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History
Founded in 1921 by the Shaler Company, Rislone was one of the original automotive chemical additives.
The machining tolerances for early automobiles were not what they are today. Subsequently, one of the major problems was improper piston ring seating. Engines often had to be torn down every 2,000 to 3,000 miles and re-ringed.
Rislone was originally sold in glass bottles through service stations along with Shaler Hot Patches, a vulcanizing system for tire repair. In the 1930s, Shaler built product awareness by combining showmanship and salesmanship with the Shaler Traveling Circus.
Along with the engine performance benefits, Rislone was instrumental in coining one of the most common phrases in automotive vernacular: the Tune-up. In the late 1930s, Shaler developed a training system for mechanics called the Shaler Rislone Tune-Up System. The benefits of a Tune-Up to both customer and service provider were numerous. By enhancing a regular oil change with the addition of Rislone and Karbout, a Shaler product for cleaning carburetors, the mechanic was able to guarantee the customer "Feelable Improvement" in the car’s performance. Locations that followed the system were designated as "Authorized Tune-Up Service Stations."
During the 1940s and 50s, Rislone was offering a "Money-Back Guarantee of Smooth-Driving Satisfaction." Advertisements in publications such as Life and The Saturday Evening Post challenged drivers to add Rislone during an oil change, and then drive 10 miles. If the beneficial effects of the additive were not felt within 10 miles, they could return to the dealer for a full refund. Of the more than 20 million guarantee cards issued with the purchase of Rislone, fewer than one half of one percent were returned for a refund.
Famous Users of Rislone
Throughout its impressive history, Rislone has provided enhanced engine performance in a wide variety of applications.
Nationally known users of Rislone throughout the years include: The U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps. And other branches of the United States Government; Allis-Chalmers; the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad Co.; International Harvester; Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Co.; DeHaviland Aircraft; Ford Motor Co.; the Oshkosh Motor Truck Company; and numerous Checker Cab fleets.
Perhaps the most famous user of Rislone was Admiral Richard Byrd during his expedition to the South Pole. A letter sent from the expedition’s supply officer to the Rislone distributor, along with an unused can from the trip, states that,"… as our expedition was the first in the history of Antarctic exploration to use, successfully, completely mechanized transport - which consisted of three Citroen tractors, a Cletrac 30-40 and two Ford snowmobiles - Shaler should be proud to be an undoubted factor in making for this success."
Rislone’s Racing Record
Over the years, Rislone has been part of numerous successful auto racing teams, as both a sponsor and as a component in the high-performance racing engines.
Bobby Unser won the 1968 Indianapolis 500 with Rislone in the engine.
Rislone has also had a long involvement with drag racing. The legendary Chicago-based Chi/Town Hustler was sponsored by Rislone from the mid-1970s through the 1980s, including the 1982 season when driver Frank Hawley won the National Funny Car Championship.
Tommy Ivo used Rislone in his impressive four-engine, one engine for each wheel on his Buick station wagon show car. The Buick could smoke all four tires for the entire quarter-mile.
Bill Reichert driver of the Rislone Top Alcohol Dragster currently holds the titles of U.S. National Indy Champion and World Champion overall for 2006, 2007 & 2008.
As well as the Top Alcohol Dragsters, Rislone also sponsors many other motorsports such as Jr. Dragsters, Monster Trucks and Sprint Cars.
RISLONE TODAY:
Rislone - A New Beginning
Bar's Products, Inc. announced it's purchase of the Shaler Company and Rislone name brand in May of 2006. The goal was to maintain the integrity of the original Rislone formula while updating the overall look of the products you see in stores today.
Rislone Engine Treatment still provides penetrating lubrication and contains a proprietary additive package to remove sludge and prevent harmful engine deposits from forming. Additionally, wear protection and improved engine cleanliness can be expected. The inclusion of SJ additive package helps ensure compatibility with manufactures new vehicle warranty. Rislone is fully compatible with all petroleum-based and synthetic motor oils.
As the Rislone name brand enters its 92nd year of business, the product line includes Rislone Ring Seal, Rislone Premium Quality 2-Cycle Engine Oil, Rislone Compression Repair with Ring Seal, and our newest product for 2009 is the Rislone Fuel Injection Cleaner a fuel additive that is specially designed to lubricate the upper cylinder of an engine and offers full time lubrication of your fuel system that reduces friction, wear and excess heat.