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Doctor's oil remedy was the real thing

20/ 6/2006

CAR engines running on Coca-Cola? Sounds far fetched but a Norden-born scientist managed to make it a reality.

In June 1989 Dr Jack Schofield, a senior lecturer at Liverpool Polytechnic, unveiled a lubricating additive he had invented with a Hungarian colleague, Dr Jozef Fodor.

What was called Chelate Forming Organic Complex was the result of 10 years' research.

Dr Schofield said it could be mixed with a wide variety of liquids containing acid and could be a major step towards an oilless engine.

He continued: "We should not be using oil in the way that we are. The additive will save our dwindling oil stocks and make a major contribution to a better environment."

The additive gave a better covering to engine parts and cut down on wear and tear from friction.

As part of the Granada TV programme 'Acid Test' Dr Schofield organised a special test drive.

He said: "We ran a Ford Cortina from Liverpool to Manchester and back, using the additive mixed with Coca-Cola, which contains acid."

The additive was patented by the government-backed British Technical Group and licences were issued for its manufacture.

Son of a Norden butcher, Dr Schofield was educated at Norden Primary School, Rochdale Technical School and Oldham Technical School.

He then spent 20 years working in local industry before taking up teaching in 1959.

After two years lecturing at Stafford College of Technology he moved to Liverpool Regional College of Technology, which later became Liverpool Polytechnic.

Dr Schofield became a senior lecturer in tribology - the science of friction, lubrication and wear.

In the 1991 new year's honours list he was awarded an MBE for his services to science and technology.