Issue 57 Oil Analysis - I don't agree.

[Ncostello]

In issue 57 - Technical Topics - there is a large article on oils. After reading this I decided to check technical data myself on mfg's websites. I don't get the same TBN numbers for many of the oils.



The claim is that DELO 400 CI-4+ is 11. 4 but DELO's website says 12. 2. Lucas comes in at 10. 4 but they claim 14. 0. Delvac 1300 is printed as 8. 99 but Delvac literature says 10. 5.



Those are some big differences to me. Anyone know where the article numbers come from?

 

[DeezelDood]

I think the samples were subjected to blind lab analysis. The numbers are actual readings as opposed to mfr furnished specs for the type of oil. Maybe a member who works in the lube business can advise, but I suspect there is an acceptable range for the additive levels, which may vary lot to lot.

BTW: The whole series of TDR lube articles, among others, is available in .pdf format under TDR "discussion forums" header. Just double click on it.

 

[JBallou]

WNL ... ... ... within normal limits or we never looked.



Seems < 10% by late night math for most of the oils.

 

[Ncostello]

Perhaps within normal limits. But some of it seemed to make the difference between being a "good" oil or "ho-hum". But at least like the article said... choose an API CI-4 and they are all very close in performance in reality.