Possible crickets fix? Adding a capfull of synthetic 2 stroke oil per tank full?

[mike the snake]

When I had my BMW 135i, I read about the HPFP failures and recalls. Mine was replaced under warranty.

In reading about that fuel pump, someone suggested adding a cap full of synthetic 2-stroke oil to each tank full of gas, saying this would help make the fuel pump last.

I've asked about adding the capfull of 2-stroke oil on a couple "crickets" threads here, but no one has tried it that I know of.

My car I've heard the crickets once, but otherwise I don't hear the crickets, or i'd try this trick on my own car to see.

I'd be willing to be that this gets rid of the crickets, and if not, there's no harm in trying.

[Terrapin77]

I've been putting 2T oil in my tank for the past 3 weeks. I'm happy to say I'm chirp free.

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[mike the snake]

Did you have crickets before adding the oil to your tank?

I'm interested to see if this actually reduces or eliminates the crickets.

[Terrapin77]

Yes. It was annoyingly loud.

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[brianhj]

Does it matter what kind/brand is used?

[Terrapin77]

I was told to use either low ash or no ash 2T oil. Other than that, it shouldn't matter. I put it in my tank at a 1:1000 ratio.

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[Tromatic]

Originally Posted by Terrapin77

I was told to use either low ash or no ash 2T oil. Other than that, it shouldn't matter. I put it in my tank at a 1:1000 ratio.

What, just short of two cap-fulls? I suck at math, BTW.

[SliverBrz]

How come no one uses Lucas oil ? Isn't that made to clean and lubricate the fuel system ?

[Tromatic]

Originally Posted by SliverBrz

How come no one uses Lucas oil ? Isn't that made to clean and lubricate the fuel system ?

Dunno, give it a try. Fuel with ethanol is considered to be a "dry" fuel (from what I've read) and lacks lubricity. I can't understand how a mere 10% could cause HPFP lube-related noise. I think it's the water content that causes the chirps.

[Terrapin77]

Originally Posted by Tromatic

What, just short of two cap-fulls? I suck at math, BTW.

It's 50ml on the 1st fill up. After that, it's based on how much fuel you actually put in the tank. I used an oral syringe I got from CVS to ensure accuracy. As for the oil, I used Lucas Oil semi-synthetic 2T with low ash from Pep Boys. It was $3.99 for a small bottle, which is enough for 4 fill ups.

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[strat61caster]

I personally wouldn't do it if my crickets returned. I'm wary about fuel additives, 2 stroke oil generally goes through carburetors or simple fuel injectors for stuff like dirtbikes, lawnmowers, pumps, etc. I don't trust it going through the high pressure system in a modern transportation vehicle, I'm not entirely sure it won't wear something or gum up the system. The stuff is designed to be burned so I doubt it will have a significant adverse effect on the valves or cylinders but afterwards I worry about the oil fouling the catalytic converters, interacting poorly. Two stroke oil is not designed to be sent through a catalytic converter and the catalytic converter is not designed to filter burning oil (at least not in significant amounts, like consistent 2 stroke oil use over the lifetime of the vehicle). Ashless oil is supposed to be safe but I haven't seen any source I trust or even a consistent source other than word of mouth.

I'm sure that there is a 95% chance that nothing bad will happen, that 5% scares me though and I don't personally think it's worth it. Just the other side of the coin for everyone talking it up.

[Razz]

Don't worry about it.

People have been using it for over a year to cure crickets.

Any negative effect you think it may have won't affect you as you will sell the car in 6 years.

It's like using crappy gasoline. It will take years for sludge to build up and cause a problem.

[husker741]

Originally Posted by Tromatic

Dunno, give it a try. Fuel with ethanol is considered to be a "dry" fuel (from what I've read) and lacks lubricity. I can't understand how a mere 10% could cause HPFP lube-related noise. I think it's the water content that causes the chirps.

I though the same thing. Only used 91 octane in Nebraska, with no ethanol. First time I had to use 10%, I had crickets. Loud ass crickets.

[Terrapin77]

Originally Posted by strat61caster

I personally wouldn't do it if my crickets returned. I'm wary about fuel additives, 2 stroke oil generally goes through carburetors or simple fuel injectors for stuff like dirtbikes, lawnmowers, pumps, etc. I don't trust it going through the high pressure system in a modern transportation vehicle, I'm not entirely sure it won't wear something or gum up the system. The stuff is designed to be burned so I doubt it will have a significant adverse effect on the valves or cylinders but afterwards I worry about the oil fouling the catalytic converters, interacting poorly. Two stroke oil is not designed to be sent through a catalytic converter and the catalytic converter is not designed to filter burning oil (at least not in significant amounts, like consistent 2 stroke oil use over the lifetime of the vehicle). Ashless oil is supposed to be safe but I haven't seen any source I trust or even a consistent source other than word of mouth.

I'm sure that there is a 95% chance that nothing bad will happen, that 5% scares me though and I don't personally think it's worth it. Just the other side of the coin for everyone talking it up.

At the ratio we are using, I doubt there will be any long term issues. Plus, during the winter, I doubt 2T will be needed.

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