February 4, 2004
    Today's Tip

  1. "Handy" Sampling Tip

    Book Bits

  2. Motivation for Clean Oil

    Lube-Trivia

  3. Oil Analysis Categories

    Q & A

  4. What's Coming Out of My Breather?

Today's Tip : "Handy" Sampling Tip

During regular weekly and monthly oil sampling, we have been using a tube of "handy wipes" to keep our hands cleaner while handling sample equipment. This practice may not show directly in the cleanliness of the samples, but it feels cleaner, looks very professional, and sends a message about the importance of contamination control. (Submitted by Charles Gurr, NorskeCanada. Thanks Charles!)

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Book Bits: Motivation for Clean Oil

From "How to Select a Motor Oil for Your Car or Truck"

Control of solid contamination in diesel and gasoline crankcase oils has a well-documented effect on engine reliability. Besides wear and reliability, particle contamination can impact fuel economy, lubricant life and environmental issues. Increased service life and overall reduction in maintenance cost is commonly reported by users who follow best practices in contamination control.

While the benefits of clean oil are indeed significant, historically low-quality filters have been and still frequently are specified for automobile engines. Consider this, according to a study by one engine builder, particles smaller than 10 microns generated about 3.6 times more wear (rods, rings and main bearings) than particles greater than 20 microns. Typical automotive filters remove particles 40 microns and larger.

More information about the book "How to Select a Motor Oil for Your Car or Truck"

 

 

Lube-Trivia: Oil Analysis Categories


Test your knowledge and prepare for ICML lubrication and oil analysis certification.

QUESTION: What are the three main categories of used oil analysis? Which one is predictive?

Get the answer here.
Q & A: What's Coming Out of My Breather?

"I am seeing steam coming out of my reservoir breather. Should this be a cause for alarm?"

Steam coming from a reservoir typically signals a problem. You should first confirm whether it is a vapor or steam by placing a mirror over the breather. Fogging of the mirror generally confirms steam. This could be due to exceptionally high operating temperatures and a sudden ingress of water into the fluid.

Another problem to be concerned about is foam coming out of the vent. This is a serious condition, suggesting key properties of the oil have changed sharply. There are many causes of foam formation relating to contamination, defoamant additive, oil degradation, oil level and mixed lubricants.

Submit a question

Resources

 


FEBRUARY 2004

Oil Analysis I
9-10 Reno, Nevada
11-13 Daegu, South Korea
23-24 Chester, Cheshire, United Kingdom

Oil Analysis II
11-12 Reno, Nevada
25-25 Chester, Cheshire, United Kingdom

Machinery Lubrication I
9-10 Reno, Nevada
18-19 León, Mexico

Machinery Lubrication II
11-12 Reno, Nevada

MARCH 2004

Lubrication Excellence 2004
23-25 Nashville, Tennessee

Oil Analysis I
1-2 Brisbane, Australia
8-9 Bilbao, Spain
29-30 Sunninghill, Johannesburg, South Africa

Oil Analysis II
3-4 Brisbane, Australia
10-11 Bilbao, Spain
31- April 1 Sunninghill, Johannesburg, South Africa

Oil Analysis – The Complete Course
10-12 Bangkok, Thailand

Machinery Lubrication I
1-2 New Orleans, Louisiana
1-2 Chester, Cheshire, United Kingdom
15-16 Brisbane, Australia

Machinery Lubrication II
3-4 New Orleans, Louisiana
3-4 Chester, Cheshire, United Kingdom
17-18 Brisbane, Australia

Contamination Control
9-11 Chester, Cheshire, United Kingdom

Entire training calendar | Course links

 

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The presence of advertising in Lube-Tips does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services in such ads. Further, because results will vary widely based on a number of factors, Noria Corporation cannot warrant the results, the accuracy or the completeness of any material published herein.

© 1998-2004 Noria Corporation

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