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  #1  
Old 10-05-2000, 09:22 AM
Mr. BILL's Avatar
Ghoulardi Rules!
 
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 576
Has anyone tried this "Z-MAX" additive system? It supposedly has an ingredient used in aircraft that is the only additive certified by the FAA as being truly effective.

My "new" 90 300SE has 228,000 highway miles and I thought even though it's been very well maintained, it could use a little internal detail as well.

As always, the TV commercial makes this stuff look as though it's a miracle product that can "restore your engine". I've been around long enough to be skeptical.

I would appreciate any responce regarding this or any other prduct thought to be effective.

Regards,

Mr. BILL

90 300SE
85 300D
84 300SD (sold)


[This message has been edited by Mr. BILL (edited 10-05-2000).]

[This message has been edited by Mr. BILL (edited 10-15-2000).]

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  #2  
Old 10-05-2000, 01:39 PM
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Location: Boise, Idaho
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Hi Mr. Bill,
Oops, I'm not sure how this system works! However, I've been adding Z-Max to a 1998 C230 for 9 months and I use Red Line Synthetic oil (10-40). I get mileage of 27mpg in town and 32 (at75mph) and 34+ (at 65mph. You can find Z-Max web site at www.gozmax.com It has links to AVblend the Aircraft additive site. I don't think I've got enough experience to recommend it, but I'll know the answer in a few years. Roger

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RogerStock
1983 300CD 246k sold
1998 C230 16k
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  #3  
Old 10-14-2000, 03:46 PM
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Location: Fairfax, VA
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I use Z-Max in my 260E and have to acknowledge that it does indeed
appear to work.

The most noticeable effect is in fuel consumption: I was getting 360 miles per tankful and now am getting 440 miles (highway miles, measured on trips from Wash. DC to NY). I have not noticed any major difference in the transmission or fuel system.

The Linkite is some sort of micro-molecule that actually penetrates the metal to keep it "wet" and very, very slippery, which is the explanation for the results I have seen.

I am still using it (and due for a refill) and will probably continue to do so.

I am also impressed with their guarantee to replace any Z-Max treated part that fails. Pretty cheap insurance for $35.00

Eric Silver
89 260E
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  #4  
Old 10-15-2000, 10:57 AM
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Is this the only place where you can order zMAX, or can you buy it in Pepboys, Autozone etc.?
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  #5  
Old 10-15-2000, 11:25 AM
Mr. BILL's Avatar
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Yes, I have seen it at Pep Boys and Advanced Auto Parts for $39.00. So far, it sounds like something worth considering.

The warranty isn't of concern to me because I'm already way over the 150K mark.

Mr. BILL

90 300SE
85 300D
84 300SD (sold)
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  #6  
Old 10-16-2000, 10:13 AM
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I'm still real skeptical of these products. Some of the better known ones are now being investigated by the FTC for false and misleading claims. They just keep springing up like kudzu; kill one off and two or three more take its place. Their claims are appealing but I still think they are snake oil. If there was an additive that did all these things don't you think one of the major engine oil companies would latch on to it and use it for competitive advantage?
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  #7  
Old 05-26-2001, 01:57 PM
Johnson Chan
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Does Z max cause any oil leaks? According to there claim of basketball vs. golfball, if you have an external or internal gasket leak, it would be easier to leak and spread.

I have 290,000 and experienceing loss of compression and need to try some "oil additives".
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  #8  
Old 05-26-2001, 02:53 PM
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Location: Sherman Oaks, CA
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I tried it in my car, I did not appear to notice a difference, but I put it in within the first few days, My head gasket had a slight slight leak, tiny, like pinhole sized, and it has not shown any more of a leak than before, infact, I think it stopped leaking all together. My mechanic looked at it and found no problems with the gasket leaking even though when he first looked at it when I bought the car he pointed out a small leak at the front that was basically just an inch of grime near the head gasket, which appeared to me to be slight oil, burned nicely by the block.

Either way, I did not see it cause any more of a leak, and I can not tell if it made an improvement, but my mechanic loves the way my car drives.

And I did the full treatment of Zmax, and My Tranny went out on me last week after having driven about 8k miles, but the zmax could not have been the reason or anything, because I lost my clutch packs on 3rd and 4th, which were disintegrated int he tranny pan.

But with the new tranny rebuild, the trans is so smooth and shifts so nicely, that I can tell my car needed it when I bought it. The Difference is like night and day.

So form my experience, I did not notice any difference with zmax.

I had also tried dura lube but on my jeep and it did not appear to do anything, but it did not appear to hurt anything either. I think these additives, while some may work decently, Are more about marketing than actual results, but I think if it gives you peace of mine to have it in your car, and if it works for you, then use it.

I don't think the Zmax will hurt your car, it hasn't appeared to have hurt my car or others.

Alon

Alon
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2004 C240 - 744 - C7 Wheels - Android Radio
2002 C320 - 816 - Sport Wagon
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  #9  
Old 05-26-2001, 03:36 PM
Primo
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I'm always suspicious of companies that promote chemical products that have seemingly unbelievable abilities. Personally I wouldn't put anything in my 300E other than lubricants that are recommended by MB, or my mechanic. The only exception for me would be synthetic oils like Castrol Syntec, Mobil 1 or Redline.

IMHO

Primo
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  #10  
Old 06-25-2001, 12:40 PM
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Location: Boise, Idaho
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FTC information on ZMAX

FTC Sues Speedway Motorsports and Oil-Chem Subsidiary

Performance Claims For zMax Auto Additives Are Unsubstantiated, FTC Charges

The Federal Trade Commission has filed suit in U. S. District Court seeking to halt false and misleading advertising for zMax auto additives and has asked the court to order refunds to consumers who bought the products. The agency alleges that enhanced performance claims for the product are unsubstantiated, that tests cited to support performance claims actually demonstrated that motor oil treated with zMax produced more than twice as much bearing corrosion than motor oil alone, and that the three different products - an engine additive, a fuel line additive and a transmission additive - were all actually tinted mineral oil. zMax is manufactured by Oil-Chem, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Speedway Motorsports, Inc. Speedway, based in Concord, North Carolina, operates NASCAR race tracks in the South and in California, in addition to marketing the zMax products.

According to the FTC complaint, since at least May 1999, zMax ran infomercials touting its "Power System," a $39 package of three additives to be used in the engine, fuel line and transmission of automobiles. The infomercials feature testimonials from consumers and race car drivers making claims such as, "I was averaging about 22 miles to the gallon on the highway. I installed the zMax and so I jumped right up to about 28 miles per gallon;" and "zMax guarantees a minimum of 10 percent gas mileage increase." Other marketing and promotional pieces claim, "zMax with LinKite has the scientific, CRC L38 proof it takes your car to the MAX!" and "Why zMAX Works - Cuts carbon build-up on valve stems 66%; Lowers wear on valve stems 66%; Lowers wear on piston skirts 60%; Reduces blow-by leakage 17.7%; Increases combustion efficiency 9.25%; Lowers fuel consumption 8.5% - Results of an independent CRC L38 test."

According to the FTC, the CRC L38 test is a standard auto industry tool to measure the bearing corrosion protection properties of motor oils. In February/March 1997, an independent laboratory performed two CRC L38 tests of zMax for Speedway and Oil Chem. In those tests, motor oil treated with zMax produced more than twice as much bearing corrosion as motor oil alone. The complaint also states that the defendants fabricated one "report" from the two test reports, eliminating the bearing corrosion results and all other negative test results, and then used that report and the "official laboratory results" - similarly edited to remove detrimental data results - as sales tools in the infomercial and on the zMax Web site.

The FTC's complaint alleges that the defendants did not possess and rely on reasonable substantiation for the following claims in the infomercial, on the Web site and in brochures that zMax:

increases gas mileage;
increases gas mileage by a minimum of 10%
reduces engine wear;
reduces or eliminates engine wear at startup;
reduces engine corrosion;
extends engine life; and
reduces emissions.
The agency's complaint also alleges that the defendants falsely represent that the results of the CRC L38 test proved that zMax:

increases gas mileage;
reduces engine wear;
extends engine life;
lowers fuel consumption by 8.5%
lowers wear on valve stems by 66%
lowers wear on piston skirts by 60%; and
cuts carbon build-up on valve stems by 66%.
Finally, the FTC charges that in consumer testimonials and endorsements in their advertising, the defendants did not have substantiation for the representation that the endorsers' experiences were, "The actual and current opinions, findings, beliefs, and/or experiences of those consumers; and the typical or ordinary experience of members of the public who use the product."

The FTC is asking the court to bar the defendants from violating the FTC Act, which prohibits deceptive acts and to order consumer redress or require that they give up their ill-gotten gains.

This case is the latest in a series of FTC law-enforcement initiatives targeting unsubstantiated claims made by auto additive manufacturers. The FTC previously halted allegedly deceptive advertising by the marketers of Dura Lube, Motor Up, Prolong, Valvoline, Slick 50, and STP, other major brands of engine treatment products.

The Commission vote to file the complaint was 5-0. It was filed in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina, in Greensboro, January 31, 2001.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTE: The Commission authorizes the filing of a complaint when it has "reason to believe" that the law has been or is being violated, and it appears to the Commission that a proceeding is in the public interest. The complaint is not a finding or ruling that the defendants actually have violated the law. The case will be decided by the court.

Copies of the complaint are available from the FTC's web site at http://www.ftc.gov and also from the FTC's Consumer Response Center, Room 130, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20580. The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop and avoid them. To file a complaint, or to get free information on any of 150 consumer topics, call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). The FTC enters Internet, telemarketing and other fraud-related complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies worldwide.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Claudia Bourne Farrell,
Office of Public Affairs
202-326-2181

I'm going to call ZMAX and see what their response is? Roger
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1983 300CD 246k sold
1998 C230 52k
1980 450SL 75k needs AC
1999 Subaru Outback Ltd 43k
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  #11  
Old 06-25-2001, 05:41 PM
Ashman's Avatar
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Wow Roger, boy am I glad all that zmax is out of the system in my car. hehe

I think the best thing you can do for your car, based on my experience with additives, is don't bother wit them.

Change your oil regularily with filter, change the tranny fluid regularily with filter, and change the fuel filter and run a bottle of techron through it once every so often.

I just put a bottle of techron in my car, ran it through, changed the oil, and filter, and my car is running great.

Of course I was suffering from tainted gas the last couple of weeks, but finally found a station that had the good stuff. none of the downmixed gas that they are using to help take away our hard earned money.

Be careful out there, some gas stations are switching the gas on you, I know, I have two that will never see my car filling up at their tanks ever again.

Alon
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2004 C240 - 744 - C7 Wheels - Android Radio
2002 C320 - 816 - Sport Wagon
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  #12  
Old 06-25-2001, 08:16 PM
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Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Southern California
Posts: 373
Roger that was very interesting.....

Mr.Bill, I wouldn't try the products simply because their business practices were less than honorable. I had a bad experience with them billing my credit card for continuing shipments.
They have small print that states the product must be used every six months and they used that to send me a total of two more shipments. Also, they did not make the credit adjustment when I returned the product.

All in all, using the product did not have a noticable positive effect and caused me a lot of grief. My advice, pass!
__________________
Ed "Don't Benz's just feel better..."

Current wives...
2000 ML430 Skyview "The Mel"
2000 CLK430 Cab "The Cab"
85 300D Turbo "The Diesel"

Past wives...
92 300E
85 190E

"One should as a rule respect public opinion in so far as is necessary to
avoid starvation and to keep out of prison, but anything that goes beyond
this is voluntary submission to an unnecessary tyranny, and is likely to
interfere with happiness in all kinds of ways."
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  #13  
Old 06-26-2001, 04:07 PM
dlswnfrd
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To Tell The Truth

Brothers of The Benz
Reading the comments, brings to mind when I was a student, Cadillac Motor Cars, at The General Motors Institute, Flint Mich.
My fifth year project was on lubricating oils, filters and oil additives(snake oil).
During the mid-fifties, the hottest crankcase additive was Wynn's Friction Proofing.
Everyone used it, it was the cats pajamas.
We made the standard bearing race friction load tests and found household bleach had better load bearing properties than WFP.
Analysing WFI, it was comprised of 87% kerosene, 9% chloronated parafine and 4% tallow soap.
The snake oil merchants have become more upscaled in the year 2000, but the results remains the same.
There ain't no free lunches.
If a product could do as they claim, I asure you the Big Three would be using it to raise their Fleet CAFE rating.
Use good motor oil and filter then change it before it needs it.
Oil is the cheapest additive you can put in your crankcase, makes no difference wheither it is dino or synth.
Happy Trails Beep Beep from The Spiderman in Houston!!!

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