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The conversion of spark ignited and compression ignited engines to run on natural gas is established technology Engines have also been designed and built specifically for natural gas These engines have been used primarily in stationary applications with relatively constant operating conditions More recently, environmental pressures and economic considerations have made the use of natural gas attractive for transportation applications The urban transit bus population is particularly well suited to compressed natural gas fueling The basic engine designs for stationary natural gas service and conventionally fueled (diesel and gasoline) transportation service are similar Differences in operating conditions and maintenance practices have resulted in two distinct lubricant product groups Stationary natural gas engine lubricants tend to be high viscosity monograde formulations with a low ash content Lubricants for conventionally-fueled transportation applications are frequently multigrades with considerably higher ash content The lubricant needs for natural gas in transportation applications may not be adequately met with the lubricant product groups widely usable for stationary natural gas or conventionally fueled transportation Lubricant products have been designed to combine features identified as desirable for natural gas fueling and the needs of transportation usage The performance of these products is supported by laboratory engine data

The technology has been developed which will allow manufacturers to produce cars capable of running on methanol/gasoline blends with a methanol content up to 85% (i.e., M85). These cars will operate on varying methanol/gasoline ratios without any adjustments from the driver. The dual-fuel capability is attractive since vehicle use will not be handicapped by a restricted fuel distribution system. In addition, it provides the option of running on an environmentally “cleaner” fuel where it is available. The advent of fuel-flexible vehicles encourages the development of lubricants which will satisfy the demands of both fuels. The unique properties of methanol, however, increase the challenges of meeting the lubricant performance needs. Field and engine dynamometer testing have been aimed at understanding the response of key lubricant variables with M85. Short-trip, cold-weather conditions have been of particular concern.