Lubricant Composition Impact on the Emissions from a European Heavy Duty Diesel Engine Equipped with a Diesel Particulate Filter

An Iveco Cursor 8 heavy-duty Diesel engine (7.8L, 6 cylinder) meeting Euro III emission regulations and equipped with a catalyst based passively regenerating Diesel particulate filter (CB-DPF) system, was used to investigate the impact of lubricant formulation on exhaust emissions. Measurements of both regulated and unregulated emissions were made during ESC and ETC cycles undertaken during a strictly controlled experimental protocol. Testing was carried out using ultra low sulphur, Swedish Class 1 Diesel fuel and a range of lubricant formulations.

No significant effects of lubricant composition were observed on regulated gaseous emissions. However, the number of nucleation mode particles appeared to be both drive cycle and lubricant formulation dependent. Test methodology proved to be key; with engine, exhaust and dilution tunnel preconditioning and test order a major influence on ESC particle emissions.