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Montana Chapter, Northwest Log Truckers Cooperative |
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Oil Does Not Wear Out, It Becomes Contaminated!
Among oil's primary functions are lubricating and cooling engine and equipment parts. It reduces friction, enabling equipment to operate smoothly and efficiently. The cleaner the oil, the longer the equipment will last. There are many different kinds of oils, each formulated for a specific purpose and environment, and to have optimum viscosity and the most effective blend of additives. Although no two oils are exactly alike, all have one thing in common - contamination!
While serving its intended purpose, oil is exposed to high temperatures, carbon, soot, silica, metal particles, water, fuel, and glycol. As oil becomes increasingly contaminated, oil life decreases until it can no longer protect, cool, and lubricate the moving parts of an engine or other equipment. When contamination is allowed to reach this level the oil must be changed to try to minimize equipment damages. But even the most careful change of oil leaves contaminants behind in the equipment. When the used oil is drained contaminants settle on parts, in the oil galley, pump, hoses, and
the pan. Then, when new oil is added, contaminants which did not drain out mix with it. thus contaminating the new oil even before the equipment is started again.Why standard full-flow filters can't do the job. Standard oil filters have a heavy work load and often get clogged far before they get changed, which allows heavily contaminated, unfiltered oil to circulate through the engine or equipment. Full -flow filters cannot remove liquids from an oil and are limited to removing large solid contaminants only. Some of the best full-flow filters are able to filter out only abrasive and nonabrasive solid contaminants down to 15 microns. Solids in the 5 to 15 micron range account for most engine and equipment wear. As they are unable to remove solid contaminants smaller than 15 microns and any liquid contaminants, full-flow filters alone cannot keep oil constantly clean, and they can do little to effectively protect equipment or an engine.
Oil analysis, an invaluable preventative maintenance tool for determining engine and oil condition. An analysis of the physical and chemical properties of an oil will disclose the quality of the lubricant, the effectiveness of the filtration system and the operating condition of the equipment. A sound oil analysis program is the safest way to establish the useful life of a lubricating oil and its maximum drain interval.
Negative Effects of Contaminated Oil
Acid Formation Fuel Dilution
Viscosity Breakdown Corrosion
Poor Oil Circulation Acid Pitting
Rapid Additive Depict. Oxidation
Water Contamination Overheating
Varnish Deposits. Sludge
Increased Equipment Wear.