I keep reading conflicting information on detergents in motor oil. Some sources say they clean, others say they keep deposits from forming on surfaces. Can they do both, or which is it? Does one do a better job then another?
What in motor oil actually cleans up old deposits? Is it the base oils used?
Yes, even after all of the discussions we have had on BITOG. Do a search on "Question of the Day" where in the past we discussed most if not all of these additive components.
"Oxidation inhibitors, detergents, and dispersants make up the general class of additives called
stabilizers and deposit control agents. These additives are designed to control deposit formation, either by inhibiting the oxidative breakdown of the lubricant or by suspending the harmful products already formed in the bulk lubricant. Oxidation inhibitors intercept the oxidation mechanism, while dispersants and detergents perform the suspending part.
Detergents neutralize oxidation-derived acids as well as help suspend polar oxidation products in the bulk lubricant.
Dispersancy (as in organic
dispersants) pertains to a dispersant’s ability to suspend by-products of combustion, such as soot, and lubricant degradation, such as resin, varnish, lacquer, and carbon deposits..."
Lubricant Additives Chemistry and Applications, chapters 4 and 5, by Leslie Resnick, editor.
Some base oils such as esters can also act as detergents by dissolving and suspending carbonaceous
materials. HPL's Engine Cleaner has the chemistry to do all of the above.