Search Results

A vehicle system to monitor the actual condition of engine oil in service would provide the customer with the opportunity to utilize the full useful life of the oil and would minimize problems which can occur when oils remain in the engine too long and are excessively degraded and/or contaminated. This paper describes limitations of some systems which have been proposed, outlines the requirements and potential difficulties related to development of sensors designed to monitor changes in chemical properties of the oil, and describes laboratory and vehicle evaluations of a candidate sensor.

Obtaining the maximum benefits from advanced fuel efficient engine oils will require that those oils not only provide fuel efficiency when new but also throughout the service interval for the oil. The effects of laboratory and engine aging on the ability of an oil containing a molybdenum dialkyldithiocarbamate (MoDTC) additive to provide reduced friction have been investigated. Results of these studies show that the friction reducing capability of this oil, as measured in a laboratory test, was lost prior to depletion of the MoDTC. Interactions between MoDTC and other additives were found to be important with regard to providing friction reduction. Implications for development of advanced oils that will provide lasting fuel efficiency benefits are discussed.