This content is not included in
your SAE MOBILUS subscription, or you are not logged in.
Assessing the Lubrication Needs for M85 Fueling Using Short-Trip Field and Engine Dynomometer Tests
Annotation ability available
Sector:
Language:
English
Abstract
The technology has been developed which will allow manufacturers to produce cars capable of running on methanol/gasoline blends with a methanol content up to 85% (i.e., M85). These cars will operate on varying methanol/gasoline ratios without any adjustments from the driver. The dual-fuel capability is attractive since vehicle use will not be handicapped by a restricted fuel distribution system. In addition, it provides the option of running on an environmentally “cleaner” fuel where it is available.
The advent of fuel-flexible vehicles encourages the development of lubricants which will satisfy the demands of both fuels. The unique properties of methanol, however, increase the challenges of meeting the lubricant performance needs.
Field and engine dynamometer testing have been aimed at understanding the response of key lubricant variables with M85. Short-trip, cold-weather conditions have been of particular concern. Direct comparisons of M85 with gasoline fueling under severe conditions demonstrate the differences in the lubrication demands of the two fuels.
Testing shows that a lubricant which provides acceptable protection with gasoline fueling may not be adequate with M85. Rusting and associated problems appear to be the most critical issue. Cylinder bore and ring wear are of less concern.
Current API gasoline engine lubricant specifications do not define the needs of M85. However, they do not exclude the potential for improvement with M85. Testing in a laboratory engine rust test converted to M85 from leaded gasoline, only partially relates to field performance.
Recommended Content
| Technical Paper | The Impact of E85 Use on Lubricant Performance |
| Technical Paper | Effects of Fuel and Additives on Combustion Chamber Deposits |
Authors
Citation
Chamberlin, W., Bruns, L., and Gordon, C., "Assessing the Lubrication Needs for M85 Fueling Using Short-Trip Field and Engine Dynomometer Tests," SAE Technical Paper 922299, 1992, https://doi.org/10.4271/922299.Also In
References
- Auto/Oil Quality Improvement Research Program ISBN 1-56091-237-5 SAE SP 92-920
- Gorse, R. A. Jr. Burns J.D. Hochhauser A.M. Koehl W.J. Painter L.J. Reuter R.M. Rippon B.H. Rutherford J.A. “The Effects of Methanol/Gasoline Blends on Automobile Emissions,” SAE paper 920327 SAE International Congress Detroit February 1992
- Chamberlin W.B. Brandow W.C. “Lubrication Experience In Methanol-Fueled Engines under Short-Trip Service Conditions,” SAE paper 831701 SAE Fuels and Lubricants meeting San Francisco November 1983
- Chamberlin W.B. Gordon C.L. “Methanol-Capable Vehicle Development: Meeting the Challenge in the Crankcase,” SAE paper 902152 Fuels and Lubricants meeting Tulsa October 1990
- McGill R.N. Hillis S.L. Larsen R.P. “Results for the First Year of Operation of the Federal Methanol Fleet at Argonne National Laboratory,” ORNL/TM-10816 Oak Ridge National Laboratory Oak Ridge, Tennessee October 1988
- McGill R.N. Hillis S.L. West B.H. Hodgson J.W. “Results for the Second Year of Operation of the Federal Methanol Fleet at Argonne National Laboratory,” ORNLTM-11230 Oak Ridge National Laboratory Oak Ridge, Tennessee August 1989
- West B.H. McGill R.N. Hillis S.L. Hodgson J.W. “Results from the Third Year of Operation of the Federal Methanol Fleet at Argonne National Laboratory,” ORNLTM-11736 Oak Ridge National Laboratory Oak Ridge, Tennessee January 1991
- Tsukasaki Y. Yasuda A. Ito S. Nohira H. “Study of Mileage-Related Formaldehyde Emission from Methanol Fueled Vehicles,” SAE paper 900705 SAE International Congress Detroit February 1990
- Haight, W.H. III Malte P.C. “Methanol Preignition Temperature Behavior,” SAE paper 912414 SAE Fuels & Lubricants Meeting Toronto October 1991
- Chaibongsai S. Howlett J.J. Millard D.H.T. “Development of an Engine Screening Test to Study the Effect of Methanol Fuel on Crankcase Oils,” SAE paper 830240 SAE International Congress Detroit February 1983
- King E.T. Chui G.K. “Hardware Effects on the Wear of Methanol-Fueled Engines,” SAE paper 841377 SAE Fuels and Lubricants Meeting Baltimore October 1984