Frequently Asked Questions


FAQS


Can I add additives in oil? The components of lubricants have been propor- tioned to reach an optimum result and therefore no post-production additives


are recommended to be added.


Can I put in my gear-box the same oil as in my engine? The correct oil to be used is recommended by the manufacturer. Follow this


recommendation. It is only in 4 stroke motorcycle where one product lubricates all the components (clutch, gearbox and engine).


Can I use diesel engine oil in a petrol engine, and vice versa? Petrol and diesel engines


have different lubrication requirements. During


development, lubricants undergo a number of tests, some common to diesel and petrol engines and others specific to one or the other type, that categorize their performances. At the end of this process, they are awarded an API, ACEA or JASO compliance standard. These specifications characterize the acceptable functioning of the lubricant in each type of petrol or diesel engine. Lubricants for four-stroke engines usually comply with both petrol and diesel specifications. For example, an API SJ/CF-4 lubricant meets petrol specification API SJ and diesel specifica- tion API CF-4.


Can I mix two different types of oil? Lubricants are always optimized to meet the requirements of internation- al classifications. However,


there are many ways of formulating a specific type of lubricant. Mixing two oils that have equivalent properties will


8


not pose a problem, but final performance cannot be guaranteed. All engine oils (petrol engine or diesel, mineral or synthetic) are mixable. However, mixing of two oil qualities lowers the superior quality.


What causes oil pressure to drop? During normal vehicle operation, oil is


vital to ensure effective sealing between the combustion chamber, the crankcase and valve guides. The oil pressure indica- tor shows how well this is being done. An unusual drop in oil pressure can


result from either lower engine oil viscosity due to dilution by fuel (injector problem or use at low load); too little oil in the lubrication system (due to an oil leak, excess oil consumption, or failure of the oil circulation pump); or even mechanical part wear.


Does the oil have to be topped up?


The engine oil level should be checked regularly to ensure sufficient lubrica- tion of the engine. A small


amount of oil is lost due to oxidation occurring within the engine which can be offset by top-ups between oil changes; however, excessive need for top-ups can be an indication of mechanical problems (leaks, etc).


What is the advantage of keeping up with the new technologies? With respect to technol-


ogy, engine lubricants must consistently evolve toward


higher performance levels linked to engine advances, application, manufac- turer requirements, and requirements of


STAR QUESTION:


CAN I USE DIESEL ENGINE OIL IN A PETROL ENGINE, AND VICE VERSA?


Important things to know about engine oils


SOURCE | SHUTTERSTOCK / DAVID TADEVOSIAN


users and law-makers like: • More stringent environmental require- ments,


• Demand for higher in engine power, • Lower oil crankcase capacities, • Change in thickness between engine bore and piston,


• Need for longer ODI (Oil Drain Intervals)


Which oil should we use in turbo compressed vehicles? In order to fulfil the lubrication and shaft cooling needs of the turbo-


compressor, oil must answer to very strict criteria. The shaft reaches a very high temperature due to the proximity of the exhaust gasses and very fast revolution. Oil must lubricate the shaft continuously otherwise the high temperatures would permanently damage it.


These conditions mean the oil has to


offer considerable detergent property (an important resistance to oxidization and deposit formation) and very high a thermal stability. The use of premium mineral and synthetic oils is therefore the most recommended solution in these conditions.


.


This article is courtesy of TotalEnergies Marketing Kenya. They can be reached via; customerservice@totalenergies.ke


LUBEZINE MAGAZINE | March 2023


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