Z Max (I know what your going to say)

[geoffinbc]

So normally I categorize all this stuff as snake oil. Especially when it has a stupid name. I also shy away big time from heavily advertised products like Fram, MSD and use products with less money spent on ads and more invested in research. I use AC Delco, Purolator, Donaldson or WIX filters and you never see a TV commercial from them yet they are the best. I have a Crane Cams ignition system and it has never missed a beat yet I have seen a couple MSD DIS4 systems fail first hand. I have a Centerforce Clutch that bit me in the ass and I will never buy from them again.

So I was hearing about Z-Max and of course I dismissed it until I herd and then confirmed it has an FAA approval for use in aviation piston engines. I would like to assume that the FAA does not take their certification lightly. So does this stuff work? It seems to have similar claims to Seafoam (which is a good product) but also claims to further protect and lubricate metal parts.

Anyone here used it or know more about it? I wont be using it anytime soon but as the miles stack up it might be good to throw something in and clean out any carbon buildup.

[bob442]

according to tests, it does work, and evidence shows that it actually penitrates pores of metal.

[Big_Jeff]

I've used it a few times in my camaro with +200,000 on the odometer and it seems to help a little. nothing negative to say about it.

[60dgrzbelow0]

Geoff...

Nobody here is as grounded in experience and thoughtful good judgement as your input has historically proven to be, so I'm determined to take your word for it. My 2002 Trailblazer is approaching 200,000 miles and I need to hedge my bets in adding this stuff to my regular use of Mobil 1 oil and filter products. This is the technical link from their sales site and please note that they appear to have some online discounts available for this stuff for three (3) 32 Ounce Bottles:

http://www.zmax.com/why/technical/

[geoffinbc]

The only thing that worries me is that it is a chlorinate solvent which is common in the "snake oil" market. It is both slippery and a good cleaner but does more harm than good by eventually corroding metal and drying out seals. Its impossible to tell what is in the stuff unless they reveal whats in it or is someone does a chemical analysis.

I mean what is more likely, someone invented a miracle lubricant or someone just re branded "Slick 50"

[Dave57210]

The FAA cert just means that it is not proven to do any harm. Does NOT mean it does good!

[NateD4]

I work with FAA certified components. The FAA is usually fairly hesitant to grant a certification unless some kind of testing shows there is no safety risk involved. However, there are typically limitations to the certification. For example in this case the manufacturer of the aircraft/engine requires an oil change every 50 hours.

Here is the web site for the Aviation version of it: http://www.avblend.com

And here is the FAA letter that declared certification of the additive: http://www.avblend.com/images/faa/faa.pdf


I didn't read the entire FAA circular in the above link...


One other thing to keep in mind is that most aviation oil for piston engines is non synthetic and only in the a pst 10-15 years has multi-viscosity oil become popular.

[1988GTU]

Just change the Z max out every 4-6 weeks (not exceeding 50 hours of use) or every month and you should be fine...