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Automotive Fuel Economy--Potential Improvement Through Selected Engine and Gear Lubricants
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English
Abstract
An experimental program was conducted at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Bartlesville (Okla.) Energy Technology Center to evaluate the effects of synthetic and special additive engine and differential gear lubricants on automotive fuel economy over the temperature range encountered in the United States.
Using a climate-controlled chassis dynamometer facility on two 1978 vehicles, four engine lubricants were evaluated in the 1978 Federal test procedure and in steady-state operation from cold start at 20°, 70°, and 100° F ambients. In addition, three differential gear lubricants were evaluated in steady-state operation from cold start at 20°, 70°, and 100° F ambients using one 1978 vehicle equipped with torque and revolutions per minute measuring devices, which enabled the calculation of horsepower losses in the differential and the efficiency of the rear axle in addition to fuel economy.
The results from the Federal test procedure and steady-state operation showed improvements in fuel economy with the synthetic and graphite-containing lubricants on the order of 1 to 6% when compared to a common base 10W40 lubricant. The order of magnitude varied with the ambient temperature and test vehicle. In steady-state operation, the fuel economy associated with the synthetic and friction-modified 75W gear oils increased at all ambients only during vehicle warm-up from cold start. Under fully warmed-up conditions there was little or no change in fuel economy.
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Citation
Naman, T., "Automotive Fuel Economy--Potential Improvement Through Selected Engine and Gear Lubricants," SAE Technical Paper 800438, 1980, https://doi.org/10.4271/800438.Also In
References
- Shupe Dean S. “Automobile Fuel Economy.” “Mechanical Engineering,” 99 12 30 34 December 1977
- Chamberlin W. B. Sheahan, T. J. “Automotive Fuel Savings Through Selected Lubricants.” Paper No. 750377 , presented at SAE Automotive Engineering Congress and Exposition, Detroit, Michigan Feb. 24–28 1975
- Gay W. F. “Energy Statistics.” A supplement to the Summary of National Transportation Statistics U.S. Dept. of Transportation 1976
- Coleman Wells “Computing Efficiency for Bevel & Hypoid Gears.” Machine “Design,” 47 20 64 65 August 21 1976
- Gresty, D. A. et al “The Effects of MoS 2 Based Lubricants on Automotive Gear Efficiency and Operating Temperatures.” Paper No. 770834 presented at SAE Passenger Car Meeting, Detroit, Michigan Sept. 26–30 1977
- Willermet P. A. Dixon, L. T. “Fuel Economy-Contribution of the Rear Axle Lubricant.” Paper No. 770835 , presented at SAE Passenger Car Meeting, Detroit, Michigan Sept. 26–30 1977