What do TBN and TAN mean?

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TBN == total base number == 9 in new oil (usually)
TAN == total acid number == 1 in new oil (typical)

But what does that mean? Is it some kind of pH level? A ratio of the oil versus some ideal liquid?
 
Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
http://www.pqiamerica.com/TBN.htm

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Total_acid_number

https://bobistheoilguy.com/engine-oil-analysis/



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Originally Posted By: WillsYoda
Which UOA kits test TAN automatically?


A kit? Like as a home test kit? Or do you mean which services test it as part of the base price?
 
Originally Posted By: kschachn
Originally Posted By: WillsYoda
Which UOA kits test TAN automatically?


A kit? Like as a home test kit? Or do you mean which services test it as part of the base price?


The second one. Does the amazon Wix kit test TAN, for example? How much extra is it there or at other places? I ask because I get a lot of condensation during winter on short drives, but I will have pretty low mileage synthetic oil at the end of winter.
 
Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
https://bobistheoilguy.com/engine-oil-analysis/
"When TAN is plotted on a graph with the TBN, the point at which the two lines cross is the optimal point to change your oil and indicates nearing additive depletion."

I would think TAN should be near-one for the full length of the oil's life..... and when it starts to rise then you need to dump the oil ASAP.
 
Originally Posted By: veryHeavy
I would think TAN should be near-one for the full length of the oil's life.....

When fresh, many modern oils don't have have a TAN of near-one. TAN of 2 or 3 is not uncommon.
 
Originally Posted By: veryHeavy
Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
https://bobistheoilguy.com/engine-oil-analysis/
"When TAN is plotted on a graph with the TBN, the point at which the two lines cross is the optimal point to change your oil and indicates nearing additive depletion."

I would think TAN should be near-one for the full length of the oil's life..... and when it starts to rise then you need to dump the oil ASAP.


No oil starts with TAN at or below 1.... 5th row is the TAN of virgin samples.

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