the oil (as witnessed), the formation of gels
and emulsions, acid formation leading to
corrosion, premature filter plugging, and
all-around poor lubrication. In fact, glycol
contamination is reported to be the No. 1
cause of premature filter failure in a diesel
engine and overall poor lubrication.
Another potentially huge problem to be
aware of is the reaction of calcium sulfonate
(engine oil detergent) with ethylene glycol
(engine coolant). When these fluids are
mixed, a chemical reaction ensues that
produces small abrasive balls as a
byproduct. These "oil balls" are between 5
and 40 microns in size. The significance of
the size is that this is also the size of the fluid
film. In essence, what is produced is a sand-
paper ball that fits perfectly into the
clearance between the engine's internal
components. The results are severe wear
and eventual failure.
There are a few ways to test for this
mixture. The three basic field tests for anti-
freeze in oil are the blotter spot test, the
patch test and Schiff 's reagent method. If
you have access to a lab, you also will want
them to run Fourier transform infrared
(FTIR) spectroscopy and gas chromatog-
raphy to confirm a coolant leak.
If you have a question for one of Noria's
experts, email it to editor@noria.com.
www.machinerylubrication.com
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November - December 2014
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