Use of Multiviscosity/Synthetic Engine Oil in Army Combat/Tactical Vehicles.

• Main Authors: Tosh,J D, Owens,E C
• Other Authors: SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INST SAN ANTONIO TX ARMY FUELS AND LUBRICANTS RESEARCH LAB
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: 1979
• Subjects: Lubricants and Hydraulic Fluids; *ENGINES; *VISCOSITY; *SYNTHETIC MATERIALS; *LUBRICATING OILS; TEMPERATURE; MILITARY VEHICLES; FIELD TESTS; ADVERSE CONDITIONS; COMBAT VEHICLES; PILOT STUDIES; TACTICAL WARFARE; ARMORED VEHICLES; Synthetic oils; WUB06; ASH20; PE62733A; Arctic
• Online Access: http://www.dtic.mil/docs/citations/ADA081444; http://oai.dtic.mil/oai/oai?&verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&identifier=ADA081444

The military lube orders for combat and tactical equipment call for single viscosity grade oils. The use of this type oil results in frequent oil changes caused by seasonal and climatic temperature changes. The use of a single 'year-round' lubricant could eliminate the seasonal changes, possibly extend the oil drain interval, and provide a greater degree of combat readiness. MERADCOM began a pilot program to determine the feasibility of utilizing synthetic arctic engine oil in combat/tactical equipment outside arctic regions. The program involved M60A1 tanks and M151A2 jeeps at selected CONUS military installations. After extensive field testing and evaluation, it was determined that use of the synthetic lubricant had no adverse effect on the equipment. However, environment conditions and maintenance procedure greatly influenced the test results, causing high amounts of silicon to be injested. Thus, the normal oil drain intervals were not changed nor has a change in the vehicle engine failure/removal resulted. (Author)