Running a vehicle with Zero TBN Question.

[ZZman]

What would really happen if you run a vehicle with a oil with zero or close to zero TBN?

More wear?, rust issues, Etching of metal surfaces? etc.....

 

[simple_gifts]

Not a problem with RL and Blackstone TBN method according to Terry.

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubb...true#Post242361

 

[ZZman]

That post didn't tell me anything other than Blackstone uses a different method. That doesn't make sense. They should all use the same method.

 

[Doug Hillary]

Hi,
ZZMan - You can have various "issues" emerge. Some, perhaps most, with time

Camshaft lobe corrosion (pitting) is but one, but all will have a similar foundation

 

[Pablo]

It's not like zero TBN will spell instant death to the engine, but at a theoretical TBN=0 there is no reserve alkalinity detected. So any acid by-products can have their way with metals sensitive to acid (free H+) corrosion in the presence of water. As mentioned this would be Fe alloys primarily.

 

[ZZman]

Thanks

 

[TeeDub]

What you'd see is corrosive/chemical wear of the softer alloys inside the engine. Specifically the Pb overlays on the main/rod bearings as well as any parts made of copper, brass or bronze. The harder metals would tend to be the least affected by a low TBN.