Coconut Oil Motor Oil

[Tom NJ]

Originally Posted By: Trvlr500
Is it possible that compounds from coconut oil are used in EVERY engine oil these days?


Pure coconut oil is not used in motor oil formulations ( except for this "Eco Oil" junk), mainly because of its +23C freeze point. Like olive oil, when it cools down it turns into a bottle of wax.

The "coconut" derived compound that is used in motor oils is a synthetic ester known as TMP C8C10. The C8C10 portion of the molecule refers to a cut of fatty acids extracted from coconut oil. TMP C8C10 has a flash point of 490F and a pour point of -65F. Totally different anaimal than coconut oil.

Although an ideal ester for motor oils, TMP C8C10 is not used very much anymore because of its high cost.

Tom NJ

 

[CATERHAM]

Actually, olive oil is not too bad with a -12C freeze point.

http://journeytoforever.org/biodiesel_yield.html#oils_esters

 

[Tom NJ]

Originally Posted By: CATERHAM
Actually, olive oil is not too bad with a -12C freeze point.


Yes olive oil is much better than coconut oil. The freeze point depends on the grade. I only buy the extra virgin olive oil, which freezes solid in my garage in the winter where temperatures go down to about +40F (+4C).

Tom NJ

 

[GMorg]

I would think that triglycerides would be too unstable in a motor. They must be going through some sort of saponification or other processing before packaging.

Anyone have any insight as to whether triglycerides could be used as motor oil?