Ever wonder why your engine oil is so good?
Feb 8, 2015 10:39:28 #
I have the privilege of working for a company that is a leader in dynamometer based engine oil testing. I walked 12 miles today but there wasn't much to take so I decided to stop by the lab and take a few pictures. I had no flash so I shot at 800 ISO so they are a little grainey when blown up. We have over 100 test cells like the ones below. The tests are designed to stress the oils in different ways...high temperature, low temperature, start/stop driving, high soot, etc. so when you pour the oil into your engine, it doesn't matter what vehicle you are driving, what season it is and what drive cycle you have. Rest assured, there are several hundred people that are worried about the quality of the oil that shows up on the shelves!
Cat
(Download)
Mack
(Download)
GM
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GM Race
(Download)
Toyota
(Download)
Daimler (Detroit Diesel)
(Download)
Feb 8, 2015 10:46:45 #
bgberlin
Loc: On the Delaware River
Nice shots John, thanks for posting. I always find it fascinating to see different aspects of our industrial world.
Feb 8, 2015 10:49:29 #
Thanks bgberlin! Me too. Two of my favorite shows are How Stuff is Made and Dirty Jobs!
Feb 8, 2015 10:57:07 #
Before I get asked what engine oil do I recommend, here is my response....open your owners manual and look in the engine oil section...it says specifically the quality level and the viscosity grade that is recommended for your vehicle. The car companies and engine manufacturers don't make these recommendations lightly. So if you want to maximize the life of your engine, follow the direction in the owners manual.
Feb 8, 2015 11:21:17 #
john G SA wrote:
Before I get asked what engine oil do I recommend, here is my response....open your owners manual and look in the engine oil section...it says specifically the quality level and the viscosity grade that is recommended for your vehicle. The car companies and engine manufacturers don't make these recommendations lightly. So if you want to maximize the life of your engine, follow the direction in the owners manual.
Excellent recommendation. Also follow the recommendations for frequency of oil changes. You will be amazed how much longer your engine will last with the proper oil changes.
Now for my $.02 on oil brand. Stay away from Pennziol because it crystalizes on and leaves heavy buildup. The only way I would recommend Pennzoil is to change every 3000 miles and don't use in high heat areas.
Feb 8, 2015 16:01:54 #
Feb 8, 2015 17:11:53 #
Ditto! Different and very interesting post, John.
DOOK wrote:
Good ones, John. Plenty of detail-well defined colors. :-) :thumbup:
Feb 8, 2015 17:53:36 #
Feb 8, 2015 19:16:03 #
It's a pleasure, John, and thank YOU.
john G SA wrote:
Thank you Dook and Dixiegirl and thanks for running this forum!
Feb 9, 2015 02:18:02 #
Dixiegirl wrote:
It's a pleasure, John, and thank YOU.
Ditto from me, John. :-)
Feb 9, 2015 07:14:29 #
The question was brought up about recommended oils. Is there anything wrong with synthetic oils? I am thinking about changing.
Feb 9, 2015 10:06:38 #
There is nothing wrong with synthetic oils. Look at your owners manual for the viscosity grade and quality level. There is nothing wrong with non-synthetic oils as long as they have the right quality level and viscosity grade for your vehicle and you use the change intervals recommended.
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