities so they must be legit, right? To the average Joe who doesn’t even know what oil is in his car, that could be the conclusion.
zMAX has conducted numerous tests on its products with results and explanations available on its website.
However, astute engine builders know that that racing hero may often be nothing more than a paid monkey who gets big sponsorship dollars but in his heart knows he’s pitching snake oil. At a small industry event about 20 years ago, Smokey Yunick all but said as much, and the chuckling and outright guttural laughter amongst the journalists and engineers in the room made the uncomfortable squirming of the advertiser’s marketing guys just that much funnier.
zMAX Micro-lubricant is sometimes lumped into this category of unsubstantiated miracle solutions, quite likely due to its high-profile advertising campaigns that make bold and confident claims. However, unlike many other lubrication formulas or so-called additives, zMAX has a history founded in science and a rather extensive resume of lab tests that prompts EngineLabs to ask even more questions.
We’d see a 5-horsepower increase after three days of hot-cold run cycles.–Ed Rachanski Jr, zMAX
The story somewhat starts in the era of Enrico Fermi, an Italian physicist and key player in the Manhattan Project that developed the first nuclear weapons during WWII. Some of the Manhattan Project’s development work took place at the University of Chicago (UC), near where Joe Lencki grew up. A lifelong hot rodder and self-taught engineer, as well as future engine designer and Indy Car builder, Lencki did some mechanical work on the side for UC scientists, becoming friends with Fermi along the way.
Fermi, as a side project to his day job of controlling nuclear reactions, developed an additive to reduce friction in internal combustion engines. Some could say it was to help the military aircraft that would eventually carry the bomb. Through their friendship, Fermi knew Lencki was into racing and engine building, so when the Manhattan Project got to the point of dominating all of his time, Fermi gave Lencki his secret additive formula for his own use. Lencki was also sent to the South Pacific island of Tinian to oversee the maintenance on the B-29 Superfortress engines in the planes that conducted the war-ending missions over Japan.
That’s A.J. Foyt on the left with Joe Lencki. Foyt was an early adopter of Lencki’s Speedway Cocktail.
Lencki utilized the formula in his race engines at Indy and also in a “Speedway Cocktail” that some other racing friends were allowed to use. He called the additive Lenkite. It was designed to improve wear, particularly on cold-starts, in his Lencki-6 Indy engines, which were stretched versions of the Offenhauser 4-cylinder. With his history in the aircraft industry, Lencki also received FAA approval for his Lenkite based on rigorous in-field testing that showed significant wear reduction in airplane and helicopter engines.
Now marketed under the zMAX name by Oil-Chem Research Corp. in Charlotte, NC (a subsidiary of Bruton Smith’s Speedway Motorsports Inc.), the formula still remains proprietary. However, officials say it does not contain Teflon, graphite or similar substances. It starts as highly refined mineral oil, not a synthetic, and the molecular structure is further refined to create what zMAX calls a “micro-lubricant.”
Here’s where the lines between marketing claims and technical facts are sometimes hazy. zMAX officials are quick to point out, as Lencki did, that zMax does not treat the oil, it treats the metal. The engine oil is nothing more than a delivery vehicle to carry the zMAX formula to the engine’s metallic parts.
zMAX is a “micro lubricant” designed to penetrate into smaller openings in the metal that conventional oils can’t.
‘Soak-in’ period needed
With this strategy, zMAX can be used in petroleum or synthetic oils. Once the formula reaches the metal, zMAX officials say it works by penetrating into the metal to protect it from scuffing (and therefore wear). That action is also said to disperse varnish, carbon and other deposits. The objective, according to zMAX, is that nothing will stick to the metal once it’s treated. This is most beneficial on cylinder walls, pistons and rings, valves and guides, camshafts and lifters, bearings and pretty much anything that sees metal-to-metal contact. zMAX stays with the metal once the oil drains back, but not forever—eventually, its effects will diminish and replenishing the oil system is needed (every 50 hours as in the case of aircraft engines), according to the company.
zMAX says a “soak in” period is required to penetrate into the metal. The formula works best when the parts are warm or up to operating temperature, which helps open the metal’s pores. Also, the more porous the metal the deeper the penetration; in other words, aluminum rods and pistons will soak up zMAX quicker than a crankshaft or cylinder wall. zMAX has been referred to as oil you can’t wipe off, no matter how hard you try.
The formula’s benefit’s echo those boasted for numerous other products: reduced wear on vital parts; better dependability and longer engine life, improved fuel efficiency, lower emissions and restored performance. In addition, zMAX claims it cleans and lubes fuel pumps and injectors, conditions the combustion chambers and helps remove varnish and deposits from valves, pistons and other surfaces, as well as preventing grime from coming backzMAX, a commercialized metal interface treatment, is a uniquely
processed mineral oil that has demonstrated its ability to improve fuel
economy, reduce engine deposits, and reduce wear through the
process of micro-lubrication. This micro-lubrication improves
performance by reducing engine friction, affording an attendant
improvement in fuel economy, and reducing engine wear and deposits
in critical high temperature sealing areas. Because this unique mineral
oil is able to both adsorb onto and absorb (penetrate) into the pores,
cracks, and fissures in the engine’s metallurgy, a new mechanism of
micro-lubrication is offered for improving the overall lubrication and
performance in automotive engines.
zMAX is derived from a highly refined mineral oil that undergoes a
proprietary process involving specific molecular rearrangement, and
has a kinematic viscosity of 11.5 cSt @ 40 °C and 3.00 cSt @ 100 °
C, an ASTM color of 30+, a Surface Tension of 27.75 dynes/cm @
20°C, and an API gravity of 36.6. A comparison of ASTM D2887
distillation results of zMAX versus the mineral oil used in its
production shows zMAX having a slightly higher boiling range than
mineral oil. Chemical analyses using gas chromatography and mass
spectroscopy conducted by Triton Analytics Corporation (Houston,
TX) revealed a greater concentration of linear hydrocarbon chains in
zMAX than in mineral oil.
Since zMAX is added to the engine oil, a misconception may exist
that zMAX is an additive for engine oils. This is incorrect as the SAE
J357 OCT 99 Information Report Physical and Chemical Properties
of Engine Oils provides this definition “A lubricant additive agent is
a material designed to enhance the performance properties of the
base stock or to improve the base stock properties that do not
naturally exist with the base stock.” Clearly, zMAX does neither of
these two functions, as it is not designed to improve or enhance any
qualities of the engine oil. Introducing it into the engine oil is merely
the means to transport zMAX directly to the engine’s metallurgy.
The following contains a compilation of essentially all testing
programs supporting those performance claims mentioned above.
They are organized into nine sections with a summary for each section
given below. The detailed individual reports can be made available
upon request.
Inactivity towards Additives - Since zMAX may be mistaken
as being an additive, laboratory testing to show its non-reactivity
when mixed with formulated engine oils would confirm zMAX does
not interact/interfere with those additive ingredients in engine oils.
The approach taken was to have selected laboratory tests conducted
back-to-back first on a fully formulated SAE 5w-30 SJ engine oil
without the zMAX followed those same tests on a blend of that oil
containing 10% by volume zMAX. Any significant changes in test
results would certainly demonstrate some reaction had occurred
whereas no change would show zMAX to be “inert” towards the
engine oil’s additives.
The laboratory tests selected were those that should reveal any
sensitivity to additive interactions or incompatibility. These first eight
tests were: ASTM D664 (Total Acid Number), ASTM D2896 (Total
Base Number), ASTM D4742 (Oxidation Stability of Gasoline
Automotive Engine Oils by Thin-Film Oxygen Uptake), ASTM
D130 (Copper Strip Corrosion), FTM Standard 791C Method 3470
(Homogeneity and Miscibility), General Motors 9099P (Engine Oil
Filterability Test), ASTM D892 (Foaming Characteristics of Engine
Oils), and ASTM D6082 (High Temperature Foaming Characteristics
of Engine Oils). The remaining three tests dealt with viscosity and
were selected to merely assess the degree of change since adding 10%
zMAX would slightly lower the overall viscosity. These remaining
tests were: ASTM D5133 (Low Temperature, Low Shear Rate,
Viscosity/Temperature Dependence of Lubricating Oil Using a
Temperature Scanning Technique), ASTM D445 (Kinematic
Viscosity), and ASTM D5293 (Apparent Viscosity of Engine Oil
Using the Cold Cranking Simulator).
The results of these first eight tests revealed zMAX did not generate
any significant changes that would have indicated any additive
interaction or some additive/base stock incompatibility. All of
the changes shown were either within the precision limits for the
individual tests or in some instances there was no change whatsoever.
However, the results obtained from the Homogeneity and Miscibility
(H&M) test warrant further comment. This test determines whether
fully formulated engine oils are homogeneous and completely
miscible with other engines oils they might encounter in service. The
presence of zMAX in the SAE 5w30 SJ oil when tested individually
against the six reference oils required in the H&M test did not result
in any indication of incompatibity being evidenced. The results of
the remaining three tests (i.e., Gelation Index through the Cold
Cranking Simulator) revealed minor changes reflecting the presence
of the lighter (i.e., lower viscosity) zMAX component that was fully
anticipated. In summary, the testing results revealed the absence of
any additive interactions with zMAX. Should zMAX have reacted
with the additive package or any of its individual ingredients, there
would in all likelihood have been significant changes in all of the tests
that were conducted.
Metal Penetration - Arch Analytical Services (Cheshire, CT)
utilized Auger Electron Spectroscopy to assess the ability of zMAX
to penetrate metal surfaces. Tests were conducted on cast iron and
aluminum alloy specimens similar in composition to metals used in
the production of automotive engines. The metal specimens were
immersed in the test fluids for seven to fourteen days under
temperature-cycled conditions (i.e., ambient to 100 °C to simulate
some modes of an operating engine environment). Comparative tests
of zMAX by itself and in blends with a commercial SAE 5w30 SJ
formulated engine oil showed the zMAX penetrated both types of
metal far deeper than engine oil alone. Although it was not possible
to precisely quantify the difference in penetration depths between
zMAX and the engine oil, the order of magnitude difference was at
least 100: 1. This ability to soak (i.e., be absorbed) into metal
surfaces is the key to zMAX 's effectiveness.
Carbon Reduction and Dispersion - A testing program
conducted by Savant Inc. (Midland, MI) used the TEOST MHT-4
test procedure, a modification of ASTM D6335 to assess carbon
deposit formation. This procedure is routinely used for measuring the
ability of fully formulated engine oils to control high temperature
deposits and resist oxidation. This test, a requirement for meeting
current SAE/API and ILSAC engine oil performance standards,
basically simulates deposit formation in the piston ring belt area of a
modem engine by allowing oil to flow over a heated steel tube in an
oxidizing atmosphere. Blends of zMAX and two different reference
engine oils were made. Again, the metal specimens were exposed to
the same preconditioning cycle described above. The two reference
engine oils differed in their ability for controlling carbon deposits, one
being a high deposit oil while the other being a low deposit oil. The
results of these tests revealed a reduction in carbon deposits when
zMAX was present, with reductions of 14.6% and 12.3% for the
low and high deposit reference oils respectively.
In an another laboratory study conducted by Oil-Chem Research
Corporation (Bedford Park, IL), sludge from an engine oil pan was
mixed with different fluids and heated to 100 °C with vertically hung
strips of chromatography paper partially immersed in the sludge/fluid
mixtures. Through capillary action, the fluids migrate up the paper.
Depending upon the ability of the fluid to disperse the sludge
components, the capillary action will transport different amounts and
types of carbonaceous matter. Comparative testing of zMAX by itself
and zMAX /oil blends versus engine oil, mineral oil, and several
major aftermarket additives showed much larger amounts of carbon
matter being transported when zMAX was present. This
demonstrated the ability of zMAX to disperse engine deposits which
was further confirmed in subsequent engine dynamometer testing.
Friction and Wear Bench Tests - A series of ASTM bench
tests which are used to assess the fundamental behavior of oils to
control friction and wear between rubbing metal surfaces were
conducted by Savant Inc. (Midland, MI). Six different test
procedures which varied both in the mechanical configuration and
applied loading were selected. Each procedure was slightly modified
by the same preconditioning of metal specimens mentioned above.
Multiple testing was conducted. The following compares test results
of a commercial SAE 5w30 SJ engine oil without and with zMAX,
the reduction in wear and coefficient of friction, or increase in
time to failure being a direct result of zMAX.
1. ASTM D4172 Four Ball Wear Test
3 to 11% reduction in the wear scar diameter
2. ASTM D5183 Four Ball Wear and Coefficient of Friction
Test
9 to 61 % reduction in the wear scar diameter
10 to 14% reduction in the coefficient of friction
3. ASTM G99 Pin-on-Disk Test
Up to 2% reduction in the coefficient of friction
4. Savant Progressive Load Test
10 to 22% reduction in the coefficient of friction
29% less weight loss of the pin
5. ASTM D2714 Block-on Ring Test
4 to 13% reduction in the coefficient of friction
3 1 % reduction in specimen weight loss
16% reduction in wear scar diameter
6. ASTM D5620 Thin Film-on-Vee Block Test
Up to 300% increase in time to failure
All of these tests showed improvements in friction (i.e., lowering the
coefficient of friction) and reduced wear when zMAX was present
giving a strong indication that friction and wear would also be
reduced in operating engines. Further, there were no incidents that the
presence of zMAX caused any adverse or negative effect in any of
these tests.
Bench Rust Tests - Using the ASTM D1748 Rust Protection by
Metal Preservatives in the Humidity Cabinet procedure, a series of
aviation piston engine oils were evaluated by Phoenix Chemical
Laboratory Inc. (Chicago, IL) for their ability to prevent the onset of
rusting with and without zMAX. The procedure was modified by
first incorporating the same preconditioning of metal specimens
mentioned above. Using three commercial aviation piston engine oils,
the time before the start of rusting was increased by 10 to 100 %
when zMAX was present in the oil. These results demonstrate the
ability of zMAX to provide enhanced surface protection from rusting.
SAE J1321 Fuel Economy Tests - Four separate tests on the
effectiveness of zMAX to improve fuel economy were conducted
using in-use vehicles tested in accordance to the SAE J1321 Joint
TMC/SAE Fuel Consumption Test procedure. In summary, the test
protocol requires measuring the fuel consumption (by weight to
improve accuracy) of a group of test and control vehicles by driving
the vehicles over a fixed-length road course or test track at a fixed rate
of speed. The test is conducted in two phases, a baseline phase before
any changes are made to the vehicles, and a test phase in which the
test vehicles receive a change. The difference in fuel consumption
between the baseline and test phases is used to calculate the change in
fuel economy. In this case, the test vehicles received the zMAX
treatment in the crankcase, transmission and fuel tank. The control
vehicles remain constant between the baseline and test phases and are
used in the calculations to correct for the influences of ambient
weather conditions. A summary of the four tests follows.
1. Claude Travis Associates (Grand Rapids, MI) - This test was
conducted on an on-road course with two 1994 Class 8 Trucks
powered by Cummins N1 diesel engines. One vehicle received
zMAX treatment in the fuel, crankcase and transmission while the
other vehicle was unchanged between the base and test periods. The
test results showed a fuel economy improvement of 2.61% for the
test vehicle.
2. Automotive Testing & Development Services, Inc. (Ontario, CA) -
This test was conducted with three test vehicles and two control
vehicles at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway in June of 2000. A
summary of the test results follows.
Vehicle % MPG
Improvement
1992 Plymouth Acclaim, 2.5L 6.4
to 7.7%
1999 Chevrolet Malibu, 3.1L 8.8
to 9.5%
1995 Ford F-150, 5.0L
~0.1%
3. Automotive Testing & Development Services, Inc. (Ontario, CA) -
This test was conducted with seven test vehicles and one control
vehicle at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway in May of 2001. A
summary of the test results follows.
Vehicle % MPG
Improvement
1996 Kia Sephia 4.6
1996 Ford Escort Wagon 3.3
1996 Ford Taurus 6.6
1989 Ford Crown Victoria 3.6
1995 Ford F-150 P/U 0.2
1997 Chevrolet Lumina 4.7
1995 Chevrolet Astro Van 2.5
Average % Improvement - 3.6
4. Gerald H. Keller, Consultant (Palos Heights, IL) - This test was
conducted with eight test vehicles and one control vehicle at the
Chicago Motor Speedway in June of 2001. A summary of test
results follows.
Vehicle % MPG
Improvement
1991 Mazda, 2.2L 12.7
1988 Toyota Corolla, 1.6L 2.4
1986 Chrysler LeBaron, 2.2L 14.9
1994 Oldsmobile Cutlass, 3.4L 2.8
1991 Mercury Cougar, 3.8L 2.6
1989 Toyota Camry, 2.0L 4.8
1985 Dodge Van, 225 CID 0.9
1990 Chevrolet Beretta; 3.1L 3.1
Average % Improvement - 5.5
These test results show a wide range in the change of fuel economy
due to zMAX. Since all of these vehicles had seen a relatively high
level of road use (odometers ranged from 43 to 226,000 miles), the
engines had accumulated carbon in the critical sealing areas. Thus, the
ability of zMAX to penetrate the metal surfaces and improve engine
sealing resulted in improved engine efficiency.
A statistical analysis of the data generated from the SAE J3121 fuel
economy tests conducted by Automotive Testing & Development
Services, Inc in June 2000 and May 2001, and the Chicago test
conducted by Gerald Keller in June 2001 was performed. The
method used in this analysis involved the “Dependent
Samples t-Test” methodology and is widely used where the
significance of an observed change in two populations of data is to be
measured. Applying this methodology, each of the three SAE J3121
fuel economy tests conducted on zMAX afforded statistically valid
improvements in fuel economy.
Vehicle Emissions Tests - Two vehicular emission test
programs have conducted with zMAX and are described below.
1. Automotive Testing & Development Services, Inc. (Ontario, CA) -
This test program employed five vehicles that were obtained from a
rental agency. The vehicles were a 1996 Ford Escort, 1989 Ford
Crown Victoria, 1995 Ford F-150 P/U, 1997 Chevrolet Lumina, and
a 1995 Chevrolet Astro Van. After inspection and lubricant changes,
the vehicles were base-lined for their emissions levels using the FTP
40 CFR-86 procedure. After a second lubricant change, the vehicles
were treated with zMAX and the emissions tests were repeated. At
this point the vehicles were returned to the rental agency and allowed
to accumulate mileage for a thirty-day period at which point the
vehicles were emissions tested again. This cycle was repeated for an
additional thirty-day period affording sixty days of road use. The
average results of these emissions tests are summarized in the
following table.
% Reduction
HC CO
NOx
After 30 days of road use
-9.7% -15.3% -9.7%
After 60 days of road use
-4.8% -4.8% -8.3%
The reductions in all three pollutants is a significant event and is
attributed to the action of the zMAX in cleaning carbon from the
engine’s critical sealing areas and parts of the emission control system
such as the oxygen sensor.
2. Gerald H. Keller, Consultant (Palos Heights, IL) - These tests
were conducted on the same vehicles as used in the SAE J1321 fuel
economy tests (June 2001) using the BAR 90 procedure. This is the
procedure recommended by EPA for state emission surveillance
purposes. The eight test vehicles were tested for their emissions at the
start and end of the fuel economy testing which represented about
1,500 miles accumulated after adding zMAX. The average change in
HC and CO levels are shown below. The NOx data is not considered
since the BAR 90 procedure does not apply load to the vehicle, and
thus NOx data has little significance for on-road emissions levels.
% Reduction
HC emissions @ idle
-42.2%
HC emissions @ 2500 rpm
-76.0%
CO emissions @ idle
-52.9%
CO emissions @ 2500 rpm
-52.2%
Engine Dynamometer Testing -A variety of different
stationary engine dynamometer tests have been conducted on zMAX
providing information on fuel economy, power, wear, blow-by, and
deposits. These tests are summarized below.
CLR Engine Testing - The CLR engine is a single cylinder carbureted engine
which develops peak power output of 16.5 hp @ 3000 rpm. This engine has
been used for many years in petroleum product research and development
activities to assess the influence of new product formulations on engine
performance. The engine is currently used by the petroleum industry for
qualification to SAE/API/ILSAC engine oil standards. Although this single
cylinder engine is used primarily for measuring bearing weight loss and shear
stability of multigraded oils, it nonetheless is an excellent laboratory engine
capable of providing additional engine performance measurements (e.g., fuel
consumption, horsepower, etc.) as evidenced by the large number of technical
papers in the literature citing the use of this engine.
Ten (10) different evaluations of zMAX have been conducted
with this engine. Each evaluation consisted of two tests, a
baseline test on an engine oil without zMAX followed by a
second test where the same oil and fuel were treated with zMAX.
The tests used a modification of standard industry protocols, the
L-38 (ASTM D5119) and the Sequence VIII (ASTM D6709).
The major modification was to introduce an engine-
preconditioning phase in the procedure for initially allowing
zMAX to be absorbed. This modification, a ten hour
preconditioning period, was used on both the baseline and zMAX
tests to insure both tests were being conducted identically. The
results of these tests, which were conducted by Auto Research
Labs, Inc. (Chicago, IL) and later by the Oil-Chem Research
Corporation (Bedford Park, IL), are as follows.
a. SAE 50 Aircraft Piston Engine Oil + 5% zMAX and 12 oz.
zMAX in the fuel (modified L-38 test procedure)
8.3% increase in power
8.5% improvement in fuel efficiency (bsfc)
17.0% reduction in blow-by
Piston skirt wear reduced from 9.5% to 3.5%
Intake valve stem wear reduced from 18% to7%
Exhaust valve stem wear reduced from 3% to 1%
Intake valve deposits reduced from 5% to 2%
Exhaust valve deposits reduced from 3% to 1%
b. Pennzoil SAE l0w30 SJ + 8.5% zMAX and 12 oz. zMAX in
the fuel (modified Sequence VIII test procedure)
7.6% increase in power
6.6% improvement in fuel efficiency (bsfc)
4.3% reduction in blow-by
69% reduction in exhaust valve guide wear
Increase in top ring gap reduced from.0001 to 0.0 inches
Used oil wear metals reduced by over 50%
Fewer deposits on piston lands, grooves and skirts
c. MotorCraft SAE 5w20 SJ + 5.0% zMAX and 12 oz. zMAX
in the fuel (modified Sequence VIII test procedure)
3.8% increase in power
2.8% improvement in fuel efficiency (bsfc)
69% reduction in exhaust valve guide wear
Increase in second ring gap reduced from 0.0002 to
0.0001 inches
Used oil wear metals reduced by over 50%
Fewer deposits on piston lands, grooves and skirts
d. MotorCraft SAE 5w20 SJ + 8.5% zMAX and 12 oz. zMAX
in the fuel (modified Sequence VIII test procedure)
5.2% increase in power
4.2% improvement in fuel efficiency (bsfc)
3.5% reduction in blow-by
57% reduction in exhaust valve guide wear
Increase in top ring gap reduced from 0.0001 to 0.0 in.
Used oil wear metals reduced by over 50%
Less deposits on piston lands, grooves and skirts
e. MotorCraft SAE 5w20 SJ + 8.5% zMAX and 12 oz. zMAX
in the fuel (modified Sequence VIII procedure). In this test, the
baseline phase was run as usual. Then, instead of reassembling
the engine with new parts and engine cleaning as was done in the
previous four tests, the engine was measured and reassembled
with the used parts from the baseline phase.
7.0% increase in power
6.6% improvement in fuel efficiency (bsfc)
0.2% reduction in blow-by
92% reduction in exhaust valve guide wear
Used oil wear metals reduced by over 50%
A statistical analysis of the data generated from the CLR/
Sequence VIII engine testing conducted on the above four tests
(i.e., numbers 1b through 1e) was performed to assess the
individual hourly horsepower and fuel efficiency readings. The
method used in this analysis involved the “Dependent Samples t-
Test” methodology and is widely used where the significance of
an observed change in two populations of data is to be measured.
Applying this methodology on each of the four engine tests run
on zMAX at different concentrations and with different oils has
shown the changes in horsepower (bhp) and fuel efficiency
(bsfc) were statistically different at a 99% confidence level. This
analysis provided evidence that the observed improvements in
these parameters were real and not simply due to test
variability.
f. Mobil 1 SAE 10w30 SJ + 8.5% zMAX and 12 oz. zMAX in
the fuel (modified Sequence VIII test procedure)
7.2% increase in power
6.6% improvement in fuel efficiency (bsfc)
17.4% reduction in blow-by
10.8% reduction in bearing weight loss
18.1% reduction in ring weight loss
g. Mobil 1 SAE 10w30 SJ + 8.5% zMAX and 12 oz. zMAX in
the fuel (modified Sequence VIII test procedure) repeat of the
above test to demonstrate repeatability of method.
6.5% increase in power
5.8% improvement in fuel efficiency (bsfc)
30.1% reduction in blow-by
25.3% reduction in bearing weight loss
52.1% reduction in ring weight loss
h. Amsoil SAE 10w30 SJ + 8.5% zMAX and 12 oz. zMAX in
the fuel (modified Sequence VIII test procedure).
2.5% increase in power
2.4% improvement in fuel efficiency (bsfc)
12.1% reduction in blow-by
94% reduction in valve guide bore wear
37.3% reduction in bearing weight loss
12.1% reduction in ring weight loss
i. Pennzoil SAE 5w30 SJ + 8.5% zMAX and 12 oz. zMAX in
the fuel (modified Sequence VIII test procedure).
4.4% increase in power
4.3% improvement in fuel efficiency (bsfc)
7.5% reduction in blow-by
16.7% reduction in bearing weight loss
58.0% reduction in ring weight loss
97% reduction in valve guide bore wear
j. Pennzoil SAE 5w30 SJ + 8.5% zMAX and 12 oz. zMAX in
the fuel (modified Sequence VIII test procedure) repeat of the
above test conducted approximately one year later.
4.1% increase in power
3.9% improvement in fuel efficiency (bsfc)
3.8% reduction in blow-by
32.7% reduction in bearing weight loss
Ford 2.0L Engine test - For this test, a new (1,000 miles) Ford
2.0L engine from a 2000 Ford Escort was mounted on an engine
dynamometer testing stand at Oil-Chem Research Corporation,
fully equipped for engine parameter control and continuous data
monitoring. The test procedure consisted of running the engine
at conditions which simulated 65 mph (2500 rpm and 26.0 hp
load). The fuel rate was allowed to float to what ever level the
engine's power control module would dictate. The engine was
first base-lined on Pennzoil SAE 5w30 SJ oil for 14 hours with
the power output controlled to 26.0 hp. Without changing the oil,
the crankcase and fuel were treated with 12 oz. of zMAX.
The engine was then run for a preconditioning phase consisting
of one hour run periods followed by 5 to 12 hours soak periods.
After ten run/soak cycles, the engine