# My purchase of Marvel Mystery Oil was... mysterious **URL:** \ **Category:** General Discussion\ **Created:** [November 19, 2018, 6:08pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/my-purchase-of-marvel-mystery-oil-was-mysterious/129164 "2018-11-19T18:08:44Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![VDCdriver](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/vdcdriver/32/30_2.png) [@VDCdriver](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VDCdriver)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2018, 6:08pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/my-purchase-of-marvel-mystery-oil-was-mysterious/129164/1 "2018-11-19T18:08:44Z")
This morning, I noticed that my oil was down by 1/4 of a quart, so when I was driving in the vicinity of a Wal-Mart, I decided to go in and buy a qt. of MMO in order to top it off. I went to the self-checkouts, and the woman who supervises those checkouts had to come over and intervene because the purchase of this oil additive required “proof of being 18 years of age”. 😲 To her credit, she didn’t ask this white-haired old guy for proof of age, and she simply did some sort of override. I am used to having to provide identification in some liquor stores, and when purchasing certain OTC cold products, but… for an oil additive??? I would have asked the woman for an explanation, but because a guy at the next register was coughing like a fugitive from a T.B. ward, I just got out of there as quickly as I could. Does anyone have a theory regarding proof of age for purchasing that product? ---
**Author:** ![Purebred](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/purebred/32/46796_2.png) [@Purebred](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Purebred)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2018, 6:13pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/my-purchase-of-marvel-mystery-oil-was-mysterious/129164/2 "2018-11-19T18:13:08Z")
Same when I purchase SeaFoam, this AM, superglue. Always for spray paint. But then 55 years ago when building AMT 3in1 model cars had to have a parent present to buy ‘airplane’ glue. ---
**Author:** ![VDCdriver](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/vdcdriver/32/30_2.png) [@VDCdriver](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VDCdriver)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2018, 6:30pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/my-purchase-of-marvel-mystery-oil-was-mysterious/129164/3 "2018-11-19T18:30:34Z")
Because of “huffing”, I can understand that proviso for spray paint, and for certain types of glue, but for… Marvel Mystery Oil and SeaFoam? Are people actually trying to get high from those products? 🤪 ---
**Author:** ![shadowfax](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/shadowfax/32/13026_2.png) [@shadowfax](https://community.cartalk.com/u/shadowfax)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2018, 6:49pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/my-purchase-of-marvel-mystery-oil-was-mysterious/129164/4 "2018-11-19T18:49:25Z")
I know you can use Seafoam to make meth. I’m not sure why Walmart apparently thinks only children are making meth, but there you are. ---
**Author:** ![shanonia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9de053/32.png) [@shanonia](https://community.cartalk.com/u/shanonia)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2018, 7:06pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/my-purchase-of-marvel-mystery-oil-was-mysterious/129164/5 "2018-11-19T19:06:48Z")
Was the MMO in a spray can, or liquid in a red plastic bottle with a screw cap? I could see the spray can as maybe having a propellant that some people huff. A huffing motorist killed several Girl Scouts and their adult leader a couple weeks ago in NW WI. Ran his pickup truck off the road and into the group that was picking up trash from the culvert. ---
**Author:** ![sgtrock21](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/sgtrock21/32/246_2.png) [@sgtrock21](https://community.cartalk.com/u/sgtrock21)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2018, 7:13pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/my-purchase-of-marvel-mystery-oil-was-mysterious/129164/6 "2018-11-19T19:13:34Z")
I recall when nasal decongestants containing pseudoephedrine hydrochloride required ID plus completing and signing a form was required for purchase due to it being a meth ingredient. Pretty dumb when the meth manufacturers were supposedly getting the powder in 5 gallon buckets from China. ---
**Author:** ![shadowfax](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/shadowfax/32/13026_2.png) [@shadowfax](https://community.cartalk.com/u/shadowfax)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2018, 7:29pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/my-purchase-of-marvel-mystery-oil-was-mysterious/129164/7 "2018-11-19T19:29:05Z")
I remember covering that when I worked in Iowa. They only started getting the powder from (mostly, there, anyway) Mexico _after_ they couldn’t easily buy Sudafed over the counter. Iowa was one of the earlier states to crack down on OTC cold medicine, because the other big ingredient they were using back then was anhydrous ammonia, which they stole from farms, sometimes with explosive results, and farmers were getting tired of worrying that their nurse tanks would explode some night. Thing is, it’s chasing a moving target, because once you lose on the amphetamine-interception front, the stuff you use to actually cook the meth can come from a variety of sources. Can’t get anhydrous? That’s OK, plenty of household chemicals make a fine substitute, and you don’t even have to cook it. You just put everything into a jug and shake it. You just have to be careful not to unscrew the lid too fast so it doesn’t explode, but it’s easy, cheap, and when one ingredient gets blocked via legislation, you just switch to something else, like those instant cold-packs pharmacies sell for sprains. Seafoam is the same. They’ve made it hard to get, so they’ll switch to some other product. I’d guess mothballs, or camp stove fuel. Anything with naptha in it. ---
**Author:** ![Purebred](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/purebred/32/46796_2.png) [@Purebred](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Purebred)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2018, 7:37pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/my-purchase-of-marvel-mystery-oil-was-mysterious/129164/8 "2018-11-19T19:37:12Z")
Ah but, no age check for Rediwhip. Propellant: nitrous oxide ---
**Author:** ![common-sense-answer](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/common-sense-answer/32/716_2.png) [@common-sense-answer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/common-sense-answer)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2018, 7:41pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/my-purchase-of-marvel-mystery-oil-was-mysterious/129164/9 "2018-11-19T19:41:32Z")
I think I’ve got it! I’m no scientist, but I checked the MMO **_Safety Data Sheet_** and under the heading **_“Hazard Identification”_** is a hazard classification reference to **_“Reproductive Toxicity 2”_**. Admittedly not a scientist, but I was once under the age of 18 and if my memory serves me then anything with a toxic influence on reproductive behavior in middle school or high school would NOT be a good thing. If I recall that was a problem without any toxicity to enhance it. 🤭 So, requiring _“proof of being 18 years of age,”_ makes sense to me. 😏 Sorry, I’ll show myself out… _ **CSA** _ 🌴🕶🌴 ---
**Author:** ![VDCdriver](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/vdcdriver/32/30_2.png) [@VDCdriver](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VDCdriver)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2018, 9:45pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/my-purchase-of-marvel-mystery-oil-was-mysterious/129164/10 "2018-11-19T21:45:54Z")
> [@shanonia](#): > > Was the MMO in a spray can, or liquid in a red plastic bottle with a screw cap? It was the liquid in the plastic bottle. It just made no sense to me. > [@shadowfax](#): > > I know you can use Seafoam to make meth Okay, I just learned something today. Not that I can or will use that knowledge, but I do like to learn at least one new thing every day. ---
**Author:** ![RandomTroll](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/randomtroll/32/12184_2.png) [@RandomTroll](https://community.cartalk.com/u/RandomTroll)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2018, 10:57pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/my-purchase-of-marvel-mystery-oil-was-mysterious/129164/11 "2018-11-19T22:57:54Z")
Whenever I buy some solvent that requires ID I mime snorting it and tell the cashier, ‘100 hits for $2!’, cheerily. Maybe they know something you don’t. A _Playboy_ cartoon (read it for the cartoons) showed BNDD agents (Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, predecessor to the DEA) agents arresting Colonel Sanders. One bystander told the other, ‘They just identified the 11 secret herbs and spices.’ ---
**Author:** ![bing](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/bing/32/4619_2.png) [@bing](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bing)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2018, 11:25pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/my-purchase-of-marvel-mystery-oil-was-mysterious/129164/12 "2018-11-19T23:25:11Z")
This is not really funny when you kill 12 year old Girl Scouts from smelling air. Edit: Oh never mind. Duct tape over mouth. Filter activated. ---
**Author:** ![ok4450](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/e9bcb4/32.png) [@ok4450](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ok4450)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2018, 7:16pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/my-purchase-of-marvel-mystery-oil-was-mysterious/129164/13 "2018-11-20T19:16:31Z")
I’ve never heard of MMO being a problem but anything is possible I guess due to a number of people out there who will try anything. Many years ago here, the 15 year old sister of a guy I know died at a party one Saturday night. She started inhaling Pam (yes, the non-stick cooking spray) and was DOA at the hospital. ---
**Author:** ![shadowfax](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/shadowfax/32/13026_2.png) [@shadowfax](https://community.cartalk.com/u/shadowfax)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2018, 7:34pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/my-purchase-of-marvel-mystery-oil-was-mysterious/129164/14 "2018-11-20T19:34:44Z")
You guys got me curious, so I did a little more research. It seems that because _some_ fuel additives can be used to make meth, Walmart restricts _all_ fuel additives to 18+. Bizarre. ---
**Author:** ![jtsanders](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c2a13f/32.png) [@jtsanders](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jtsanders)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2018, 10:02pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/my-purchase-of-marvel-mystery-oil-was-mysterious/129164/15 "2018-11-20T22:02:43Z")
> [@shadowfax](#): > > I’m not sure why Walmart apparently thinks only children are making meth, but there you are. You have to be over 18 so that you are not a minor. Using a drivers license or other government picture ID shows how often you buy the drugs. If it’s too often, expect the police to come calling to find out why you need an unusually large quantity. ---
**Author:** ![shadowfax](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/shadowfax/32/13026_2.png) [@shadowfax](https://community.cartalk.com/u/shadowfax)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2018, 10:03pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/my-purchase-of-marvel-mystery-oil-was-mysterious/129164/16 "2018-11-20T22:03:41Z")
Yeah, I get that with Sudafed, but is anyone really gonna get a cop raid because they bought a bunch of Seafoam? ---
**Author:** ![VDCdriver](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/vdcdriver/32/30_2.png) [@VDCdriver](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VDCdriver)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2018, 10:05pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/my-purchase-of-marvel-mystery-oil-was-mysterious/129164/17 "2018-11-20T22:05:53Z")
> [@shadowfax](#): > > is anyone really gonna get a cop raid because they bought a bunch of Seafoam? We can only hope not! ---
**Author:** ![jtsanders](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c2a13f/32.png) [@jtsanders](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jtsanders)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2018, 10:23pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/my-purchase-of-marvel-mystery-oil-was-mysterious/129164/18 "2018-11-20T22:23:19Z")
We can hope not, but don’t count on it. Buy enough of any precursor for amphetamines and you will immediately become a person of interest. Is nothing sacred?! Nope, apparently not. ---
**Author:** ![Purebred](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/purebred/32/46796_2.png) [@Purebred](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Purebred)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2018, 1:49am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/my-purchase-of-marvel-mystery-oil-was-mysterious/129164/19 "2018-11-21T01:49:26Z")
I guess I missed the SeaFoam episode on “Breaking Bad”. ---
**Author:** ![shadowfax](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/shadowfax/32/13026_2.png) [@shadowfax](https://community.cartalk.com/u/shadowfax)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2018, 3:26am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/my-purchase-of-marvel-mystery-oil-was-mysterious/129164/20 "2018-11-21T03:26:19Z")
Oh yeah, that was the St. Patrick’s day “green meth” special episode. 😉 [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/t/my-purchase-of-marvel-mystery-oil-was-mysterious/129164.md?page=2)