Value Engineering Your Motor Oil

Overview

Objectives/Goals To determine if there is a significant difference in the lubricity and longevity of single viscosity motor oils from different manufacturers, and if there is, is improved performance related to increased price. Methods/Materials A steel shaft was spun at a constant rpm with a steel friction bar applying a constant pressure. A new shaft and friction bar were used for each test. For each motor oil, a drop of that oil was used to lubricate the shaft, and for each test, the elapsed time until failure was recorded. Results There were significant differences in performance ranging from 8 minutes to 23 minutes. The more expensive oils provided longer run times before failure. The longest run time was with "Valvoline Racing" while the shortest was with "Parts Plus". Pennzoil, Valvoline, and Quaker State performed twice as well as "Parts Plus". Conclusions/Discussion There is a definite relationship between the cost of an oil and the protection that if will provide your engine. The cheapest oil should be avoided while the most expensive oils are probably not cost effective. The best return on investment is probably received by using moderately priced national brand oils. Definately avoid proprietary oils.

Competition history

• CSEF 2003 Applied Mechanics/ Structures & Mechanisms/ Manufacturing · Entry S0206

Resources

• CSEF project summary ↗

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