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Our basic understanding of the chemical and physical nature of soot, its interaction with lubricant components and its role in promoting wear and oil thickening in heavy duty diesel engines continues to grow. Our current study in the GM 6.5L engine focuses on examining the effects of variations in base stock type (Group I vs. Group II), viscosity index improver or viscosity modifier (VM) chemistry (OCP vs. dispersant OCP), zinc dithiophosphate (ZDP) type and dispersant type (low MW vs. high MW) on roller follower wear, viscosity growth and other measured responses. In this study, more robust fluids were tested producing very low wear results and minimal viscosity increase of the lubricant. Fluids containing dispersant OCP (DOCP) and high MW dispersant produced a lower degree of wear, whereas varying the ZDP type (1° vs. 2°) showed no effect on wear. The use of Group II base stocks was associated with significantly lower viscosity increases.

Fundamental knowledge investigations of soot-lubricant interactions continue. In earlier work [1-2], we examined the impact of formulation variables, engine type and mode of engine operation on the formation and nature of diesel soot and its interactions with the crankcase lubricant. Three types of North American heavy duty diesel engines were utilized: Mack EM6-285, GM 6.2L and GM 6.5L. Experiments identified additive compositions capable of providing good viscosity and wear control. Furthermore, we identified soot agglomeration, rather than amount of soot, as the phenomenon responsible for roller follower wear at low dispersant levels. Oil thickening results from the level of soot contamination, in combination with the “state” of the soot. The latter is noticeably affected by the lubricant dispersant level. Part 4 of our studies examines the impact of oil composition on a fluid's ability to handle soot in the Mack T-8 Test.