
The amount of sulfur in the fuel can vary. Sulfur acids are only in the oil because there is sulfur in the diesel fuel. The most common sulfur acid is sulfuric acid (commonly called battery acid). Sulfur acids in the oil are corrosive to engine parts and must not be allowed to reach damaging levels. The values are generally reported as % solids by volume.Ī bypass filter may prevent the solids from becoming the limiting factor in the oil’s life by filtering many of these small particles. However, we have noticed substantial improvements in wear reduction if the solids are kept below 2%.Ī % solids test is included in most basic oil analysis tests. Most engine manufacturers state the solids should not be above 5%. The % solids become a limiting factor in the oil’s life when the particles start to interfere with the oil’s ability to lubricate. This is similar to washing dishes in the same water all week and bragging about how clean the dishwater looks. (Cut open a main filter and notice that it only removes the "sticks and stones".)Īnyone who says their oil still looks clean when they change the oil is probably not using a good detergent oil. The detergent picks up the particles before they are large enough to be filtered by the engine’s main filter. Along with the detergent, a dispersant is in the oil to keep these particles dispersed throughout the oil until it is changed. In the same manner, the oil’s detergent holds the particles until the oil is drained. The soap surrounds the dirt and carries the dirt away as the hands are rinsed. The detergent surrounds these particles and holds them in the oil. These solids are in the oil due to the high detergent in today’s oils. The particles consist of soot, oxidized oil, dirt, and other engine deposits. The % solids are the total amount of particles that are suspended in the oil. The discussion first describes the factor, tells how it takes place in an engine, lists the possible damages to the engine, and then outlines how to prevent this factor from limiting the oil change interval. The oil will have to be changed at that time regardless of the status of other factors. Of these six factors, the one that reaches its maximum limit first is called the limiting factor. Our laboratory tests provide you with an oil analysis that helps you determine which six factors may be affecting your engine's oil life. Although the improvements in lubricants and special filters extend the life of the oil in your fleet, there are still factors that will limit the maximum oil drain interval. Take the guess work out of changing your fleet’s oil and maximize your profit by using our oil analysis to determine exactly when the oil needs changing. Our oil analysis gives you the facts you need to know. With today’s lubricants, special filters, and oil analysis, it’s entirely possible to extend the interval between oil changes on many diesel engines. Limiting Factors On a Diesel Engine's Oil Life
