Will "Graphite" Help Motor Oil Performance? Let's find out! Vintage Arco Graphite vs Quaker State

Vintage Arco 10W-40 motor oil with graphite tested against Quaker State Advanced Durability 10W-40. Lubricity test, independent oil analysis, evaporative loss (heat tolerance), cold temperature performance, fuel efficiency using EFI generator, and modern oil and graphite blended and used in a small engine.
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This video is only for entertainment purposes. If you rely on the information portrayed in this video, you assume the responsibility for the results. Project Farm LLC

[@ProjectFarm]

I could use your help in the future. If you'd like to help me decide on which products to test, please consider subscribing to the channel. I occasionally ask viewers to vote on which products to test and KZbin only informs those subscribed to the channel that there's an opportunity to vote. kzbin.info/door/2rzsm1Qi6N1X-wuOg_p0Ng You'll also need to select the "bell" to get the notification. Thank you very much and look forward to many more product test reviews. Todd

[@opghg893]

You are amazing, time to up the ante and do some real science. How about motor oil with graphene instead of graphite?

[@VashishtaSamaroo]

have you tried testing different hand washes, or, how about degreasers....

[@jenniferwhitewolf3784]

Been signed up for a LONG time👍👍👍👍.

[@jenniferwhitewolf3784]

Op Ghg Graphene test is a good idea. The 'flakes' are atomic crystal thin.

[@Brandon_Makes_Stuff]

I use the bejesus out of Lucas Oil heavy duty Stabilizer, I'd really like to see it tested. I mix the conventional version with synthetic 0w-20 and so far it works great in my built engines.

[@Iggy1219]

This man is the epitome of the saying “some people can’t be bought” absolutely phenomenal reviews. No biases at all.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for watching!

[@dogedog8686]

No Project Farm, Thank you for creating

[@deshaun5419]

I wish he would get paid from company's but his tests must be independent.

[@floorpizza8074]

@@dogedog8686 "No Project Farm, Thank you for creating." I was going to post a comment saying this, when I saw that you'd already done so for me. So I'm just gonna quote your comment, and say "what he said."

[@UNLOCKCONNECTIONS]

Facts

[@CharlieOneHundred]

This guy is my quarantine life saver for boredom

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you very much!

[@wtfiswiththosehandles]

Hang in there!

[@markhull1366]

I second that!

[@padraicmcguire108]

Yep! Farm guy and KZbin'rs EricO at South Main Auto & This Old Tony do it for me!

[@bonk1049]

@@padraicmcguire108 this old tony gang

[@MC-de6tf]

I used the ARCO Graphite oil for years on vehicles and equipment I owned. When it became scarce I bought up what I could find and began using it as an additive to oil when I would do an oil change. And yes the great part about the product is the graphite would get into the pores of the metal and make parts last by reducing friction. The only complaint I remember about the oil was that is was black so people could not tell by the color how old it was - if the oil needed to be changed. Now my wife had a 1972 Toyota Corona back in the day and when I changed the oil to ARCO graphite the RPMs went up several hundred on the engine and I had to idle down the engine- slow it down with idle screw. Showed me that the oil was reducing friction immediately on that engine. Now the problem with cars today would be the catalytic system most likely the graphite could be a problem. However back in the day the ARCO graphite oil was my go to oil. In fact I have a lawn mower and air compressor that still has some ARCO oil running in them- these are 30 to 40 years old and still running fine. The one thing I thought back in the day as to why ARCO Graphic was taken off the market was the possibility that it could cause equipment to last too long. Some stuff might never wear out.

[@ProjectFarm]

Great information. Thank you

[@d-con6825]

This comment needs to be pinned.

[@michaelalbert8474]

I can’t help but wonder how much actual graphite makes it through the oil filter.

[@BlueEightySixx]

LiquiMoly has an additive called Ceratec that has similar effects. There is no comparison between the before and after, it smooths out rough idles, improves economy, and if I did a UA, I wouldn't doubt they'd find fewer elements indicating wear. Can't recommend it highly enough. Only have to use it every 25k mi IIRC, I use LiquiMoly MOSQ2 every oil change that I'm not using Ceratec on both my BRZ and family car (2017 Honda pilot). Been using it for years now. Just noticed project farm did a review, gonna check it out

[@mds6387]

@@michaelalbert8474 That's a good question. Even the finest graphite is around 5 micron. I'm not sure what he typical oil filter gets down to. I'm guessing oil filters are not very fine as to maintain flow and not reach excessive pressures.

[@andyharman3022]

I ran Arco Graphite in my 1975 Vega for a couple of years. It worked fine. I did annual oil changes with it, about 10k miles each. I remember reading about Arco Graphite in Popular Science when it was introduced. One point that stuck in my mind was that the Graphite particles had to be sub-micron sized so they would not get caught in the oil filter. People that want to experiment with adding solid lubricant to their oil should keep that in mind.

[@ProjectFarm]

Great feedback. Thank you

[@Paramount531]

I used Arco Graphite in my 1976 Buick Regal with a 350. I sold the car at about 80K, the engine consumed no oil and other than the graphite mess, was very clean. I can't believe I was willing to get that messy stuff all over myself when I changed the oil, but I did.

[@ventusvero4484]

Holy, a Vega. My grandparents had a Vega and the Vega Station wagon. Forgot about those cars until seeing this comment

[@grantdubridge7995]

@@ventusvero4484 My brother had a Vega when I was 11 years old. It had an 8 track player that I listened to Supertramp-Breakfast in America.

[@gregorymalchuk272]

I wonder if the graphite prevented the cylinder scuffing that the Vega engine was notorious for.

[@lockpickinglawyer]

Interesting... thank you. I’d love to see a similar test with molybdenum disulfide powder added to motor oil.

[@jtsholtod.79]

Whoa. My subscription worlds have collided. Much respect to you both for what you do.

[@AquaTech225]

Was just coming to comment about wanting to see it done with moly also

[@tomasnokechtesledger1786]

@@jtsholtod.79 Yep I learnt to open one when I loose my keys. With 2 open ended at 90 degrees of each other 🤠

[@onewordhereonewordthere6975]

Wow impossible to understand no one's going to believe me oh well

[@oscarjonesxxx2893]

Have you tested Marvel Mystery Oil added to the crankcase oil?

[@jaynaforsgren4755]

My wife: what are you watching Me: watching a guy race oil

[@ProjectFarm]

lol Thanks for watching!

[@meticulouselectronics]

This is why women hate us haha

[@whataguy7032]

@@meticulouselectronics They see what we're watching, shake their heads and walk away.............Can't really blame them, though!

[@fm00078]

@@meticulouselectronics WHY? We don't mention about their sewing. "Got that darn sock darned yet?" NOPE, never hear that from me.

[@meticulouselectronics]

@@whataguy7032 men are much better at wasting time than women are.

[@jeffs2942]

A friend of mine once bought a Volkswagen that the gentleman, the seller, had posted about the fact that he had run Arco graphite since new. When my friend took the oil pan off to replace the gasket, he discovered that there was about an inch thick of layers of graphite from when the oil had heated up and cooled heated up and cooled and it took a hammer and it chisel to break it out.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for sharing.

[@Magnulus76]

If it's a vintage volkswagen Beetle, it's air cooled and always cooks oil.

[@ahmadalbab5448]

Arco not good?

[@roots4x]

@@Magnulus76 Cooking oil is not necessarily the issue if it's a known variable. It's adding another layer of issue (the baked on graphite layers) that will cause unknown/unexpected issues. That's why you have to take what you hear from other owners or on forums with a grain of salt. No matter how common they are. Manufacturers run much more vigorous tests, but will usually not test them on old cars. Time is the ultimate beta tester, though, and there certainly are plenty of user tested additives or tricks that are very effective that manufacturers could never hope to have tested due to technology or duration.

[@janlaan7236]

@@Magnulus76 Those have no oil pan.

[@DoctoreE644]

In addition to my earlier comment, I now recal that I used the Mobil w/graphite. To those who mentioned they couldn't tell if the oil was dirty, yes, it was black. However, there is a huge difference between black oil and an engine that has been neglected, and has caked oil and residue on all parts of the engine. I have taken engines apart that had to have the sludge literally scraped off. If you keep a record of when an oil change is done, you know that it should be changed every 3,000 to 7,000 miles. The oil, no matter if synthetic, regular or graphite, should not be dirty. I had one mechanic tell me, after I had told him that I used graphite, "well, look at your valve springs and rocker arms - they are covered in that stuff!! (the engine was cold, and with the oil filler cap off, those parts were visible).Which proved it kept it lubricated during cold starts. Regarding filters clogging, I never had a problem, and I went as much as 25,000 miles between one oil change, and normally changed it every 5 to 7 thousand miles. When the second owner sold it, after it had racked up more than 340,000 miles, it was still running fine, it only burned a quart every 1500 miles, and the only engine repairs done were 3 or 4 water pumps, valve cover gaskets replaced twice, but no major repairs. The engine had never been removed from the car. The biggest complaint I ever heard was one mechanic who complained he couldn't wash the stuff off his hands. Which was pretty much the selling point of the product. It stuck to the metallic parts and provided lubrication, even after draining down after sitting overnight. Mobil had done a lot of research to keep the graphite suspended, so it wouldn't settle out after extended periods of disusae. It worked!!

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for sharing.

[@xXWOND3RBR3ADXx]

“None of the oils seem to be aware the race has started” I love your humor

[@MrV1NC3N7V3G4]

I honestly thought he had the video paused!

[@gregoryturner2468]

That really cracked me up.

[@bertgrau9246]

@@gregoryturner2468 Same here that was funny

[@greatdaneacdc]

Start of a turtle race!

[@uss_04]

Had it on 2x speed. Better that way

[@Akcd11r2002]

Would like to see a filter tear-down after running on graphite.

[@RyanVasquez6089]

yikes

[@sprinkletits01]

That would be super interesting, I'd imagine it'd be really sludgy

[@thereissomecoolstuff]

I used this stuff on a new Chevy luv truck. Did ok but couldn't afford to keep buying it for oil changes. When you got it on your hands or clothes it was there for a long time.

[@gg-gn3re]

I think we've seen both oils are pretty terrible. I don't know if youtube would allow the horror movie you want to see

[@garbleduser]

@thereissomecoolstuff Deoxit gets it out.

[@mikeshawn5298]

Fabulous video. It takes me back to my early days in engineering. ARCO tried to expand the technology into the fuels market for power plants. The fuel was called COM for coal oil mixture. Coal would be ground super fine (like graphite) to remove some of the sulfur and ash and then be blended with oil and a small amount of water. Surfactants were used to keep the coal suspended and to emulsify the water in oil. The basic technology was based on ARCO experience with their graphite motor oil. We built a pilot plant and the first batch had the coal drop out of suspension. I hear it took months to get all of the sludge out of the cargo hold. As far as I know, that ended ARCO's involvement with the COM product.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks! Thanks for sharing.

[@ralphwood8818]

All of the bypass filters I use will remove Graphite.

[@samheasmanwhite]

Oh wow, that is nasty. Interesting concept though, I'm guessing they were using a particular coal that was basically very low quality graphite? Most coal does not have a high graphite content.

[@mikeshawn5298]

@@samheasmanwhite The COM project was separate from the motor oil product. We were just using the tech. The oil product used graphite. We were using coal, trying to reduce ash content, and blending with oil and water to make a Bunker fuel replacement for use at power plants.

[@samheasmanwhite]

@@mikeshawn5298 Ohh, missed that it was supposed to be a fuel. By power plants do you mean the power plant of a ship or was it intended to be shipped to electrical power plants in a suspended state? Seems like something that should be mixed as it is used.

[@FRANK45CASTLE]

This is weird and I love it. This is one of the best channels on KZbin. I'm assuming your an engineer or some sort and you really lay it out for everyone with great tests. Never a boring video so thanks! Hope this channel is making you great money and happiness!

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for watching!

[@TadghCollins]

"No oils seem to be aware that the race has started"

[@ProjectFarm]

lol Thanks for watching.

[@Bandicoot803]

@Tadgh Collins: Correct me if I'm wrong, but Drag Race Cars or Funnycars are using graphite oil in their diffs. I dunno why, but I've seen a video on YT where it's stated.

[@MA-nx5vt]

@@Bandicoot803 Arco won on the wear test, so graphite would probably work great in a diff. They have no pump/filter, or babbitt material to worry about.

[@teebosaurusyou]

@@MA-nx5vt The wear reduction is probably from the phosphorous and zinc concentration.

[@lucasbotelho316]

@@Bandicoot803 graphite powder is actualy considered an dry lubricant

[@mwnciboo]

Neighbours "Every weekend, he is in there. It sounds like he is running a Lawn mower indoors? Sometimes I've heard him talking loudly to himself. He unloads oil from his vehicle every friday night into the garage...should we be concerned?"

[@o.o1858]

mwnciboo Also heard that he has a huge built in freezer in his room.

[@raymondlent3517]

What about when he’s flying around the farm in the farmabego?

[@badideaworkbench5155]

other neighbors "To be fair, he does keep a well mowed lawn."

[@dougjb7848]

@mwnciboo “Once, last year, we smelled cooking bacon for days.” (Well, that might only be-) “And cooked bananas. I’m positive it was bananas.” (Yeah, we’ll send somebody over there.)

[@souldoctor10]

He runs those mowers outside in his driveway for hours. SO ANNOYING. We need to call the HOA. What, there isn't one? Crap! ;)

[@nsdq6273]

I used Arco Graphite in the 70's in a custom dodge 360 engine powered Power Wagon.. The Arco graphite oil caused the ends of all of the lifter rods and tappet adjusters to grind off completely in a very short period of use. Arco denied that it could have caused the damage but the product was removed from the market no long after.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@Foowowee]

Similar thing happened to me with a 1980 Jeep CJ. Fortunately, I had traded it on a new car. The dealer called me about It, but it was too late for them to do anything about it. I didn’t know anything about it u til then.

[@t20594]

Flat tappets, need zinc.

[@MrHihi12]

Valve train problems is just a Mopar thing if we want more power it come with more rebuilds

[@davidpowell3347]

Could there have been a bad batch of graphite that was contaminated with silica?

[@ytwhite5930]

Years ago,I owned and drove daily a 1964 Corvette fuel injected coupe.(1979) It had Castrol 20w50 in it when I bought it,it smoked a little on hard acceleration.I decided to try ARCO Graphite on my first oil change. I was amazed...Oil consumption dropped and no more smoke! This was in a 16 year old car that had been driven very hard all it's life(first owner auto crossed and drag raced) The motor needed rebuild I was able to put it off a couple years. ARCO oil was like a miracle.It did have one drawback...Engine disassembly was VERY messy... That stuff was like black ink...I went back to CASTROL 20w50 after rebuild because of higher viscosity.That car got better mileage with worn out motor(20mpg@60mph).I haven't seen ARCO graphite in many years.Is it still sold?

[@rajgill7576]

Your dedication to be accurate an unbiased is incredible!! Don't take that lightly

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks so much!

[@rajgill7576]

@enginemaxcarb. his approach to these tests is to measure efficiency or durability. I don't think his interest is in checking power, although he has tested stuff on his RV before and speed tested it I believe

[@user-fy7gt6ev5u]

Back in the 70s with the Arco graphite oil people had a problem with it clinging to the engine walls and they kept adding oil.. overtime it would just keep building up in the engine

[@mikesingleton122]

The power of the scientific method

[@averagecarguy420]

Sports may be cancelled but the cold oil race makes up for it

[@mikeflippin5568]

Best. Comment.

[@stopglobalswarming]

#gooutside

[@manjsher3094]

Better than F1 anytime.

[@kenf4837]

Thank you for taking the time ro run tests like this. The results were very interesting. I've always wondered about different additives, but this is the first time I've seen a test done like this. Very good job!

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks and you are welcome!

[@MartinScheuerJr]

Once again…you may have one of, if not THE best channel on KZbin. Love it.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks!

[@CodeOptimism]

The thoroughness of your testing methodology never ceases to amaze me. Before/afters, thermal camera readings, purges, warm-ups, the list goes on... wow. My #1 favorite channel.

[@FrankGutowski-ls8jt]

He’s Mr. Wizard of the modern age. Shows how it’s possible to do science with off the shelf gear.

[@jamesatkinson7517]

An under load test would have added important info to this test

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you!

[@ahmadalyassin7405]

thats why i subscribed.. This video alone made me subscribe.. now i want to watch other videos..

[@NaN.404]

How about taking a modern oil, and then mix additives like a lot of calcium, iron, boron and zinc and make the ultimate DIY oil! Will it be better than itself?

[@fredstocking3812]

Arco graphite leaked through almost every gasket on my 1974 Chevy, and it was new. Meant 1984.

[@Eduardo_Espinoza]

I think the problem is it will clog an oil filter, like instantly.

[@blackfrost273industries4]

@@Eduardo_Espinoza eh. The oil filter is just a suggestion anyway. LOL I'm kidding, seriously this is a joke. Nobody ever try that.

[@Eduardo_Espinoza]

@@blackfrost273industries4 some old timers seem to have in the comments, yet I am more interested to see this happen 👀

[@Malossianoplus]

High level of zinc will destroy your catalytic converter and will be ruined in no time. This is why modern engine oil have low level of this.

[@YodaWhat]

I have added graphite powder (lock lubricant) to power steering units that were just starting to make noise. They quieted down and I had no more power steering trouble in the several more years I had the cars. This approach may be especially useful to folks now, when supply chain disruptions have simple parts on backorder for several months. I would like to see a lifetime test done on cars where graphite was added to the power steering fluid when the cars were new, and compare that to the service records of cars using plain fluid.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@allenrussell6135]

Great idea, I'll try it on my winter beater. A classic 99 regal with 70k miles. A true grandma owned car. The racks starting to have issues and I'm not changing it. Thanks for the Idea.

[@tedgreen4626]

I used ARCO Graphite oil in my cars in the '70s before synthetic oil became commonplace. I was happy with it and "felt" like I was using the best, perhaps due to an article in Popular Mechanics/Science. Back then we had full service gas stations and I remember a gas jockey bringing me the dipstick and saying "Have you considered changing your oil?"

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for sharing.

[@ProgenitorFoundry]

Man this channel deserves alot more love, the amount of effort he puts into the videos is kinda amazing

[@ProjectFarm]

I appreciate that!

[@-danR]

And his voice should be a national monument.

[@gettintheresafelywithpatf2869]

Only if more products were tested as openly as what he buys!

[@Barbosa.augusto]

That's what I think every single time! Even though most videos are purely for fun purposes, you can just see how much effort is putten into making them.. I mean, the guy did a full review on "banana w40" 😂

[@gettintheresafelywithpatf2869]

If it wasn’t for some of the claims that marketing companies place on products, he wouldn’t have much to test against! Does anyone remember something about ethics in marketing and “false claims” it seems that as long as there is some vagueness almost anything goes now! And it is up to the consumer to discern the truth, and if litigation comes about, it comes down to who can afford the better attorney! What has common sense come to, now we have to question everything, and everyone, before we come to a solid conclusion of products... a “UL” label doesn’t mean as much as it did 20 years ago, all it means is a sampling has been tested, and that sample might have been 1 piece, 40 years ago!

[@estruble]

I just remember my father using the graphite motor oil back in the 70’s. Any drips on the concrete were permanent. And what car in the 70’s didn’t drip...

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for sharing.

[@93sundance]

Sweating from all that horsepower!

[@Francois_Dupont]

i know many brand new Harley Davidson rider who have bike that piss oil. i keep laughing... until the valve cover gasket on my Honda starting leaking unto my exhaust pipe.

[@Andy47357]

they didn’t leak, thats called rust protection

[@dylanzrim1011]

That’s all oil tho. Even modern oil cleaners for concrete still struggle

[@gkprivate433]

I do love the old oil spout and "paper" can. Grew up messing with cars in the 60s and 70s and 80s so I remember them well for my engine oil, ATF etc

[@rockiemountin7535]

By far the most consistent and informative no BS channel on KZbin thank you for all the great content

[@ProjectFarm]

You are welcome!

[@jackelliott3103]

I used to work for ARCO when this product was introduiced. One thing you are missing is that the graphite builds up on the motor parts over time, and does not drain off after the engine is shut down. When you do a cold start, the graphite is on the cylinder walls already. That offsets the low flow rate.. I ran a 74 olds 350 on the oil and had 185000 trouble free miles. That was followed by an 82 Old Cierra with the infamous Buick 3.0. The camshafts were notoriously soft in this engine. I sold mine with 175,000 miles, an unlike others never had any engine issues. Another issue is the breakdown of the viscosity improver over 30 plus years. As someone else said, it failed because it is black, and everyone wanted to see amber oils.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@Niterider73]

IDK if this would be a great or a bad thing if the graphite builds up on the internal components. It's a great thing because on initial startup and warm up. With regular conventional motor oil you're waiting for oil to be supplied to those critical components thus resulting in extra wear and tear during that time but at the same time I wonder if the graphite would build up in oil passages and over time start choking off oil passages similar to plaque building up in arteries. Definitely was a revolutionary idea for its time that's for sure.

[@davewilson4744]

It was good stuff.

[@palledrengens]

@@Niterider73 it builds up where parts are touching hence the reason why wear is lowered, but use it on old iron engines....

[@Davido50]

Good pt except those GM Oldsmobile & Buick vehicles were always insanely reliable ..an hence why I'm GM loyal to this day. I do prefer Ford trucks tho I must say!

[@walttrotter535]

I worked at an ARCO Station and remember when that was ARCO's response to Mobile 1 which had come out recently. It failed largely because owners didn't like that black oil.

[@ProjectFarm]

Great point regarding the appearance of the oil. Amazing film strength!

[@billiondollardan]

That's really interesting. I think it makes sense since that's the first thing you look at when determining whether or not your oil is worn out

[@jessev2197]

It failed because seals weren't designed to retain it. Graphite oil seeps from everywhere. There were liability claims.

[@grassroot011]

They needed to come up with white graphite, then it would have been a hit. Haa

[@walttrotter535]

@@jessev2197 I hadn't heard that. I've heard of the graphite sludge building up in engines and the predominately used cork gaskets also leaked and it looked bad.

[@triskaideka13]

the wear reduction on that lubricity test was very interesting. perhaps there's a great use case for this outside of being used as an engine oil?

[@ProjectFarm]

Great point

[@ralphm4132]

@@ProjectFarm the extra phosphorus and zinc really confounds the question of whether the graphite is doing any magic at all. It would be interesting to take some Quaker oil, add similar proportions of zinc and phosphorus but not the graphite, and repeat the lubricity test to tease out what the graphite was doing, if anything.

[@AlienLivesMatter]

I'd say the exact opposite ​@@ralphm4132 Removing phosphorus and potassium from oil makes humidity ingress much less of a detrimental issue.

[@genesmay6589]

I use graphite powder in ammo magazines that don't feed smoothly.

[@triskaideka13]

@@genesmay6589 whoa really? noice! with good results I'm assuming..? which parts? how do you apply it?

[@god-likesystems985]

You test everything the best, man. I've utilized at least a hundred of your films, all of which have shown to be helpful. You did an excellent job. AC

[@ProjectFarm]

Wow, thanks!

[@tjt4350]

Happy to see this Arco oil comparison! I always used it in the '70's until it wasn't sold east of the Mississippi any more. My car was a 1970 Buick Electra 225 with 111K miles. Very reliable car. Somehow I lost all oil and didn't know it. Maybe a shop didn't tighten the drain plug, I don't know but weeks later when the idiot light finally came on I was driving home from work at 50 mph. I looked at the dipstick and it was DRY, literally! It didn't even have the film of oil that remains when it's freshly wiped off, there was no drop on the tip, this looked like it hadn't been in any oil at all for a long time. I have no idea how long I drove with no oil. It was so long since it 'supposedly' was changed that I couldn't remember. I know it's hard to believe but it had to be the graphite oil I always used. I'd like to see you try to approximate that kind of test. Run an older engine long enough to cover everything and every gap with graphite then let it run out and see if the engine seizes up like it would with regular oil. There was a lot of talk back then about people being afraid the graphite would plug the filter but I never had any kind of oil related problems with a filter or that engine and never saw graphite settled out in the can. Back in the 70's I wasn't looking at viscosity and lubricity too much. I knew synthetics were better so I switched in the 80's. If they still sold Arco I'd have used it longer. In today's engines with tighter tolerances and thinner oil using that old 10W-40 graphite would be taking a chance. But it was great while I had it. I was Not surprised at all by the small wear mark from your lubricity test! That big difference alone is yelling out to take a closer look at this. My car didn't leak or burn oil either. I think the graphite may have helped seal those gaps. After that, I heard about oil with Molybdenum Disulfide in it. The molecular structure is the same as graphite, that's why it's also a lubricant. However, I never used it because if the graphite should burn it would make CO2 but if MoS2 burns in the cylinder, it forms Molybdenum dioxide, MoO2, which is a solid like silicon dioxide - sand, and I didn't want that in my oil. (Not to mention the sulfur poisoning the catalytic converters.) I've been wanting to relate this story for a long time. I think some comparison tests using the graphite coating in the engine might give some interesting results. I will add that the car was old when I got it, about 70K miles so maybe the worn surfaces were less liable to seize. It may have had a thick coating of graphite, I have no idea. Nowadays I'm happy with synthetics. My last car, 1989 Trans Am, had the original engine and trans with 149K miles when I sold it. My daily driver for 30.5 years. P.S. You commented on the high calcium level in the oil analysis and that calcium is used in the detergents. It could be high as a means of helping keep the graphite in suspension. I hope to see more graphite comparisons. I enjoy your tests. You do a good job.

[@bradybarrowman8281]

TJ T that’s one hell of a comment 😂

[@birdolla4441]

I second the run it dry comparison test, though I think you would need to run with the graphite oil for some time (weeks?) to properly coat everthing

[@dopiaza2006]

'Hi, this is Project Farm, I'd like to buy a head gasket please', 'sure, how many would you like?', 'let's start with a few hundred and see how we go'

[@ProjectFarm]

lol. Nice! I just bought a bunch more last week.

[@Blogengezer]

@@ProjectFarm -What about the latest... 'knock'?

[@johnhays1939]

everyone else is buying Toilet Paper, Project Farm is buying Head Gaskets LOL

[@rarbiart]

waiting for the day when we will see the first quick release cylinder head on youtube, right here on this channel.

[@carnagegarage6592]

rarbi.art here or in the Honda or Chevy ls communities

[@bishop5166]

I love how you put the different variables in there. Great job.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you!

[@bendeleted9155]

I will bet that most of those graphite particles will just get stuck in a good filter on the first pass. It works great in locks though.

[@johnhoag2690]

It built up and plunged up the oil journals and the engine seized of started knocking. It was like filling the engine with sand.

[@AmericanThunder]

It's also not good for any roller bearings, such as in camshaft roller lifters and roller tip rocker arms.

[@ProjectFarm]

Great point

[@charlesangell_bulmtl]

Dry, it will wear out your pot-metal locks...

[@Djstz1]

When that came out everyone changed the their oil to that. After some time new cars were being brought into dealerships on the back on tow trucks. Mechanics would just drain the oil out and replace the sparkplugs. The graphite seeps past the rings and fouls out the plugs. That is why you don't see it on the shelf anymore, not due to the base oil.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@PaulA-pn5qn]

Makes absolute sense but what will it do to diesel engines🤔

[@PhotonCast]

I tried it myself and didn't like how it foamed.

[@NateB]

I'm grateful to you for adding some of the history of this clever but brief engineering trend.

[@gutfinski]

IlikeWillypete Willy I broke in my new 1979 Kubota L245DT diesel tractor with Arco Graphite and ran it for about 2 years using nothing but that product. Fast forward to 2020 and my tractor has never had an engine problem and burns no excess crankcase oil.

[@edbm1432]

You already know that he has the cleanest cylinder heads in the entire country

[@Amy_A.]

Well that depends on when you're checking. Just before a test, for sure. After? Results may vary ;)

[@nunya___]

....and the most worn head bolts ever.

[@ProjectFarm]

lol. Nice!

[@theghost7277]

@@Amy_A. ur new here huh

[@chelarestelar]

And when he goes on a road trip, you'll definitely know

[@Yotraj]

I liked Slick 50 when I could get it. As soon as I started the engine after putting it in there was a noticeable difference in engine smoothness.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@lifequest7453]

I used Slick50 also. The first thing we noticed was the engine temperature dropping. The engine ran smooth and seemed to start easier. I was asked about it by someone who was a big time RVer. He dicided to try it so before his trip he put the SLICK 50 in and took off. All he could talk about was watching the temperature guage go down as he drove. I know two others that had put in the SLICK50 and then ones wife and another ran the cars out of oil. They drove them miles that way with the oil light on to get home. Both expected the engines to be toast but they put oil back in them and they started right up. I was a loyal user of SLICK 50 untill they were sold out to a big time company who changed the recepe. In the original mix, you could add SLICK 50 to an oil change and it would be good for 50,000 miles. The new owners wanted to make money so they weakened the mix so you needed to add it every oil change.

[@fritz1990]

Used an old product called " prolong" in my old 318 dodge. Had to back off the idle screw as it raised the rpm by 1000. Saw a marked improvement in economy as well. Engine is still running strong at 180000miles.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@stevetoddsgotit1189]

I used prolong a couple of times, not bad results!

[@joeTM51]

The powdered variety was very useful in gearboxes and differentials to eliminate the whine caused by worn gears. Also was used in wheel bearings to make then last longer. The powder in the engine turned out disastrous because it blocked the oil filter and oil passages and needed a full dismantle. This was more than 40 years ago

[@dudearon8130]

That makes more sense than running it through an engine

[@drewberrynews3875]

how about applying modernizing the approach and use graphene nanoparticles?

[@davelowets]

@@drewberrynews3875 This is being tested all over already as a possible additive for engine oils. I haven't kept up with any of the studies, so I can offer no opinions on the subject.

[@shadmansudipto7287]

@@drewberrynews3875 still it might be worse on direct injection engines nowdays.

[@richtomlinson7090]

That's what I heard, and I remember that brand. I think my father tried it once.

[@Alexander_Sannikov]

> none of the oils seem to be aware that the race has started :D

[@ProjectFarm]

Good observation! lol Thanks for watching.

[@esatd34]

legend says It was 2019 when the race had started.

[@thomasshumate9561]

@@esatd34 Legend has it that the race continues to this day.

[@KTHKUHNKK]

@@ProjectFarm Keith Kuhn here again. I'm just catching up on your to latest videos. Nikola Tesla still wants to talk with you. And so it does Elon Musk. But seriously I'm glad to see you're still at it. Keith Kuhn

[@gorak9000]

This sounded like a tribute to "Jelle's marble runs"

[@jaykellett2327]

My dad was in the navy for 24 years (1940-1964). His engineer and mechanic buddies recommended graphite oil to break in new or rebuilt engines for about 500-1000 miles, then switch to regular oil, with 3000 mile oil changes. Seemed to work.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@mnewln1800]

I love how the can of Arco Graphite is marketed as a "multi grade" motor oil. This video is two years old and I'll bet your still cleaning up this nasty mess!

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for sharing.

[@Turbogto_guy]

I liked before even watching. Because I already know I’m gonna like it.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you very much!

[@codybattles1693]

@TravisT TURBO GTO

[@codybattles1693]

Me too

[@MrPoppyDuck]

Me too!

[@Bloodbain88]

You're extremely thorough with all your tests. I can tell you put in a lot of thought and planning into your videos. Great job! I always learn something.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you!

[@terryvickers5986]

I used Molyslip, a molybdenum additive that is supposed to coat your engine parts. After adding it, I discovered that my diesel pickup with 2 big fuel tanks, would run out of oil long before I had to stop for fuel. So having no oil, I continued to drive to the next filling station, with no oil pressure. That was a heart pounding ten or so minutes but I arrived with no apparent injury to the engine. Used to see the commercials of them running a test engine on a dynamometer, then after draining the oil, ran it again, full bore for two hours., which were hard to believe.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for sharing.

[@puncturetip]

In 1980 I bought a repossessed 1976 firebird that had ticky lifters and only 50K miles. . It was a beautiful car, but I don't think it had seen many oil changes. I tried lots of remedies, but drove it for a lot of miles like that until changing to Arco graphite. The noise was gone right away and stayed gone as long as I continued to use it. If I changed to something else it would return. Eventually Graphite was no longer available so I switched successfully to Castrol. Probably any oil would have worked by then. I think the Graphite had cured it. I sold the car with 206K miles on it and it never used any oil between changes and never needed any work. It was still beautiful and ran great.

[@ProjectFarm]

Impressive results!

[@eriks6200]

Please do a second test with an engine that has an oil filter and then cut apart the filter..

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for the video idea.

[@OldCrowsClassicCars]

I agree. I'd love to see what the rod bearings look like too...

[@keeganharrisom1389]

Would like to see a lot of these tests with small engines with oil filters since they are going to be a bit different I think

[@dbarr8261]

@@ProjectFarm please do a video on clean boost emt.

[@tylerh629]

Thats a great idea, I wonder if the 99.9 percent filters would clog up on the graphite

[@brucebelvin2058]

I always finished my homework faster using a pencil vs a pen. Conclusion: Must have been the graphite.

[@ProjectFarm]

lol Thanks for sharing.

[@ironbomb6753]

That's great funny! 🤣🤣👍♥️

[@richards9407]

But did the pencil run cooler than the pen?

[@michaelwiebers6459]

I’m so old I didn’t even notice the Arco faucet until you mentioned it. Here’s a kicker: I remember when dad would buy quart jars of recycled motor oil. Kept our ‘39 Hudson straight eight running. Loved that old two door car with jump seats in the back for my sister and I. I miss the old days; life was calmer and people were friendly (for the most part). Nuff said.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for sharing!

[@Richard-nf8mr]

My first car was a hand-me-down 1972 Dodge Dart with a Slant 6 engine. Being in college, I tried this in the hopes it would increase gas mileage. I was taking a statistics course at the time, so I was able to apply what I was learning to using Arco Graphite. What I found was that I was getting at most 1 MPG more. What we found at the next oil change, was the graphite seemed to come out of solution. It made for a messy oil change. I went back to regular oil and yet I still had graphite coming out at that oil change - and the next one. FYI: I kept the car until it was 15 and had 169,000 miles and it ran fine with conventional oil. I would not use this in a modern engine, but would recommend full synthetic instead, particularly with a high-mileage car.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for sharing.

[@jakesnake5090]

Back in the 70s, my dad insisted in using Arco in the vehicles. We had a '78 Toyota short bed that had a leaky pan gasket, which allowed the arco to coat the undercarriage of the truck quite well.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for sharing.

[@aaronsmith5433]

". That's that automatic undercoating, they put that in at the factory, but I'll talk to the manager". Jerry Lunderguard Fargo

[@Evan_Floyd]

Project farm coming through for us during quarantine!

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you very much!

[@aperson1181]

Thank you for your wise closing comments, not to use in the modern engine for some of us who are not too much into the cars.

[@senseicorey9979]

These oil races crack me up. Haha. It's really cool to see /hear you having a great time making these videos

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks!

[@Zeus33rd]

I wonder what effect the graphite would have on a filter..?

[@ProjectFarm]

Great point!

[@Novous]

I would think it would depend on the granular size of the graphite.

[@nunya___]

@@Novous Right and remember that there's a bypass in the filter.

[@PaulKeppler]

Plug it up in about 30 seconds is my guess

[@johnturner4400]

No filter required!

[@rhandley1000]

We had nicer weather here in Michigan over the weekend and I wanted to wax my car after the long winter. I was staring at all the different products available in the store and I thought "Boy, it would be nice if project farm would do a comparison"..... I vote for a car wax / sealer comparison Love your videos!

[@codylehr9848]

Yes to this please! Which wax performs the best

[@flymaster99xxl]

Check out Pan The Organizer

[@Reics68]

Wax and nano ceramics

[@keremardcl6759]

Fusso coat for the wax. MrFix9H for cheap nano as a wax substitute. If you want expensive one, you can try Autoglym HD wax.

[@iPanda310]

Plenty of detail chanels do it, not as in depth as project farm but still. Pan the Organizer just off the top of my head does a great job explaining and comparing

[@Big-Foot-Randy]

I used ARCO Graphite in my truck back in the early 80's. I did get slightly better fuel economy, but noticed that I had reduced oil pressure, so after 3 oil changes with ARCO (3500 miles each) I drained and flushed with regular oil for 500 miles, then went back to normal motor oil. Mileage did decrease slightly, but my oil pressure was restored. I could only surmise that the graphite was causing restriction in my oil filter. Great test you ran here. Thank you..

[@ProjectFarm]

You are welcome! Thanks for sharing.

[@MartinX192]

It's nice to see someone youtube who understands science and how to test in a practical way

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks!

[@jeffreylynch3203]

I tested all varities of motor oils for GM when I was with Chevrolet Motor Division, The timing of this coincided with the Arco Graphite oil coming onto the scene. Being a member of the SAE I contacted the API and asked a few questions. As they could not comment on a particular brand ther scientist I spoke with gave me some pretty good info. First of all, graphite can't just be added to engine oil, it does not go into solution, but can be forced into suspension by companies such as North American Colloidal. So there is that. And graphite can centrifuge out of suspension in high speed situations, especially where there is a reduction on the diameter of the carrier, where the expansion of the carrier can cause the graphite to precipitate out. Kind of why a certain synthetic engine oil had to remove it's product from piston aviation engines which used leaded fuel. The spaces between the molecules of the oil molecules was too small to scavenge the lead that made its way into the crankcase, which could then centrifuge out and block crankshaft oiling holes and prop governors. And there is more, but what's the point? All of this stuff was know to the industry 40 years ago. I may be new to your followers, and to you, but the testing for all of this was done in actual laboratory conditions by scientists.

[@kellyvcraig]

Problems are: finding that kind of info; then understanding information, after it's found. We could add to that the fact reading a white paper versus watching a video are very different learning experiences. Many would not understand terms used in woodworking, copper plating and so on. This is short, sweet and simple to follow for a general idea of the merit of adding graphite to engine oil.

[@sirfartsalot1328]

What other cool shit can you share with us? I found that extremely interesting.

[@azza-in_this_day_and_age]

@@kellyvcraig not to mention the modern engine is a different animal, however, the differences seem to be against graphites favor xD

[@bigpandablues]

That's what I call an explanation.

[@inthefade]

Link us to papers, if they are available.

[@MegaGeorge1948]

I had a friend that lost engines in two different cars that he owned when he used the Arco graphite motor oil. This was in the 1980's.

[@Reziac]

I'm thinkin' once any buildup starts, it'll make big deposits in a hurry and clog things up, not to mention what it does to the filter. Don't like the idea of putting anything you can filter out in my oil!

[@TheGuruStud]

Let me guess....domestic pile of shit? Lol. That's normal.

[@ProjectFarm]

Great feedback on Arco

[@Piznick64]

@@TheGuruStud in the 80s domestic was better

[@MegaGeorge1948]

@@TheGuruStud He had a Dodge Dart with the 225 slant six, usually a bullet proof engine, in one car. I forget what the other car had.

[@williammielenz3752]

Only good for fleet vehicles with scheduled oil changes. Graphite can behave as both lubricant and abrasive.

[@lowendrice5504]

The moment by moment narration for the oil race was underrated and arguably the best part of the video thank you.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@mtheory526]

I have witnessed in one of my professions, that with long term usage, it will cake up in the piston ring grooves ceasing them and same thing can happen too hydraulic lifters. Your mower test showed the affect when you pulled the spark plug out. The accumulation of graphite particles can cake on high quality oil filters causing oil pressure issues. The only place this is suited for are gear boxes. Peace and be well.

[@ProjectFarm]

Great point!

[@smelyspartan]

how much do you think alternating between graphite and non-graphite oils for oil changes would reduce that problem? The graphite oil seems to leave a lot of residue that would be hard to get out and would have a higher concentration of graphite due to evaporation, so it might lead to an overall increase of graphite concentration over time and increase the likelihood of those problems. I would be inclined to think alternating types of oils would dilute the graphite every other oil change and help prevent build up, though there are a lot of factors that would make it hard to be sure of without testing.

[@OldCrowsClassicCars]

I don't see how graphite in between the rings 'ceases' them. As long as the graphite is in between surfaces, it will reduce friction.

[@nmarbletoe8210]

@@OldCrowsClassicCars Et tu, Caesar? Good question... maybe graphite can get sticky when mixed with oil at high heat and rubbed... one thing is for sure, this video didn't look at long time spans. I guess I'd ask around before putting any in my tractor, if I had a tractor, and friends to ask.

[@harrier331]

@@OldCrowsClassicCars The graphite in suspension will create friction loss, even in powder form. However graphite can compact, in a location such as piston rings where the full force of combustion gasses are placed small amounts of the graphite in suspension can be compacted, over time this can lead to the creation of what is effectively a block of graphite behind and around the rings causing them to stick in place.

[@keithwittman4741]

I appreciate the time and effort you put into your product testing. And -Not Sponsored-, Awesome!

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks so much!

[@pamelaparker4143]

You guys have saved people thousands dollars

[@pamelaparker4143]

God bless you for all you do

[@Fireworxs2012]

17 years as a Locomotive Machinist with BNSF- We put Graphite Oil in the Center Castings (it's where the locomotive body interacts with the traction motor trucks) to protect them from wear. It is a major PITA to clean and handle.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@jc-pj3nh]

Had a 454 chevy in a 28ft motorhome. Added a teflon additive and the biggest problem was that when I lifted off the gas pedal going down hiil compression braking was nearly absent. However mileage increased to 12.5mpg from 6mpg. I check every tank of fuel and this stayed constant. Just had to use brakes way more often.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@buddyrojek9417]

Was that called Slick 50?

[@buddyrojek9417]

@@ProjectFarm Have you tested Slick 50 additive? And if you did, did it block anything over time?

[@boots7859]

Todd, since you've sent out so much oil for testing and know the secret ingredients, here's an idea. Take on of the good lower cost oils, and add some of those wear and lubricity additives and so what happens if you triple up on them like the Arco oil? Might be interesting to see a long-term test.

[@ProjectFarm]

Great video idea! Thank you

[@crazygeorgelincoln]

I like this idea

[@johnsumner2987]

This is a good idea.

[@heartland96a]

Yes it would be educational to see what profile of a perfect oil you would create or if there was an oil on the market that closely matched your numbers .

[@pnz4aufsh]

Yes very good idea and question I've had forever

[@josephprince3917]

Here's a video idea: Try testing all different brands and types of dish soap. (I.E Dawn Ultra, Gain, Ajax, Dawn Platinum, Palmolive, Dr. Bronners, etc)

[@kris856]

for example by long term washing armpits of a young (dirty) lady Sorry - I know it's really stupid just couldn't resist :)

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for the idea!

[@trentgay3437]

Super interesting

[@digitalventuremovement7680]

@@ProjectFarm i would really love to see this one!!

[@ouchymytoe]

...AS ENGINE LUBRICANTS! ;)

[@DoctoreE644]

I used graphite oil back in the mid-70's in my 1976 Buick Skyhawk 231 c.i. V-6. I bought it new, and used only graphite oil.. I owned the car and believe it had about 175,000 miles on it when I sold it (I made no mechanical engine repairs to it). I sold it to an acquaintance, and he continued to run it with graphite oil. At around 240,000 he was in a bad crash, and got total value, but because he owned a body shop, he rebuilt it. The engine was undamaged. The best I recall, he ran it for around another 100,000 miles before selling it. It was still only burning a quart of oil every 1500 miles, and the only engine repairs he ever made were two or three water pumps, 3 or 4 clutches, and valve cover gaskets, and one or two emmissions components. There was no valve noise, no rod or main bearing noise, there was a little piston slap, and the oil pressure stayed a healthy 35 PSI, dropping to about 20 PSI at idle. He sold it in the mid to late-80's. Most of the milage was highway driving, in CA. I was not terribly critical on oil change frequency, and would run 15 to 25,000 miles between oil changes from time to time. Neither myself or the other owner abused the engine, although I did a lot of stop and go driving, as I used it as a work vehicle. It proved to be a very reliable and inexpensive car to operate.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for sharing.

[@WhaleGold]

As a mechanical designer I worked for a company who loaned me out to Arco When the Acro Graphite came out. As I was not an Arco employee I didn't get the discount, but I bought the product. Used it in my 1975 Olds Toronado with a 455 engine and my collector car, '57 Olds S-88 convertible, until they stopped making it. The Toronado probably had 75,000 miles on it when I started using it. Had to go back to regular oil and it had 249,500 miles when a connecting rod started making noise. Found a can about 5- 6 years ago laying around and added it to my Buick Lesabre with 3.8 engine when my Synthetic oil needed topped off.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for sharing.

[@johnperry5396]

I love this guy. We all take a shot whenever he says "actually". He's great.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for watching!

[@RedHaloManiac95]

Blacked out by the end of the intro

[@DurinSBane-zh9hj]

New plugs and gaskets every test, I hope the guys down at the auto part shop give you a stamp card or something

[@luetner]

Hi, A problem with the graphite in the 70's was plug fouling. That is why it was discontinued. I love your channel and your videos, keep it up.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks, will do!

[@leftoverking]

my family had a 1977 toyota chinook camper with a 20r engine. we ran arco graphite in it all thorough it's life in the 70's into the early 1980's. that same 20r motor is still running today.

[@ProjectFarm]

Nice!

[@dannoyes4493]

I used Arco graphite all the time at the recommendation of my roommate's father, who helped develop and test the stuff - and it worked great... the particulate size and suspension methodology meant there was absolutely no buildup in the oil filter - the problem was the mess it made during oil changes - you couldn't get the black stains out of concrete, clothes, or off you hands.

[@SethLikesToEat]

Just helped show you weren't afraid to get dirty and do your own work!

[@lolbuster01]

Do you happen to know if the oil has issues with the graphite causing blockages?

[@htomerif]

I don't know that its going to make it through a modern oil filter. I think older oil filters had to contend with a lot more particulate additives and were intentionally more porous. One thing about the Arco graphite is that the particles were small enough not to come out of solution. I don't know if you could say the same thing about graphite intended for dry lubrication.

[@dannoyes4493]

@@lolbuster01 absolutely no blockages - it was really great stuff... you got really, really dirty changing the oil - If i could get the stuff today, I'd definitely use it on my older cars and, since I'm old now as well, just let my mechanic get dirty instead of me. you saw in the video the wear resistance - that's what it did for flat tappets

[@cjbrown9867]

@@lolbuster01 I used the arco stuff back in the early 80's on my relatively rare 429 CJ motor. Worked great for a while. Then after a couple years the oil was no longer available. I switched back to regular oil did a serious engine flush. Within a month after that oil light came on and engine siezed up within a few seconds. I sold the car and don't know what the diagnosis was but the guy that bought it got it running again. I do blame the oil...

[@bluewatersailor44]

Excellent. I really appreciate your use of objective, not subjective, evaluations and conclusions. Keep up the good work.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks, will do!

[@fixbertha]

In the early '80s I observed several long-term tests of motor oil with technical fine molybdenum disulfide added. It did work very well in a standard OHV V-8 to reduce wear and friction. The problem was that over a period of time it would accumulate in small oil passages, potentially clogging them and leading to engine failures so engine oil with added moly was never marketed. In the long run it was a good additive if you added a small amount about once every three or four oil changes. It only took a small amount to get the benefits. Molybdenum disulfide is a very common additive in various automotive greases where it works very well against sliding friction. I used to add about 1/4 teaspoon to my motorcycle fork oil to reduce "stiction". It worked great. Don't ingest, don't breathe the dust, other than that it's relatively safe.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for sharing.

[@cuttlefishgaming6928]

Will always be one of my favorite channels. Don't ever stop being awsome

[@snafu6548]

Two things strike me that should be of concern: First is that this material could build up in engine oil galleys restricting flow. Smaller engines with smaller galleys could possibly be blocked even quicker. Second is that your oil filter should remove suspended partials from about 5 microns up. Having graphite floating around will likely play havoc on the filter and reducing its life dramatically. Just thinkin' out loud....

[@lot451]

I agree that graphite flakes are too much bigger, but high quality graphene nano size flakes will go thrue oil filter easily without any problem... Very very tiny little quantity of right graphene grade nano powder will disperse so much in order to offer a way up higher performance ! ... ☺

[@snafu6548]

@@lot451 Perhaps. I'm shooting from the hips for most of this. It is suspended, but can separate with time. I suspect sludge would be like fly paper to it, compounding internal buildup. It's that buildup in small oil passages that no engine wants. Also graphite is crystalline, and as such has an abrasive quality. Someone said as it thickens it begins to act more like a lapping compound. (I've no proof of that, but it sound plausible.) We are talking about diamond hard micro-sand after all. Another is marketing. If it worked, every oil manufacture would be selling it to the home consumers. Much like PTFE, graphite makes promises that no oil manufacturers seem to agree with. For myself? I wont touch it with a ten foot pole!

[@lot451]

@@snafu6548 My car show over 300 000 km, with motor oil loaded with high quality graphene nano powder since +/- 70 - 80 000 km, engine oil manufacturer are often on fact, very lazy in real technology Breakthrough... 😊☺

[@snafu6548]

@@lot451 Sorry boss. I'll have to stop you right there.... I've actually studied oils down to the base crude as part of becoming a certified aircraft mechanic. I have also followed synthetics since their inception as that too came from the aviation industry. Aircraft fleet owners would pay big money for a miracle oil that would cut maintenance expenses. Any big money industry from heavy equipment to Formula1 race cars would be on it like it was gold. Fact is, there is no miracle oil, and our best mechanical engineers still revert to what we call a standard oils. I applaud your luck with your graphite, but at present, it is far from anything I would ever recommend.

[@lot451]

@@snafu6548 Very respectfully said : still confusing " high quality graphene " with " " your graphite " " , this is not communications with sufficient accuracy, is also disrespectful, and will never achieve something toward good direction. Always looking foward fruitful and respectful communication. Have a pleasant day.

[@ernestrisiott6695]

I Was just thinking about using graphite in the oil of my 2009 Harley Davidson Heritage, I have done over 60 thousand trouble-free miles, & I used to use straight 50 weight Penrite mineral oil, now on the twin-cam I use Penrite 20/50 full synthetic oil, & it runs like brand new. I have always believed the best thing you can do for your engine to prolong its life is to change the oil & filter twice as often as factory specs, which is in my case every 4 thousand instead of the factory's 8 thousand. Cheap insurance in the long run I reckon. Loved this vid & your work, excellent, enjoyment & informative. I just joint up! Cheers from Downunder!

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks and you are welcome!

[@onlinebills9169]

Your videos never cease to amaze me! Thank you for taking the time :)

[@gyrogearloose1345]

Fair enough. Also bear in mind, with 2,480,354 views and 2.32M subscribers (March 9 2022) Project Farm is pulling in a few bucks thanks to you - and me!

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks and you are welcome!

[@alschlauch5769]

Back in late 70"s starting out as a tech. Did oil changes for a fleet that tried Arco Graphite in their Oldsmobile diesel cars. Snapped 3 crankshafts (one in owners car). Found out after 3rd one graphite was clogging oil passage to mains starving them of oil. Did a whole bunch of oil changes that week. Back to conventional oil and no more problems. Still knew when one that had that graphite oil came in oil still came oit black as tar. 10"s of thousands miles later.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@americanjoe5486]

how about MarvelMajickMystery oil ive used it as an oil add,in gas,and in power steering all ways makes a difference. Another best tip is Shell hi octane/no Alcahol fuel,,i get it a High V

[@sammorgan31]

That Arco looks like it would work great in a gearbox.

[@ProjectFarm]

Great point!

[@duramax78]

That’s a good ider or rear end.

[@richardarrington7856]

I had a customer buy a quart and put it in his lawnmower and after he ran it for a while he drained the oil and mowed without any oil in it. After he finished his yard he put the oil back in it and brought his cars and had the oil changed in them to Arco Graphite. When Arco was pulled out of the southeast I bought several cases of the oil and my only regret is that I didn't buy more.

[@logik316]

Richard Arrington lawnmower engines are durable enough to run without oil for quite a while. Graphite will clog up spark plugs, oil filters, and eventually your catalytic converter.

[@logik316]

Ranjit too thin for a differential.

[@michaelthemekhanical]

I know my Dad's work had a Gas forklift needing an engine reconditioning and instead of rebuilding at the time, the boss put in a whole bunch of Graphite into the oil and at that point stopped servicing it. They rebuilt it last year from memory because it did not last forever, but it gave it a few more years before needing that full engine rebuild. Let me tell you, it's hilarious when they do jobs wrong, try to weld something, leak coolant etc and when they assemble something so wrong that other things don't assemble correctly and you have to break things to get things apart. Those stories are unforgettable.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for sharing.

[@asharma9345]

Keep it Up Sir, You are a Gem of a Human. Keep experimenting.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks, will do!

[@lat6074]

You need to do one test more. First run the engine for some time. Then drain the oil out and look how long the engine will run before destruction. Someone told me that graphite was used in engine oil of World War II piston engine air craft. The graphite made it possible to fly a little longer after a lubrication failure of loss of the oil after bullet hit.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for the video idea.

[@jareknowak8712]

@Lat60 - true story.

[@tomt373]

That would be because, unlike your car's engine, during WW2, the typical American aircraft engine was overhauled or replaced frequently, and the graphite, as an abrasive, could easily more quickly "wear-in" newly assembled, tight fitting bearing and piston ring surfaces. The looser an engine wear parts are the less likely they will seize-up if you have a sudden loss of oil pressure, etc., but they would use GALLONS of oil that had to be re-filled just like the gas tanks between missions. Not something you would want to see happen in your car's engine if you want to keep it without having to change out the engine before 100 K miles.

[@leocurious9919]

@@tomt373 Graphite abrasive? How is that possible? Its one of the softest materials there is, round about 1 on the mohs scale, the lowest number. There is no way its abrasive to steel. That would be like copperpower grinding away solid diamond.

[@tomt373]

@@leocurious9919 Graphite is made of pure carbon. Carbon atoms are capable of forming bonds which create a number of different structures. Diamond and graphite are two of the most well-known forms (allotropes) of carbon. So now, it depends on the source of your graphite. Graphite From Coal Seam Metamorphism ("Amorphous" Graphite) Some graphite forms from the metamorphism of coal seams. The organic material in coal is composed mainly of carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, and sulfur. So your assertion that all graphite is as soft as that which you are familiar with is like saying "all steel is as soft as my piece of malleable steel bar stock", which can be commonly be obtained from any steel supplier.. Now, for instance, the high-carbon steel in your common household hacksaw blade can cut a piece of typical malleable steel bar stock shows that they are not the same stuff, even though they are both called "steel". So your finding a nice soft form of graphite is not necessarily typical of what is commonly known as "graphite". Remember, Graphite has the same chemical composition as Diamond, which is also pure carbon, and I think that you agree about Diamonds being harder then steel.

[@zoraaduntov2290]

I used Arco Graphite motor oil in my 1969 corvette 427 engine and it spun a bearing within 1 week of changing over to ARCO. Absolutely believe that the engine failure was caused by the oil. Low mileage on the engine.

[@MrTheHillfolk]

Not the only comment in here that I've seen where people said they had issues.

[@ProjectFarm]

Great point!

[@rodneybyrd9516]

When I worked for a Chrysler dealership (1982-1994), my boss, the dealer principal, drove a 1987 turbo LeBaron coupe. He was a retired Air Force RF4C pilot with a ton of recon missions over N. Vietnam including Hanoi. He was a believer in that graphite MoPar oil, and it never failed him in that high heat environment (albeit that it was an oil and water cooled turbo on that model). It just felt weird poring BLACK oil INTO a car. LOL

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for sharing.

[@matth7621]

Any time I'm trying to decide what brand to buy, this channel is my first stop. Thank you so much for all the work you do!

[@ProjectFarm]

You are so welcome!

[@r.h.5052]

Thanks for reminding me how old I am. Yes, I did use Arco graphite when it came out on a new 76 Ford. No unfavorable results. No one else I knew tried it because it looked dirty. One thing about graphite. It will eventually kill a catalytic converter and if it's used on a later injected engine, it will kill 02 sensors. If you have an engine with some wear, as you see on the mower, spark plugs will foul easily.

[@tj1993rx7]

Project Farm and ChrisFix - my 2 favorite KZbin channels...thanks for all the tests and comparisons.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you!

[@hbsupermage]

chris fix is quite a disaster

[@danielbillings1040]

Years ago (20) I used an engine oil that was infused with P T F E, the v-6 engine had around 130,000 miles after several oil changes that same engine was torn down for a rebuild for another application and was later sold and still operating satisfactorily with 80,000 miles on the rebuild, the buyer drove that engine five more years and the engine was still running,we both used that same oil only changing the oil twice a year using the same oil, no we didn't use oil additives, the ptfe was already in the oil.

[@heavenhelpus479]

LOL. That last line sums it up: "Would I use graphite in my modern day engine? Absolutely not!"

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@RangieNZ]

Parts shop: How come you need 10 mower head gaskets? PF: It's a long story...

[@ProjectFarm]

lol Thanks for watching.

[@husqv5147]

He makes his own mower head gaskets, stamps them out of a stack of paper plates,100 at a time.

[@Yora21]

I also need another box of spark plugs.

[@datadavis]

All brands please

[@wormer66]

@@datadavis lmao this comment wins....

[@Sir_Leelord]

9:10 - 9:30 was the most exciting part of my day with that oil race.

[@ProjectFarm]

Glad to hear!

[@leporid257]

It felt like a real race on the TV!

[@aljohame]

@@leporid257 true😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@aljohame]

@@ProjectFarm I really laughed a Lot cause this race😂😂😂

[@login9804]

You have never heard someone so enthusiastic about an oil race.

[@userunfriendly9304]

It would be cool to see an experiment where you combine all the best results of other experiments to see how much you can improve performance.

[@ProjectFarm]

thanks for the suggestion.

[@garydotson2277]

Years ago, working at the research center, we ran a series of various oils in a fleet of vehicles. The granite oil we used, while not labeled as Arco but it surely was. That stuff left a mess behind, very difficult to get it flushed out to switch to the next oil. When the test series concluded, there was a bunch of it to be disposed of. I used it for bar oil in my chain saw for years, nobody else wanted it!

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for sharing.