csandstate
I used to live in Florissant, MO. Is that hardware store still along the riverfront there in St. Charles? Used to sell old and new wood stoves.
I have a theory about that (golly, doesn't molakule have one about everything
)?
A rule of thumb for lubes has always been (all other things being equal):
a. higher loads, higher viscosity lubes;
b. lower speeds, high loads (such as large marine diesels), high viscosty;
c. tighter clearances, lower viscosity lubes;
d. higher speeds, lower viscosity lubes;
e. high speed, high loads, higher voscosity lubes than d.
1. With increased oil change intervals still being pushed to reduce owner operating costs;
2. Oils will load-up with microfine particles and will have to be held in suspension longer.
3. Bearing clearances will have to be larger to allow less wear for longer drain intervals.
4. Oil viscosities will have to increased in order to allow for higher bearing clearances.
I base this in part on my son's Mercedes six banger which has to use a minumum of 15W40 for his engine in summer, due to low-tension rings and larges bearing clearances.
Does anyone have any info on other Foreign vehicles (especially European) to determine if parts clearances show a trend of increasing?