TBN

[JMM]

Although I have tried the search function, I still would appreciate a relatively non-technical explanation re what exactly Total Base Number consists of, and, why is it so important?

 

[Patman]

It basically means how much acid neutralizing ability your oil has in it. When an oil is new it'll start out at a certain number, for example it might be 8.5, and as the oil ages and it's additives get used up, this number will drop. Once it gets too low then the oil is not able to fight off the acids as well.

 

[4DSC]

Heheh, it's funny you ask about this since I found the answer yesterday by searching.

From what I've read, once it gets near 0, it's totally 100% pooped, but I think most people here would change it before then.

Check out this thread in general: http://theoildrop.server101.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=000215#000011

 

[TexasTDI]

http://www.dcpetroleum.com/definitions.html

TBN - Total Base Number, a measure of the amount of basic additives in a lubricant. High TBN is desirable in a crankcase oil to control corrosive engine wear from the acids of combustion. May be measured by ASTM test methods D 664 (Total Base Number) or D 2896 (Alkalinity Value). These methods may give different results for a given oil.