Lubricant Related Factors Controlling Oil Consumption in Diesel Engines

Oil consumption control in internal combustion engines is affected by both engine design and lubricant related factors. In an attempt to study the lubricant related factors, an oil consumption measurement engine test, using the Mercedes-Benz OM 364A engine was developed. The engine test data confirm the effects of viscosity and volatility. In addition, results indicate that the selection of base oil and viscosity index modifier may have an effect on oil consumption, which would not be predicted by the rheological properties of the oil.

From various different engine tests, indications were obtained about a possible relationship between oil consumption and viscosity increase. A data search yielded results that confirm this correlation.