Second in a series of tests to test 20 ounce Auto-Rx dose with 4 ounce maintenance dose. Some of the smog test improvements are from Auto-Rx and some from the complete service done at the start.
Summary of test results Vehicle 2002 Mini Cooper BMW Manual tranny 1.6 liters Mileage at start 44,504 Engine oil 5w-30 Castrol conventional oil Oil filter NAPA Gold Gasoline Costco regular, same station same pump for complete evaluation Mileage over 1,012 miles with no additives, same 2 drivers (husband and wife) 25.7 1mpg note this mileage reflects driving conditions and driving style and does not reflect ultimate mileage. There was a lot of city stop and go driving. On fill the nozzle was removed when it clicked off, no topping off. This method of filling, same station, same pump and off on click was used on every vehicle.
Smog test done in training mode by a certified smog test only facility by a tech that is licensed to perform such tests and teach classes for certification.
Complete service was done by licensed independent Mini/BMW mechanic before testing. All fluids and filters were changed, cooling system was flushed. 20 ounces of Auto-Rx was poured into an engine and it was taken on 18 mile trip.
First number is low speed, second number is high speed, example 12.1/13.2. This is standard practice for a California smog test required for most vehicles in California.
Numbers start here at 44,504 miles C02 19.1/19.0 02 0.5/0.1 HC(ppm) 12/2 CO 0.11/0.01 NO 18/15
Compression 1=138 2=145 3=130 4=135
27.7 mpg
Then the test began and the Auto-Rx was put into the mix.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ At the end of the clean (2k miles) and rinse (2k miles) the oil was changed every 5k miles. The Auto-Rx maintenance plan was to add 4 ounces at every oil change.
Numbers at 48,775 miles, end of clean and rinse C02 15.9/15.2 02 0.3/0.1 HC(ppm) 3/1 CO 0.07/0.00 NO 11/4
Compression 1=144 2=145 3=140 4=140
29 mpg
Numbers at 56,070 miles, using 4 ounce maintenance doses. The oil change interval turned out to be just a bit under the 5k interval that was planned. It turned out to be a little over 4k miles. C02 14.0/14.0 02 0.1/0.0 HC(ppm) 1/0 CO 0.05/0.00 NO 8/2
Compression 1=145 2=144 3=142 4=142
29.9 mpg
The numbers show a big improvement at the clean and rinse and an a note worthy improvement about 8k miles with 4 ounce maintenance doses.
This car is driven without mercy. A set of good quality tires has never lasted 20k miles and it is just about ready for its third clutch.
The biggest jump in mileage was from the clean and rinse. It appears from the smog test that although the improvement was not dramatic at the tail pipe it was significant. It appears that the engine is performing better. Of the two drivers the wife claims the car starts quicker and with more authority (her subjective comment).
The compression came up but more important is the fact that it leveled out from highest to lowest. We were careful to do the test on a completely warm engine with a fully charged battery and a quality gauge.
"This car is driven without mercy. A set of good quality tires has never lasted 20k miles and it is just about ready for its third clutch."
I can see going through tires but not clutches. If they're that rough on the car I don't see how one can draw any conclusions about their fuel economy. The rest of the data is impressive however.
