Engine oil is a crucial component for combustion engines, as it needs regular replacement to prevent potential disasters. Additives are designed to address different engine problems and improve the performance of the oil. But how effective are these additives when used without base oil? Garage54, a YouTube channel, recently conducted an experiment to find out.

The team selected a Honda Odyssey equipped with the automaker’s F23 engine, which was used in Honda vehicles during the 1990s and early 2000s. They drained the engine oil and then flushed the engine. Subsequently, they mixed various oil additives to create a concentrated mixture, forming an oily, greenish-brown substance that they poured directly into the engine.

Before replacing the oil with additives, the Odyssey’s engine was already experiencing issues. Smoke would billow from the tailpipe under heavy throttle. Unfortunately, the additives did not resolve the smoking problem and instead made it worse. As the van drove around town, the smoke changed from blue to gray, eventually leading to large puffs of black smoke accompanied by a loud bang from the exhaust pipe. Nevertheless, despite all the abuse, the Honda Odyssey survived the short test.

To measure any changes in the engine, the Garage54 team monitored the oil pressure in each cylinder. While two cylinders experienced a drop in oil pressure, one remained unchanged, and the fourth showed a slight increase. However, these changes were negligible, and the Honda Odyssey continued to perform without any issues during an extended overnight trip, totaling an additional 62 miles (100 kilometers).

Since the engine did not fail during the experiment, the team decided to reverse the process. They drained the additives, which had turned black, from the van and replaced them with fresh, thicker motor oil before taking the vehicle for another spin. Although the van still emitted smoke from the exhaust, using additives did not appear to cause any significant problems.

Anyone who has visited an auto parts store may have noticed the assortment of miracle fluids designed to prolong the lifespan of older vehicles. These fluids aim to enhance the positive aspects of the engine oil or counteract undesirable effects by modifying the oil’s formula. They can improve lubrication, adjust viscosity, and keep engine components free of harmful deposits and sludge, which could explain why the drained additives appeared dirty.