Technical Paper
Wear Prevention by Alkaline Lubricating Oils
1953-01-01
530230
SEVEN HUNDRED tons of iron, estimated by the authors to be worn annually from the cylinder bores of American automotive engines, cause an annual engine repair bill believed to exceed $1,000,000,000. A large part of this wear is due to corrosion, particularly in severe service such as gasoline-powered delivery vehicles or stationary diesel installations. Test results indicate that wear rates can be materially reduced by the use of crankcase lubricating oils containing high concentrations of alkalinity. The authors also present examples of radiochemistry research. Radiotracers are used to prove that oil consumed by the engine carries with it the iron debris which it contained at the moment of consumption.