This content is not included in
your SAE MOBILUS subscription, or you are not logged in.
The Performance of Fuel-Saving Engine Oils
Annotation ability available
Sector:
Language:
English
Abstract
The fuel-saving capabilities of various experimental and commercial passenger car engine oils have been demonstrated in extensive studies. Lower viscosity oils and those containing friction-reducing additives have shown measurable fuel economy benefits in a wide range of laboratory and vehicle tests. Several test techniques are described for screening fuel-saving engine oils and components. Closely controlled chassis rolls and over-the-road vehicle tests are utilized to demonstrate the actual lubricant-related fuel economy benefits.
Within the range of variables included in this study, reducing engine oil viscosity is the most effective way to improve fuel economy. Fuel savings realized from friction-reducing additives are relatively modest and many of the more effective materials are shown to have poor performance in standard sequence tests, particularly regarding engine wear. The most appropriate fuel-saving engine oil should combine the benefits of low viscosity along with the use of a carefully selected and thoroughly tested friction-reducing additive.
We strongly support industry efforts to standardize a test procedure for identifying fuel-saving engine oils. Based upon these studies and other investigations, the most suitable method for such a procedure are the EPA FTP and HWFET cycles.
Recommended Content
Technical Paper | Tribological Properties of Automotive Lubricant SAE 20W-40 Containing Nano-Al 2 O 3 particles |
Technical Paper | New Gear Lubricant Technology Using a Solid Lubricant Dispersion |
Technical Paper | Gear Oils and the Function of EP Additives |
Authors
Citation
Lohuis, J., Murphy, J., and Rogers, T., "The Performance of Fuel-Saving Engine Oils," SAE Technical Paper 800436, 1980, https://doi.org/10.4271/800436.Also In
References
- Goldmann, C. E. “A Synthesized Engine Oil Providing Fuel Economy Benefits” SAE Paper # 760854 presented at the SAE Off-Highway Vehicle Meeting, Milwaukee September 1976
- Krulish, J. A. C. Lowther H. V. Miller B. J. “An Update on Synthesized Engine Oil Technology” SAE Paper #770634 presented at SAE Fuels and Lubricants Meeting, Tulsa June 1977
- Haviland M. L. Rodgers, J. “Automatic Transmission Fluids as Related to Transmissions Operation” Lubrication Engineering March 1961
- Douaud A. Eyzat, P. “DIGITAP - An On-Line Acquistion and Processing System for Instantaneous Engine Data Applications” SAE Paper #770218 presented at the SAE International Automotive Engineering Congress and Exposition, Detroit March 1977
- Broman, V. E. DeJovine, J. DeVries D. L. Keller, G. H. “Testing of Friction Modified Crankcase Oils for Improved Fuel Economy” SAE Paper #780597 presented at SAE Passenger Car Meeting, Troy June 1978
- Ghirla R. J. Smith, R.K. “Automotive Engine Friction and Fuel Efficiency-Viscous versus Non-Viscous Effects” SAE Paper #780984 presented at SAE International Fuels and Lubricants Meeting, Toronto November 1978
- Passut C. A. Kollman, R. E. “Laboratory Techniques for Evaluation of Engine Oil Effects on Fuel Economy” SAE Paper #780601 presented at SAE Passenger Car Meeting, Troy, MI June 1978
- McDonnell T. F. Tempe, S. A. “The Effects of Engine Oil Additives on Vehicle Fuel Economy, Emissions, Emission Control Components and Engine Wear” SAE Paper #780962 presented at SAE International Fuels and Lubricants Meeting, Toronto November 1978
- Riester J. E. Chamberlin, W. B. “A Track Test Comparison of Fuel-Economy Engine Oils” SAE Paper #790213 presented at SAE Congress and Exposition, Detroit February 1979
- Hart W. Klaus, E. E. “Laboratory Testing of Fuel Efficient Oils” SAE Paper #790731 presented at Passenger Car Meeting, Dearborn June 1979
- Retzloff, J. B. Davis, B. T. Gluckstein M. E. Petras, J. M. “Fuel Economy Benefits from Modified Crackcase Lubricants” Lubrication Engineering October 1979 pp 568 576
- Lonstrup, T. F. Bachman H. E. Smith, C. R. “Testing the Fuel Economy Characteristics of Engine Oils” SAE Paper 790949 presented at Fuels and Lubricants Meeting, Houston October 1979
- Sheahan T. J. Romig, W. S. “Lubricant Related Fuel Savings in Short-Trip Cold Weather Service” SAE Paper #750675 presented at Passenger Car Meeting, Houston June 1975
- Goodwin M. C. Haviland, M. L. “Fuel Economy Improvements in EPA and Road Tests with Engine Oil and Rear Axle Lubricant Viscosity Reduction” SAE Paper #780596 presented at Passenger Car Meeting, Troy June 1978
- Waddey, W. E. Shaub, H. Pecoraro J. M. Carley, R. A. “Improved Fuel Economy Via. Engine Oils” SAE Paper #780599 presented Passenger Car Meeting, Troy June 1978
- “Fuel Economy Measurement-Road Test Procedure - SAE J1082a” March 1977
- “Fuel Saving Engine Oil Test Procedure” ASTM Fuel Efficient Engine Oil Test Development Task Force April 1979