Will the chemistry of low visc oils catch up to physical properties of thicker ones

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wemay

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This is not meant as an open invitation to read about your preferences, anecdotes and hatred for CAFE. ðŸ‘

We know that lower viscosity oils offer better fuel mileage, and as a cost, less protection. Both to varying degrees and possibly at insignificant levels where an xw20 vs xw30 is concerned.

But since the march towards even lower viscosity is the industry trend, will the chemistry of these oils ever match the physical properties of the thicker oils where wear is considered? Are we there yet? Is it even possible? Has reliance on antiwear tech reached that point?
 
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This post is not to be construed as "buggywhipping", nor an open invitation to refer to papers older than last Tuesday as out of date, or general hatred for engineering principals that have held true for centuries.

Genuine hydrodynamic lubrication was traditionally referred to as the "zero wear" regime, where the parts were separated, could not touch, and therefore didn't wear...

The Stribeck curve showed a rapid friction increase and wear when the mixed boundary regime was reached, but was managed in the early days with the "oiliness" of things like tallow, whale oil, castor oil and the like, as opposed to the "dry" mineral oils of the day...when minerals were adopted, these were the additives of the day.

Chemistry, in the forms of additives changed that wear markedly for the better...for example steam cylinders

Those regimes were "controlled" wear, as opposed to "zero wear"...i.e. there's contact being made, and wear is controlled through chemistry (additives).

As you well know in asking the question, the Stribeck curve is being pushed continually to the left, and it's not for improved wear protection. The reduction in life may well be "insignificant", and as I've repeatedly stated, if the change means that the owner still throws out the car with 20, 30, 100,000 miles left on the engine, the tradeoff for economy is worth it.

Obviously, no chemistry mechanism for controlling wear is as effective as "keeping them separated", so not sure on exactly why you are asking the question that you are asking, while imposing on it the controls with respect to answering that you are stating.

As always, what will be drawn out of this is dislike for what I'm saying because it feels better if it wasn't true, and thus the apparent "hate", of the CAFE "conspiracy"

Question...why is "hate" the buzzword on BITOG for the last few years for disagreeing with a position ? (even a wrong one)???
 
Shannow, the reason i prefaced this thread the way i did is because these threads always devolve into a dig in your heals, extreme posturing by both sides. With that, the "hatred" for CAFE comes out. By the mere nature of my thread acknowledging that thicker means better wear protection, the war of sides would come to be...yet again.

I don't direct my usage of the word "hate" to you, JAG, Sonofjoe, Molakule, Garak or anyone else who offers quantitative information. But there are those (on both sides of this argument) who see threads like this as an open invitation. Your inference that by me questioning the use of of "outdated" studies means it isnt to be considered is misdirected. Things change in science all the time. A novice like me is just interested if those conclusions still hold true. In a text format, i can understand the confusion, but it was always from the point of growing my knowledge, not questioning anyones genuineness.

Now, back to my original question, thanks for the response. So you don't see additive chemistry ever being able to match the natural abilities of boundary lubrication. That's what i was interested in finding out from you and the others, plus a few more people, i mentioned.
 
Title, and the opening line were clickbait.

Re the last line, it's hydrodynamic.

Clickbait...
 
Originally Posted by wemay
This is not meant as an open invitation to read about your preferences, anecdotes and hatred for CAFE. ðŸ‘

We know that lower viscosity oils offer better fuel mileage, and as a cost, less protection. Both to varying degrees and possibly at insignificant levels where an xw20 vs xw30 is concerned.

But since the march towards even lower viscosity is the industry trend, will the chemistry of these oils ever match the physical properties of the thicker oils where wear is considered? Are we there yet? Is it even possible? Has reliance on antiwear tech reached that point?


I realize you said you don't want to hear about CAFE hatred, but it is the reason for the "industrial trend" to lower viscosity.

Back to your original question, I say no. Viscosity is measured in cSt. The bookend weights like 0w20 and 20w50 will always have their numbers at 100*C. Everything else has to fall between that.

If by physical properties, you mean wear reduction, well that's just another thin vs. thick debate. I have no problem with one or the other, but Toyota (as many here know) for example recommends upping the oil if the vehicle is used for towing. This is cold hard fact that can't be debated.
 
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And i can accept that dlunblad, thanks. What i didn't want was name calling by those that jump on coattails of the professionals who confirm their biases through evidence based posts by said pros.Not just by the thick guys, but the thin guys to. I probably should have made that more clear. It wasnt clickbait. Yes, Shannow...hydrodynamic.
 
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A couple of comments for what they're worth...

I've been away for a few years now (so things might have conceivably changed) but my considered view is that genuine engine oil additive development essentially stopped about three decades ago! VIIs, ZDDP, Moly, overbased detergents, ashless dispersants, all the main antioxidants, the few FMs that have attained commericial status; they've all been around for donkeys years. Couple that with the perception that the ICE might be a dead duck by 2040 & I doubt whether the 'catch-up' implied in the question will ever happen.

Yes, oils have changed in sorts of respects but many of the changes (low viscosity oils, low SAPS oil, high mileage oils, phosphorus volatility, etc) have come about by a combination of improved base oils and a reshuffling of existing chemistries. If there is something new that stands out on the can, you have to ask yourself whether that 'thing'
is there because of genuine, inherent utility or just because it sounds good (I am a cynic for good reason!).

Oh, and I would strongly advise people not to believe everything they read about new super-whizzo additives in papers they pull off Google. That someone says they've got brilliant wear results with a graphene-based FM usually means diddly squat in terms of use in commercial oils where cost is the overriding developmental consideration & no-harm/chemical registration can quickly kill off even the most promising new additives.
 
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Originally Posted by SonofJoe
A couple of comments for what they're worth...

I've been away for a few years now (so things might have conceivably changed) but my considered view is that genuine engine oil additive development essentially stopped about three decades ago! VIIs, ZDDP, Moly, overbased detergents, ashless dispersants, all the main antioxidants, the few FMs that have attained commericial status; they've all been around for donkeys years. Couple that with the perception that the ICE might be a dead duck by 2040 & I doubt whether the 'catch-up' implied in the question will ever happen.

Yes, oils have changed in sorts of respects but many of the changes (low viscosity oils, low SAPS oil, high mileage oils, phosphorus volatility, etc) have come about by a combination of improved base oils and a reshuffling of existing chemistries. If there is something new that stands out on the can, you have to ask yourself whether that 'thing'
is there because of genuine, inherent utility or just because it sounds good (I am a cynic for good reason!).

Oh, and I would strongly advise people not to believe everything they read about new super-whizzo additives in papers they pull off Google. That someone says they've got brilliant wear results with a graphene-based FM usually means diddly squat in terms of use in commercial oils where cost is the overriding developmental consideration & no-harm/chemical registration can quickly kill off even the most promising new additives.



That makes all the difference in the world. I was always under the impression that newer, better additive technology or, the very least, more advanced ways to synthesize those additives meant a constant march forward.
 
I would argue though that the lower SA oils, which are using less ZDP/Ca etc., are able to meet and exceed the most demanding specifications tested for. In the last 20 years, the main changes I've seen with oils are - move to better base stocks (most oils are synthetic now or blends) and a reduction in ZDP and Ca. But they are meeting the same and sometimes more stringent tests that have always existed so I fail to see the problems.
 
I don't see what the deficiences are in modern oils in a general sense when engines are more reliable than ever. Engines are also probably made better?? It's the rest of the car that falls apart. Lubrication failures are so rare these days, even with longer OCI's.
 
Originally Posted by SonofJoe
A couple of comments for what they're worth...

I've been away for a few years now (so things might have conceivably changed) but my considered view is that genuine engine oil additive development essentially stopped about three decades ago! VIIs, ZDDP, Moly, overbased detergents, ashless dispersants, all the main antioxidants, the few FMs that have attained commericial status; they've all been around for donkeys years. Couple that with the perception that the ICE might be a dead duck by 2040 & I doubt whether the 'catch-up' implied in the question will ever happen.

Yes, oils have changed in sorts of respects but many of the changes (low viscosity oils, low SAPS oil, high mileage oils, phosphorus volatility, etc) have come about by a combination of improved base oils and a reshuffling of existing chemistries. If there is something new that stands out on the can, you have to ask yourself whether that 'thing'
is there because of genuine, inherent utility or just because it sounds good (I am a cynic for good reason!).

Oh, and I would strongly advise people not to believe everything they read about new super-whizzo additives in papers they pull off Google. That someone says they've got brilliant wear results with a graphene-based FM usually means diddly squat in terms of use in commercial oils where cost is the overriding developmental consideration & no-harm/chemical registration can quickly kill off even the most promising new additives.




Isn't using Titanium as an additive new?
 
Originally Posted by wemay


...But since the march towards even lower viscosity is the industry trend, will the chemistry of these oils ever match the physical properties of the thicker oils where wear is considered? Are we there yet? Is it even possible? Has reliance on antiwear tech reached that point?


I would say yes, but with this caveat: The lower viscosity oils are offering comparable wear protection but at a slightly higher cost because the new AW and FM component chemistry in the additive package comes at a higher cost.

I would like to see a survey from the SAE or other engineering group that shows the effects of lower viscosity oils on engine wear and how much.

I.e., are engine bearings, rings, and camshafts being replaced at a frantic pace that can be traced to lower viscosity oils being the cause of failure and or replacement?
 
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Originally Posted by MolaKule
Originally Posted by wemay


...But since the march towards even lower viscosity is the industry trend, will the chemistry of these oils ever match the physical properties of the thicker oils where wear is considered? Are we there yet? Is it even possible? Has reliance on antiwear tech reached that point?


I would say yes, but with this caveat: The lower viscosity oils are offering comparable wear protection but at a slightly higher cost because the new AW and FM component chemistry in the additive package comes at a higher cost.

I would like to see a survey from the SAE or other engineering group that shows the effects of lower viscosity oils on engine wear and how much.

I.e., are engine bearings, rings, and camshafts being replaced at a frantic pace that can be traced to lower viscosity oils being the cause of failure and or replacement?


Or maybe not replaced but dealing with consumption and dilution which isn't bad enough to prompt the consumer to take the vehicle in?
 
Here is a question based on a guess .

I am guessing recent car engines are built on tighter tolerances ( and possibly better materials ) than those of the 60's . Perhaps lubercants are better too .

If the tolerances are tighter , would thinner lubricants be needed / indicated ?
 
We (me & Richard) were just larking about in the office. We didn't expect anyone to take things so seriously. I feel like I've already apologised enough already so please don't ask the 'well, is it or isn't it?' question any more...
 
Originally Posted by buster
I would argue though that the lower SA oils, which are using less ZDP/Ca etc., are able to meet and exceed the most demanding specifications tested for. In the last 20 years, the main changes I've seen with oils are - move to better base stocks (most oils are synthetic now or blends) and a reduction in ZDP and Ca. But they are meeting the same and sometimes more stringent tests that have always existed so I fail to see the problems.



Personally, I always rebelled against the idea of European low SAP oils. IMO, the parameters of the specs were deliberately skewed to favour some suppliers over others, on the flimsiest of technical arguements. However the OEMs got (rightly) nervous about their diesel particulate filters getting gunked up with ash and went with what was being proffered.

Yes I would agree that low SAP oils can pass some very stringent specs. The problem is that specs are just specs and in no way reflect real life. I seem to recall these oils going belly up in parts of Eastern Europe that put weird & wonderful bio-fuels (refined chip fat?) into their diesel fuels.
 
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Clearances are not markedly tighter, and I'm not at all convinced tolerances are significantly better than 30 years ago. Or that a ten thousandth of an inch, here or there matters at all. Honda and Toyota made very high quality engines back then. As did the Euro's. The Americans were a mixed bag.

Furthermore, we absolutely are seeing lubrication related failures today, and in abundance. Cam and balancer chains, rod bearings, piston slap, cam failures, entire OHC/head failures, fords phaser issues and on and on. In fact Hyundai has entire fleets with short lived engines when operated on 0w-water in hot conditions.

We in fact have a rash of unnecessary problems. Good quality machinery is being damaged by thin oils and extended drain intervals.
 
Originally Posted by Cujet
Clearances are not markedly tighter, and I'm not at all convinced tolerances are significantly better than 30 years ago. Or that a ten thousandth of an inch, here or there matters at all. Honda and Toyota made very high quality engines back then. As did the Euro's. The Americans were a mixed bag.

Furthermore, we absolutely are seeing lubrication related failures today, and in abundance. Cam and balancer chains, rod bearings, piston slap, cam failures, entire OHC/head failures, fords phaser issues and on and on. In fact Hyundai has entire fleets with short lived engines when operated on 0w-water in hot conditions.

We in fact have a rash of unnecessary problems. Good quality machinery is being damaged by thin oils and extended drain intervals.



The majority of the failures you have listed I reckon are internet noise. Failures happen it is the cost of mass production at the lowest possible cost to the manufacture but the percentages are quite low.
 
""Furthermore, we absolutely are seeing lubrication related failures today, and in abundance. Cam and balancer chains, rod bearings, piston slap, cam failures, entire OHC/head failures, fords phaser issues and on and on. In fact Hyundai has entire fleets with short lived engines when operated on 0w-water in hot conditions. "




It must be a local phenomenon. I haven't heard of these mass failures happening here or anywhere else.

The term 0w-water shows your bias.
 
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