During diesel engine operation, oil lubricated parts work and wear. Microscopic wear particles are captured by the oil as it cycles throughout the system.
Oil analysis enables monitoring the condition of engine oil. That, in turn, provides visibility of engine performance. This information can be used to help eliminate downtime and improve a fleet’s overall “health.”
Focusing on the 10 diesel engine brands, primarily Tier 3 and 4 on-road trucks that most frequently undergo oil analysis testing at Polaris Laboratories, data analysts saw that some noticeable issues began to emerge. They reviewed 617,048 samples from these vehicles to identify the recurring data abnormalities.
It should be noted that the percentages found in the study are based on the number of samples received by the company.
Analyzed between 2013 and 2016, the samples revealed all of the tested diesel engines had one or more of the following issues:
- Abrasives.
- Bearings.
- Coolant entry.
- Cylinder region.
- Fuel dilution.
- Seal damage.
- Soot contamination.
By keeping these common issues in mind, say Polaris Laboratories officials, fleets can extend the life of their engines and better manage service events.
