Before creating the Vanabode travel style I ran a motorcoach website.
This page is one of many bus articles I wrote
for coach buyers before closing that website.
Detroit Diesel Allison Lube Oil Recommendations for Detroit
Diesel 2-Cycle Engines
This information is VERY important for anyone purchasing
any bus with a Two Cycle Detroit Diesel Engine - from DDC publication
6SA314 8901
Lubricant Recommendation
Detroit Diesel Two Cycle Engines
SAE Viscosity Grade 40 API Classification: CD-II, (Note: CD-II is an
obsolete designation replaced by the current API Rating CF-2) Military
Spec: MIL-L-2104D Sulfated Ash: Less than 1.0% - This is the only engine
oil recommended for Detroit Diesel two-cycle engines. Lubricants meeting
these criteria have provided maximum engine life when used in conjunction
with recommended oil drain and filter maintenance schedules.
(For additional oil selection criteria, see publication 7SE270.) The
API category CD-II (CF-2)(Note: CD-II is an obsolete designation
replaced by the current API Rating CF-2) is relatively new and may not
be fully in use at the time of this publication. (NOTE: This publication
was published in
1989) API category CD may be used provided the recommended military specification
is satisfied.
Oils with API designation "CE" are not recommended in DDC two-cycle
engines unless accompanied by CD-II (CF-2) (Note: CD-II is an obsolete
designation replaced by the current API Rating CF-2)
Single Grade-High Ash Content Lube Oils
High ash oils (greater than 1,000 mass % ASTM D-874) tend to form excessive
deposits on engine parts, resulting in impairment of their function (exhaust
valve closure, for example). These are NOT recommended, except where the
continuous use of high sulfur content diesel fuels (greater than 0.5 mass
%) is unavoidable and where a high TBN, LOW ASH oil is not available.
Multi-Vis Oils
Less than optimum engine life must be expected when using 15w-40 oils.
Multi-vis oils tend to break down due to mechanical and thermal stress
which results in a loss of viscosity and premature engine wear. Multi-vis
oils do help cranking when temperatures are below 32 degrees F (0 degrees
C). However, once the engine starts, the major advantage of the multi-vis
oils is exhausted. When the engine reaches operating temperature, the
internal engine temperatures and pressures vary little from an engine
operating in much warmer climates. This is when the 2 cycle engine benefits
from the superior protection of a 40 wt.
Starting aids such as automatic ether systems and /or on-board auxiliary
heaters provide more reliable starting without sacrificing engine life.
Function of Lubricating Oils
All diesel engines require heavy duty lubricating oils. Basic requirements
of such oils are: Lubricating quality, High heat resistance, Control of
contaminants, Lubricating Quality.
The reduction of friction and wear by maintaining an oil film between
moving parts is the primary requisite of a lubricant. Film thickness and
its ability to prevent metal-to-metal contact of moving parts is related
to oil viscosity. The optimums for Detroit Diesel two-cycle engines are
SAE 40 grade oils.
High Heat Resistance
Temperature is the most important factor in determining the rate at which
deterioration or oxidation of the lubricating oil will occur. The oil
should have adequate thermal stability at elevated temperatures, thereby
precluding formation of harmful carbonaceous and/or ash deposits.
Control of Contaminants
The piston and compression rings must ride on a film of oil to minimize
wear and prevent cylinder seizure. At normal rates of consumption, oil
reaches a temperature zone at the upper part of the piston where rapid
oxidation and carbonization can occur. In addition, as oil circulates
through the engine, it is continuously contaminated by soot, acids, and
water originating from combustion. Until they are exhausted, detergent
and dispersant additives aid in keeping sludge and varnish from depositing
on engine parts. But such additives in excessive quantities can result
in detrimental ash deposits.
If abnormal ash deposits form on the exhaust valve seats, early engine
failure may result. Oil that is carried up the cylinder liner wall is
normally consumed during engine operation. The oil and additives leave
carbonaceous and/or ash deposits when subjected to the elevated temperatures
of the combustion chamber. The amount of deposits is influenced by the
composition, additive content, engine temperature, and oil consumption
rate.
Oil Quality
Oil quality is the responsibility of the oil supplier. (The term "oil
supplier" is applicable to refiners, blenders, and re branders of
petroleum products). Oil quality can also be affected by handling cleanliness,
contamination, dirt, water, etc.
Engine Parts Can Tell The Difference in Oils
The following oil performance parameters should be compared:
Ring Sticking tendencies and/or ring conditions, piston skirt scuffing
and cylinder liner wear and scuffing, exhaust valve face and seat deposits,
piston pin and slipper bushing wear, overall valve train and bearing wear
levels
Oil Caution
There are hundreds of commercial crankcase oils marketed today. Obviously,
engine manufacturers or users cannot completely evaluate the numerous
commercial oils. The selection of a suitable lubricant in consultation
with a reliable oil supplier and observance of his oil drain recommendations
(based on used oil samples analysis and experience), and provide filter
maintenance, will provide the best assurance of satisfactory oil performance.
It should be noted that lube oil manufactures may reformulate and oil
while maintaining the American Petroleum Institute classification, or
may reformulate to a new API classification and continue the brand name
designation. For example, SE oils being reformulated to SF letter code
classification may perform differently after this reformulation. A close
working relationship with the lube oil manufacturer should be maintained
so that any reformulation can be reviewed and a decision made as to its
effect on continued satisfactory performance.
Detroit Diesel Used Lube Oil Analysis Program
The Detroit Diesel lube oil analysis program is recommended for monitoring
the condition of the crankcase oil in all engines. Primarily, used lube
oil analyses indicate the condition of the oil but not necessarily the
condition of the engine. Never tear down an engine based solely on the
analysis results obtained from a single used oil sample. However, the
condition of the engine should be investigated using conventional mechanical
and/or electronic diagnostic instruments. Frequently, visual inspections
are all that is required to detect problem areas related to engine wear.
It is also prudent to obtain another oil sample from the suspected distressed
unit for analysis.
Abnormal concentrations of some contaminants such as diesel fuel, coolant,
road salt, or airborne dirt cannot be tolerated for prolonged periods.
Their presence will be reflected in accelerated engine wear, which can
result in less than optimum engine life. The oil should be changed immediately
if any contamination is present in concentrations exceeding the warning
limits.
Click for more information for Detroit
Diesel engines from the official site.
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