Machinery Lubrication

Machinery Lubrication March April 2018

Machinery Lubrication magazine published by Noria Corporation

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www . machinerylubrication.com | March - April 2018 | 45 Speed and load also affect oil consumption. e higher the revolutions per minute, the more oil will be consumed. e added pressure on the seals and gaskets allows some of the oil to find its way around and get burned away in the combustion chamber. In addition, the condition of the seals and gaskets should be considered. e older and more worn the seals are, the more oil will be consumed. High operating temperatures can also impact oil consumption. e hotter the engine runs, the lower the viscosity will be. Once again, it will be easier for a thin oil to reach the combustion chamber and get mixed and burned with the fuel. Keep in mind that there is a point at which the oil's smaller molecules will evaporate. If the oil being used has a viscosity that is below the recommendation of the engine manufacturer, oil consump- tion will occur for the same reason. High volatilit y is another factor in oil consumption. Usually found with lower quality base oils, the volatility is the evaporation of smaller oil molecules. This oil vapor reaches the crankcase headspace and is often pulled into the intake and consumed by the combustion process. So, what could cause a sharp decline in oil consumption? With so many variables, it can be difficult to pinpoint a single offender. It may be just the right combination of a few factors. e most likely causes are simple things like a viscosity change, a lubricant quality change, a seal that was once leaking but has now stopped or operational severity changes. ML If you have a question for one of Noria's experts, email it to editor@noria.com. ML Visit us at Booth #716

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