Q & A

Everlasting Lubricants?

“A co-worker was telling me that lubricants can be used indefinitely if the additives are occasionally “sweetened” and impurities are removed. I find this hard to believe. Can you shed some light on this subject?”

This myth that oil can last forever is exactly that, a myth. In a few circumstances oil can be restored to like new condition through reclaiming and/or additive reconstruction. Certain lubricants, like turbine oils, are far more suited to reclaiming than crankcase oils. Often, oil encounters “enemies” such as water, heat, metal debris, pressure, and mechanical action that stress and oxidize it beyond repair.

Figure out how to relieve the oil from the “enemies” mentioned above, and you’ll be amazed at how much longer how much longer your lubricants will last. More information about this topic can be found here: http://www.roibot.com/w.cgi?R37856_QA42401

Today's Tips

• Oil filters require oil too. When changing filters on oil system's such as gasoline engines, diesel engines or industrial machinery that have a circulating oil system, consider filling the new filter with new oil before installing it. This prevents a dry start when starting up the engine or component. With an empty filter, the oil system must first fill the filter before providing lubrication to critical components. (Tip submitted by David Anderson, TVA Watts Bar Nuclear Plant)

Each tip published will earn the sender $10. Send your tips to webmaster@noria.com or fax to 918-746-0925.

Book Bits

"The first steps in obtaining optimum performance from correctly selected, proper quality oils and greases are proper handling, storing, and dispensing. These are necessary for two primary reasons: First - to preserve the integrity of the products; and second - to preserve identification and any precautionary labeling. It is poor practice to buy high quality lubricants and then permit degradation of them through contamination of deterioration; or to run the risk of misapplication because the identification on the containers has become illegible through improper handling, or the products have been transferred to inadequately or improperly marked containers."

For more information about the book "Lubrication Fundamentals" go to: http://www.noria.com/secure/product_detail.asp?catalogid=2