Q8 Oils: Advanced Additive Technology to Reduce the Impact of Soot in Engine Oil
The formation of soot in modern diesel engines is an ever-increasing reality but the advanced additive technology in Q8 oils can minimize soot-induced wear, control sludge build-up, and resist oil thickening associated with high soot levels.
Understanding Soot in Engine Oil
Soot is an unavoidable by-product of combustion and is present in all used engine oils. It forms due to incomplete fuel combustion in engines, leaving behind partially burned fuel particles. While both petrol and diesel engines generate soot, diesel engines face a more severe challenge due to their combustion process.
Why Is Soot a Bigger Problem in Diesel Engines?
- Diesel fuel is heavier than petrol, making it harder to burn completely.
- Auto-ignition in diesel engines (caused by high pressure and temperature) leads to poor fuel and air mixing, creating fuel-dense, oxygen-deficient pockets that produce excessive soot.
- Soot interacts with engine oil, getting trapped in the oil film on cylinder liners and moving down into the sump, increasing contamination levels.
How Soot Enters Engine Oil
Soot reaches the engine oil mainly in two ways:
- Cylinder liner contact: Soot from combustion gets scraped into the oil sump as the piston moves.
- Blow-by gases: Partially burned fuel and combustion gases leak past piston rings into the crankcase, leading to abnormal soot loading.
Factors Contributing to Excessive Soot in Oil
- Frequent stop/start operations.
- Extended idling periods.
- Incorrect injector spray patterns.
- Rich fuel/air mixtures.
- Blocked air filters.
The Risks of Soot Buildup in Engine Oil
While individual soot particles are tiny and harmless, they tend to agglomerate (clump together), forming larger clusters that can cause severe engine damage. Engine oil dispersants work to keep these particles suspended, but when the soot concentration surpasses the oil’s capacity to disperse them, it results in sludge formation.
Negative Effects of Soot Overload
- Accelerated engine wear due to reduced anti-wear lubricant effectiveness.
- Piston ring and cylinder wall damage caused by soot and sludge buildup.
- Increased oil viscosity, leading to cold-start issues, oil starvation, and premature engine failure.
How Q8 Oils Combat Soot-Induced Engine Wear
John Ratcliffe proudly supplies Q8 heavy-duty diesel engine oils, formulated with cutting-edge dispersant additives to tackle excessive soot buildup. Q8’s advanced additive technology:
- Keeps soot particles suspended for extended oil life.
- Prevents sludge formation and minimizes engine wear.
- Controls oil thickening, ensuring smooth engine performance.
As modern diesel engines continue to produce higher levels of soot, Q8 Oils’ superior formulation ensures enhanced engine protection, optimal lubrication, and prolonged oil change intervals
This article was originally written by Blue Chip Lubricants and Q8 Oils Marketing South Africa. John Ratcliffe is an authorised agent of Blue Chip Lubricants.
Contact us today for more on our Engine Ancillary Solutions and Q8 oils and additives.
