questions about moly

[finalyzd]

From what I'm reading, what moly does is provide a protective layer on metal surface creating a smooth barrier like in cylinder walls. Would this be considered a anti wear additive? like zddp.

Also moly is a metal mined. What process is used to put it in a lubricant? I guess there are different types of moly, the one in the lubricant would be considered mos2?

Last question. Is moly overkill? I see only some oils contain it. But some do not.

 

[tinmanSC]

Ahh yes, the moly question. Some oils are formulated for it (M1, Pennz, MaxLife) and some are not (Valvoline conventional and Synpower come to mind). Molybdenum is an anti-friction and anti-wear additive. It has slightly different properties than ZDP, it changes boundary lubrication properties, and it wears and deteriorates differently than ZDP. there are also many different kinds of Moly additives, just like there are different ZDP types. (like the most used one, ZDDP.) Also Moly it getting a little expensive, we may see more companies go Valvoline's route and formulate oils without it. It would seem harder to make an oil without it than with it. I don't know about the "over kill" question. It's hard to answer something like that. It's in the formulation for a reason. It's there to provide protection that the manufacturer believes is required. Remember, when you purchase a motor oil you are not really buying an ingredient list, you are buying the performance of that product. VOA/UOA doesn't always give the full story.

 

[tinmanSC]

Actually for more information on this very topic you can read Chemistry and Technology of Lubricants (third edition, 2009) on Google books.

 

[Fallguy]

Does Moly in modern oils have an acidity problem like it used too. Not to studied up on Moly but believe this was one of the side effects. Neutralizers can be added but may not last more than a couple thousand miles?

 

[ItsuMitsubishi]

Originally Posted By: Fallguy
Does Moly in modern oils have an acidity problem like it used too. Not to studied up on Moly but believe this was one of the side effects. Neutralizers can be added but may not last more than a couple thousand miles?


Matt, is that you?

 

[mechtech2]

There are two main types of moly for engine oils.
Additives like Lubro Moly have colloidal Moly. It stays in suspension because it is fine, and because you start the car rather frequently. The sulfur [Molybdenun disulfide] makes a great bond with metal, and the moly is there for antiwear and slipperiness.

I like it, but it is different than what factories use.

 

[mechtech2]

BTW, Lubro Moly also has a pretty good amount of boron.