Using Lube Control in Cummins N14

[Hammer]

I have used LC in my Cummins N14 the last couple oil changes. My Engine takes close to 44 quarts of oil on an oil change. So going by the instructions, then one would assume that 44ounces of LC is the intitial dose (I actually use 42.5 quarts oil and 44 ounces of LC to prevent over filling). Now, big rig engines use a large sump capacity for long drain intervals and to insure against high oil temps. What I am wondering is if the LC dose can be cut down since there is only 14 liters of engine displacement to protect? Does each quart of oil really need a full ounce of LC to do the job? I think I heard mention that LC cleaning is done via esters which are polar attracted to sludge and carbon. If that is the case, it would seem 44 ounces of LC is overkill and only around 20 ounces could get the job done. Am I thinking wrong here? If you think about it, my engine is only around 3 times the displacement of the average small V-8. If 6-7 ounces keeps them clean, shouldn't 18-21 ounces keep a 14 liter engine clean? I definately would like to see Molakules and Terry's opinion on this.
Btw, if anybody wanted to know, I use Chevron Delo400 15w40 with a Fleetguard LF9009 venturi style filter and a size 60 Oilguard bypass filter. This engine just rolled a million miles this past week and still pulls strong and gets good fuel economy. Any oil analsis results I did in the past were awesome with no wear metals above single digits. I usually change the oil around 18000-21000 miles.

Hammer

 

[MolaKule]

quote:

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I think I heard mention that LC cleaning is done via esters which are polar attracted to sludge and carbon.

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LC is a different chemistry than is ARX, and we don't comment on what is or is not in LC or FP. LC is a cleaner and oxidation mediator.

The dose rate was not selected or based upon engine displacement, but was based upon how LC can boost how much volume of oil. In a diesel, which has far more soot or insolubles than a gasoline engine, I would stick to the recommended treatment rate unless otherwise advised by an oil analysis expert.

Now you may be able to run a lower dosage with oil analysis consultation from Terry Dyson.

[ September 05, 2004, 06:48 PM: Message edited by: MolaKule ]

 

[Terry]

Hammer, as Mola said the dosage you started with is correct, could require more or less based on analysis results.

In a 44 qt system, a qt and a half of LC is low cost oxidation and soot control. About $7, not counting shipping costs.

Maintenance dosage is another aspect that you don't address. You need to add a periodic recharge of LC to the oil to keep the solvency, active.

Using LC and (I hope you are using FP) can effectively help you control nitration ,oxidation, and soot production, and extend the oil drains longer for less down time.

I highly recommend that you get the oil analyzed and fine tune the application.

Thanks for supporting BITOG sponsors.

Terry

 

[Hammer]

quote:

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Originally posted by Terry:

Maintenance dosage is another aspect that you don't address. You need to add a periodic recharge of LC to the oil to keep the solvency, active.

Using LC and (I hope you are using FP) can effectively help you control nitration ,oxidation, and soot production, and extend the oil drains longer for less down time.

Terry

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I was waiting for your response before I asked about the maintenance dose. I was told use an ounce every thousand miles. I would think that with a 44 quart sump capacity, that an ounce would be maybe not enough, then again, I can nail down a thousand miles in a day and a half to two days so maybe even if the milage was there, there just wasn't enough total time to disipitate the intial dosage. So, what would you recommend as the maintenance dose for this engine?

Yes, I do use Fuel power, I try to use it every other fill up. I have two 130 Gallon tanks for a total of 260 gallons, I run them down to around 210 gallons before filling. So I basically place 26 ounces of FP in each tank and fill up, use close to 210 gallons and then refill without FP burn that tank and then repeat again with FP.

Hammer

 

[Terry]

Hammer,your FP technique sounds good.

I really need to see an oil analysis after at least 5000 miles to get a handle on fine tuning you for lots of things but can fine tune a regime for you with the LC and FP. Not to mention drain intervals and recommendations on how the current regime of oils and filters are actually working.

The scientific reason for the top up of the LC is recharging the active solvency. I use 1 to 3 ounces as a guide every 1000 miles based on the eyeball and feel, subjective testing used to dose but it does seem to work.

Consider our services,

www.bobistheoilguy.com/terry.html

Terry