Update on ZMAX for Northstar carbon knock

harleyultra06 · Mar 23, 2007

Previously, I mentioned that GM, and more specifically, Cadillac has recommended ZMAX as an alternative treatment for carbon knock and oil consumption in the northstar equipped vehicles. In my last post, I mentioned that we had treated several cars with the ZMAX product. I am pleased to report that so far, ZMAX is batting 1.000. Over the years, Cadillac has tried several different methods for fixing the carbon knock and oil consumption issues on these cars and some of them worked, but were terribly time consuming. This simple treatment seems to work better than any so far, and is as easy as falling out of bed. If you can put gas and oil in your car, you can do this.

I just wanted to share this for anyone that might still be figting with these concerns.

unDummy · Mar 23, 2007

I was wondering where that zmax/gm thread disappeared to.

Do you have any copies of the TSB... recommending zmax?

harleyultra06 · Mar 24, 2007

Not in hand, but I can try to get a copy monday at work. You know, come to think of it, it was not a bulletin, but a message from GM. They are recommending it for vehicles out of warranty. Apparently, GM is not willing to foot the $78.00 for this product. I dont mind telling you, as good as it seems to be working, I will probably be using it in warranty cars as well.

unDummy · Mar 24, 2007

When you get the work, post a copy of the message. And, I'm glad that GM is footing the bill.

I don't have negative opinions toward zmax, and personally don't care for FTC or bureaucrats.

If an automaker truly did independent testing and is recommending a product, I would like to see the letter and might actually give it a test in other vehicles.

BillionPa · Mar 25, 2007

now is that the motor additive or the gas additive, because apparently the oil additive causes accelerated wear (a little birdie told me long ago)

arkainzeye · Mar 25, 2007

I thought it was found that the oil additve and the fuel additive was the same exact thing, but with different dyes in them?

RTexasF · Mar 25, 2007

They are the same unless the formula has changed recently.

crashz · Mar 25, 2007

Whats the chemistry behind Zmax?

uconn1150 · Mar 25, 2007

Quote:

Whats the chemistry behind Zmax?

I believe it was chlorinated paraffins.

Thatwouldbegreat · Mar 25, 2007

I thought it was merely pharmaceutical grade mineral oil with dye.

Durango · Mar 26, 2007

Quote:

Previously, I mentioned that GM, and more specifically, Cadillac has recommended ZMAX as an alternative treatment for carbon knock and oil consumption in the northstar equipped vehicles. In my last post, I mentioned that we had treated several cars with the ZMAX product. I am pleased to report that so far, ZMAX is batting 1.000. Over the years, Cadillac has tried several different methods for fixing the carbon knock and oil consumption issues on these cars and some of them worked, but were terribly time consuming. This simple treatment seems to work better than any so far, and is as easy as falling out of bed. If you can put gas and oil in your car, you can do this.

I just wanted to share this for anyone that might still be figting with these concerns.

harleyultra06,

Is this the same ZMAX that advertised to increase gas mileage?

I'm wirey about trying this cux this company was taken to court by the FTC long ago. Tell me/us I'm wrong.

Durango

ewetho · Mar 26, 2007

Is this the same ZMAX that advertised to increase gas mileage?

I'm wirey about trying this cux this company was taken to court by the FTC long ago. Tell me/us I'm wrong.

Durango

According to ZMAX website they said they actually won the court case brought by the FTC. Go check. I still don't use it.

deepsquat · Mar 27, 2007

I thought they won the court case only in reguards to the fuel additive...not the oil

Tempest · Mar 27, 2007

If you look at their website, it says "by cleaning" a lot. Cleaning usually usually means solvents or naphthenic oil.

The smallest spec I have found for roughness of automotive metal is 8 microinches (.000008"). I found a site that said oil molecules are ~20 angstroms wide (.000000079"). So typical oil molecules are ~1/100 as small as the asperities on a very highly polished metal surface.

The idea that Z-max "soaks into the metal" better than standard oil is total bunk. No MSDS on their site, either.

keith · Mar 27, 2007

As the owner of a Northstar GM (Cadillac STS), how effective is this in reducing oil consumption? My STS consumes 1 qt. / 1000 miles which is right at the high limit and if anything can help to reduce that, might be worth a try. I know about the WOT method of blowing out carbon

Durango · Mar 27, 2007

Quote:

Is this the same ZMAX that advertised to increase gas mileage?

I'm wirey about trying this cux this company was taken to court by the FTC long ago. Tell me/us I'm wrong.

Durango

According to ZMAX website they said they actually won the court case brought by the FTC. Go check. I still don't use it.

ewetho,

I remember reading about the case on the FTC's website long ago. After doing lab tests it was found that their oil additive was nothing more than "mineral oil". Based on that I don't believe they won the case. Allot of oil additives were taken to court by the FTC as saying they really do nothing. By doing so it does chance the oils formula. Personally it's better to leave it alone and use a synthetic. I don't mind trying any additive if the FTC clears it.

Durango

unDummy · Mar 27, 2007

FTC takes action against improper marketing or advertising claims. From what I understand, most products had crazy advertising. This doesn't mean that the product worked or didn't work. Its means most got in trouble for exaggerating!

For someone with a Northstar, its worth a try. But, I'm still waiting for proof that this is GM or Cadillac approved.

Harleyultra6's previous Zmax thread mentioned that you change your oil, add it to the oil and fuel, run it 1000 miles and repeat! This means you buy 4 bottles or 2 kits. And, you have to do 2 1k OCIs. Zmax is still sold at outrageous prices at the local pepboys. Kits are 30-40 a piece. You do the math!

I think that you would have the same progress with 5-10 minute flushes at the end of normal OCIs.

At that price, you could run a full autorx treatment along/or with maintenance doses for many oil changes.

I'll also remind you that a gallon of each LC20/FP60 can be purchased.

And, for those that shop locally, use Techron, 3m, Regane, Redline, or.... for fuel treatment. Use Rislone, Marvel mystery oil, or Lubegard for your oil treatment.

Anyone with a Northstar that is drinking oil excessively has many options to try and see what works. Some cost much and others don't!

mojo · Mar 27, 2007

From what I have read about zmax, they recommend using it after an oil change both in the engine oil and fuel, and then it is used again at the next oil change or about after 6000 miles not every 1000 miles.

Blokey · Mar 27, 2007

mojo,

You're correct about Zmax's normal usage instructions but in the case of the NorthStar it's a special application.

Blokey · Mar 27, 2007

Quote:

Harleyultra6's previous Zmax thread mentioned that you change your oil, add it to the oil and fuel, run it 1000 miles and repeat! This means you buy 4 bottles or 2 kits. And, you have to do 2 1k OCIs. Zmax is still sold at outrageous prices at the local pepboys. Kits are 30-40 a piece. You do the math!

FYI: You can get just the Zmax oil and fuel treatments for $10.

Update on ZMAX for Northstar carbon knock

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