Analysis of 0W-20 Totachi Brand Oil to Determine the Rate of Oil Deterioration

Abstract

Engine oil or lubricating oil has a major effect on the engine life and the proper operation of any engine. Changing the engine oil before it is due increases a customer’s cost. The lubricating oil in every engine performs many functions such as reducing friction, preventing corrosion, protecting the engine against wear, removing all impurities, lubricating the moving parts, and cooling the engine parts. There are several causes for the deterioration of lubricating oil, including the properties of the oil, oil quality, and high engine temperatures. Consequently, the deteriorated oil must be replaced at a specified mileage or at specific time intervals to get the best engine performance. It is very important to know when to change the oil, because changing the oil too late can affect the engine parts and vehicle performance. However, replacing the oil too early influences the economy and environment and is an inefficient use of depleting resources. This study describes the kinematic viscosity, flash point, and fire point of multigrade Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) 0W-20 Totachi (Totachi Industrial Co. Ltd., Japan) international brand oil, which has a 10,000 km guarantee and is approved by and used in 10 different vehicle brands, to determine the rate of deterioration of the parameters. These parameters are the most important physical behaviors of lubricating engine oils. Having information about these parameters is very important for maintaining an engine’s lifespan. The results of this study showed that after 10,000 km, the Totachi oil parameters such as the kinematic viscosity at cold start, at 40°C and at 100°C, the flash point, and the fire point decreased by 22.03%, 25.98%, 26.75%, 16.94% and 17.34%, respectively, from the base values, and that the oil is suitable to use for 10,000 km.

Deterioration in Physical Engine Oil Properties after Different Trip Length

“…Oil viscosity directly affected by the change in temperature. [3], studied the relationship between temperature and viscosity, they used Japanmade Totachi international oil SAE 0W-20 in 10 different used engines. The results show that for fresh oil the viscosity decreased to 8.0 cSt at 100 ℃.…”

“…For instance, when the engine starts, if a wrong oil with high viscosity is used in the engines which needs low viscosity oil grade instead, then during starting, the ability of the oil pump decreases and unable to push the required amount of the engine oil to the above moving parts of the engine. If the oil reaches the upper engine parts too late, then the rate wear arises [3].…”

“…Other functions of oil are; improving sealing of piston rings and neutralizes acids that initiate with oxidation of the oils and from fuel when mixed with lubricants [1]. The rate of degradation depends on duration of oil usage, cycle time and vehicle engine conditions [2] [3]. A few necessary characteristics of engine oils involve reducing the high boiling point, friction, ideal kinematic viscosity, resistance to oxidation, thermal stability and corrosion delays [4].…”

Effects of Vehicle Mileage Rate on Engine Oil Properties

“…All the changes in the engine oil properties have a negative influence on the engine function and engine lubricating system [2] . In addition, engine oil helps the cooling system by removing some of the heat inside the engine from hot spots to the sump [3] . To protect the engine from damage and choose an appropriate oil, it is essential to digest some factors for choosing suitable properties.…”

“…The open Cleveland method is used with those oils which have low flammability, an open container is used in this method and the temperature is above 50 °C. However, the engine's oil fire point occurs when the engine's oil heating increases continuously, and the vapors on the oil surface are released rapidly to support burning for longer than 5s [3] .…”