FAQ's
(Frequently Asked Questions)

The original Slick-50 (pre 1983) formula is now sold under the name Xcelplus.

Q Is it true that Xcelplus is the original Slick-50 formula?
A Yes. In 1983 John Bishop the inventor discontinued the supply of  the formula to Petrolon who marketed Slick-50.

Q Can the manufacturers of the new Slick-50 formula quote tests done with the original Slick-50 formula?
A No. The Slick-50 settlement with the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) prohibits Slick-50 from making claims that rely on the original Slick-50 tests.

Q Can Xcelplus quote tests done under the Slick-50 name?
A Yes... for any test done with the original (pre 1983) Slick-50 formula.

Q What other names has Xcelplus been marketed under, when were they available and where?
A Click here for a list of Trademarks used to market Xcelplus N.B. Xcelplus is also being marketed as Lubrilon at the moment. Both names are used on this site.

Q What is the difference between Xcelplus and it's competitors?
A Xcelplus is a PERMANENT treatment..
Xcelplus has been TESTED extensively.
Tests are PROVIDED on the web site.

Q How long does the treatment last?
A  In normal use it will last over 160,000 kms. If an engine is rebuilt, parts are changed or mechanically abraded these parts will need to be retreated.

Q Do you have a picture of the PFL (Permanently Fused Layer) coating?
A Yes in the Tests section (Franklin Institute)

Q Are Xcelplus claims substantiated?
A Yes. There are tests by independent laboratories, consumer and government organisations: Look in the tests section.

Q How can I test it's working?
A Do some DIY tests

Q Is Xcelplus an "oil treatment"?
A Xcelplus is really a "metal treatment" because it treats the metal not the oil.

Q How long does it take for the savings with Xcelplus to pay back the cost of the product?
A If your mileage was to increase by 10% it would take you $1,000 of fuel to pay the cost of the bottle. This is roughly 8 months driving in a car. Other savings also occur. The value of these other savings (like longer engine life, greater reliability and protection from seizing) can easily exceed the improvement in economy.

Q How long does it take Xcelplus to treat the engine?
A It is recommended that the oil is not changed for at least 5,000 Kms.

Q How is the Xcelplus applied?
A Put the treatment in with the oil when you do an oil change.

Q If one bottle of Xcelplus treats an engine capacity of ~7L... can I put less in smaller engines?
A Yes.

Q Is over-treating an engine with Xcelplus dangerous?
A No. Xcelplus only coats to 1-2 microns thickness then stops. Any excess will be flushed out with the oil change.

Q If you apply the recommended amount of Xcelplus is there any chance you will under-treat your engine?
A No. The recommended amount should be more than sufficient to treat any engine up to ~7L engine capacity.

Q Will Xcelplus make the wet clutch in my motorcycle slip?
A No. The metal separator plates in the clutch do not cause slippage when coated (unlike friction modified oils which coat all surfaces in the clutch).

Q Can you treat a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) or automatic transmission with Xcelplus?
A No. It may cause slippage (it works too well in some places).

Q Can you treat differentials, gear boxes and other parts with Xcelplus?
A Yes. Virtually anything which uses oil as a lubricant can have Xcelplus added to it N.B. It should NOT be used in automatic transmissions (including CVT's) as it MAY cause slippage (it works too well in some places).

Q Is Xcelplus compatible with synthetic, mineral, graphite, castor and ester (vegetable) based oils?
A Yes. We have not been able to find an oil it is not compatible with yet (please e-mail if you do).

Q Is it better to treat an old car or a new car with Xcelplus?
A Both.
A new car gets the benefit of reduced wear (lasts longer).
An old car often shows the greatest improvements eg. economy, noise, temperature, etc...

Q Can you treat a brand new car with Xcelplus?
A No. You have to wait until the car is run in. Xcelplus will stop the wear-in process.

Q Will Xcelplus help a smoking vehicle?
A Yes. Xcelplus removes varnish and helps the rings move more freely in the piston so they seal better. N.B. Xcelplus does not replace metal or fix worn seals.

Q Will Xcelplus increase compression?
A Yes. Xcelplus removes varnish and helps the rings to move more freely in the piston so they seal better. Compression usually evens out across all cylinders.

Q If you use shopping dockets to get 4c off per litre. Why should you use Xcelplus to save on petrol?
A Xcelplus would save you around 12c/litre (assuming a 10% increase in economy) even if you don't have a shopping docket. Or 16c/litre if you do.

Grease

Q What happens when you treat parts like bearings with the Xcelplus grease?
A The parts last longer and require greasing less often (saves lots of work): This also means less grease is required.

Q How can I tell the Xcelplus grease is working?
A Usually it is possible to notice a decrease in rolling resistance after a short run-in (try rolling down a hill after you grease all the wheel bearings).

2-stroke Treatment & Upper cylinder lubricant

Q Why is the 2-stroke treatment also called an "Upper cylinder lubricant"
A Because it can be used in 4-stroke engines as well where it lubricates the upper cylinder.

Q How is the 2 stroke treatment added?
A Via the petrol

Lubricant: All purpose, penetrating and permanent

Q How is the lubricant best applied?
A You can use a spray nozzle, a brush, a stick or a dropper: Only a small amount is required for most applications.

Q How long does the lubricant last?
A It depends on the application. However it lasts far longer than any other lubricant we have ever tested.

Q Where is the lubricant most effective?
A Anywhere a small metal surface has a friction problem N.B. It won't bond to plastic or other non-metal materials. 

Q Does the lubricant work on heavy metal surfaces or surfaces with large loads?
A If you have very large heavy surfaces or surfaces with large loads the Xcelplus engine treatment or grease is a better choice.

Q Where do "you" find the lubricant works best?
A Locks and hinges. Especially locks made from cheap porous metals... which normally need repeated lubrication to keep working. It has an amazing penetrating ability and once in it lubricates brilliantly and keeps working for very long periods of time (years usually).

Q What is the most unusual application you have found for the lubricant?
A The solenoids, pushrods, plunger and other moving parts on a pinball machine. They were sticking and required continuous maintenance. One treatment with a very small amount of the lubricant solved all the sticking problems and has lasted over a year.

N.B. If you have an unusual application and you're not sure please ask us.