* Contamination: The additive itself might contain impurities that foul spark plugs or injectors.
* Increased Viscosity: Some additives thicken the oil significantly. If the oil becomes too thick, it might not properly lubricate the engine's moving parts, including the valve train, potentially leading to misfires. This is especially true if the engine is already struggling with oil consumption.
* Incorrect Application: Using too much additive can also cause problems, potentially leading to sludge buildup and affecting engine performance.
* Underlying Issues: The misfire is likely caused by something else, and the additive is a distraction from the root problem. Burning oil is a symptom, not the disease.
If your 2.3L Mustang is misfiring, using an oil additive is treating a symptom, not the underlying cause. You should diagnose the misfire first. Potential causes include:
* Spark plugs: Worn, fouled, or improperly gapped spark plugs are a common cause of misfires.
* Ignition coils: Defective ignition coils can prevent proper spark delivery.
* Worn or damaged injectors: Fuel injectors that aren't delivering fuel properly.
* Worn valve seals: Contributing to oil burning and potentially affecting compression.
* Other mechanical problems: A variety of other internal engine problems can cause misfires.
Instead of using an oil additive to treat a misfire, take your Mustang to a qualified mechanic. They can properly diagnose the root cause of the misfire and the oil burning and recommend the appropriate repair. Using an oil additive without addressing the underlying problem could worsen the situation and cause further damage.
