Chapter Six

Additives

An additive is a powder, solution, or other material added to gasoline, water, antifreeze, oil, grease, brake fluid, gear oil, transmission fluid, and other substances to help the product perform better. Gasoline and oil additives are discussed below.

gasoline additive - Compound added to gasoline to enhance its operating characteristics. Several types are available claiming to help: reduce chamber deposit accumulations, reduce detonation, absorb water in the fuel, lubricate valve stems and upper cylinder wall area, keep fuel delivery system clean, raise octane rating, etc.

alcohol(1) - Alcohol compound used absorb condensed moisture in a fuel system. Water in a fuel system tends to corrode certain parts and slow or clog fuel flow. Alcohol mixes with and absorbs the water which will then pass through a gas filter, carburetor, and be used by an engine. Alcohol also helps boost a fuel's octane rating.
alcohol(2) - Additive used to lessen an internal engine's tendency to knock.
aniline - Additive used to lessen an internal engine's tendency to knock. It is sometimes used in nitromethane racing fuel mixtures to supply additional oxygen. It is a derivative of coal tar.
benzole - Additive used to lessen an internal engine's tendency to knock.
carbon - Additive used to minimize formation of carbon deposits within the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine.
castor oil - Additive used to lubricate upper piston rings and rotors of superchargers and turbochargers.
chlorinated oil compound - Additive used to lubricate upper piston rings and rotors of superchargers and turbochargers.
ethyl dibromide - A fluid gasoline anti-knock additive used to help prevent the formation of lead oxide on the combustion chamber surfaces, valve heads, and pistons heads during combustion.
gas treatment - Additive formulated to keep fuel delivery system functioning smoothly. Benefits claimed include: removing water from gasoline; inhibiting rust, gum, varnish, etc. in fuel delivery system; keeping carburetor clean; and keeping intake and exhaust valves clean.
halowax oil - Anti-knock additive used to help prevent dryness of exhaust valve stem and guide surfaces leading to seizure dangers.
iso paraffins - Anti-knock additives used in conjunction with TEL to achieve high octane ratings. Iso-paraffin compounds include: iso-octane and iso-pentane.
isopropyl alcohol - Additive used to prevent the formation of ice in carburetors.
isopropyl ether - Anti-knock additive used more commonly in aviation gasoline in conjunction with TEL.
lead salt deposit - Additive used to protect spark plug and valve surfaces.

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