Last updated on May 17, 2011
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Having picked up a like-new steel frame I want to protect it as best I can, so I was planning on spraying the inside of the tubes with J. P. Weigle Frame Saver, a classic bike industry corrosion resist used inside of steel frames. Unfortunately, it’s now being manufactured from unobtanium. Digging for alternatives (and on the suggestion of David, from whom I purchased the frame), I looked into (and ultimately purchased, via a local distributor) Amsoil MPHD Heavy Duty Metal Protector.
Based on the descriptions of Frame Saver and how it coats and dries to a waxy finish it appears that this product will do the same with the same result. As a test I sprayed some spare sheet metal, uncleaned, and with a piece of tape on it to determine thickness as can be seen here. Frame Saver is reportedly a thin brown liquid that runs and pools yet still seems to cling nicely and this seems to be the same. Once I’ve seen how it sets up I’ll decide if the frame will actually get treated with it, but thus far the results are looking good. Also, at $6.60/can (16 oz) it’s considerably cheaper than the Frame Saver product would have been, had I been able to find it. J. P. Weigle Frame Saver was typically priced at ~$14/can for 4.75 oz. With this I should be able to do my frame then let any friends who pick up steel frames use it as well.
I’ve always used AMSOIL with all my toys especially my dirt bikes, four wheelers, and sand rail. They make a great product their engine oil is even better!
Josh: Do you have any info about what makes their engine oil so much better than other synthetics? I commonly hear how great it is, but I can’t find any qualitative analysis of it; I just hear that it’s good. For a product like this there really isn’t another alternative and thus it’s a good choice, but if their engine oil is a good choice I’d like some reasons as to why.
I happen to have a steel frame. :D
May be irrelevant, as I plan to replace it this summer anyway.
Steve: I have no actual data other than my experience with it. My engine always seemed to run smoother with less engine knocking and cleaner emission (meaning less soot on the exhaust pipe) if that is possible with a high performance engine. Higher compression engines require a synthetic blend that keeps the engine cooler at higher rpm’s and excessive engine stress. The compression in my quad was 10:1 which is much higher than a car engine at 4:1 or 5:1. When I tore the engine apart to inspect the seals, values and compression rings I noticed cleaner valves and less nicks in the cylinder sleeve also less metal in the case from the nicks. Could have been just a good quality Honda Engine (which it was) but all of those variables made me think it was the Brand, I had also run Klotz and Honda’s 4 stroke Performance Oil, AMSOIL seemingly the best. Lastly, I took the advice of successful engine builders at a local shop in Toledo. Hope that helps.