Diesel Engine Fuel Dilution Rearing It's Ugly Head

[LargeCarManX2]

New diesel engines are seeing more fuel dilution in the oils. Many factors (EGR,Soot filters, engine design) are forcing shorter OEM oil drain intervals. Are extended oil drains in new diesel engines a thing of the past? Or, will oil analysis be a part of a regular oil maintenence program at shops, dealers, and owner garages?

References

Doyle, D. (2002, July-August). EGR Systems and Lubricating Oil in Diesel Engines. Practicing Oil Analysis.
Fitch, J. (2001, July-August). Oil and Glycol Don't Mix. Practicing Oil Analysis.
Fitch, J. (2000, March-April). The Enduring Flash Point Test. Practicing Oil Analysis.
McGeehan, J. (2001, September-October). Uncovering the Problems with Extended Oil Drains. Machinery Lubrication.
Pending CI-4 Specification and What it Means to You. Ottsen Oil Co. Ottsen Tech Line Bulletin.
Poley, J. (2002). Reciprocating Engine Oil Analysis. 2000 Practicing Oil Analysis Conference Proceedings.
Sturgess, S. (2002, February). When Clean Air and Economy Collide. Heavy Duty Trucking.
Troyer, D. (1999, July-August). Get Ready for More Soot. Practicing Oil Analysis.

 

[bullwinkle]

If you value & want to get maximum equipment/engine life, then oil analysis is crucial to monitor engine condition. These new CR diesels are VERY prone to leak fuel into the engine oil via the injectors-the Duramax seems to have the most problems, but the Ford/Navistar & Dodge/Cummins engines can do it as well. IMHO, at least as much attention needs to be paid to fuel condition/cleanliness as oil!

 

[LargeCarManX2]

Just read where Amsoil is also stating this info. They are moving all their oils for 2007 and up to 3X the OEM OCI.