Oil Base Numbers

The base number describes the alkalinity of the engine oil. This number is associated with the reserve alkalinity of the oil and the detergent additives that counteract the acids produced by spent fuel and acids formed when the hydrocarbon structure of the lubricant breaks down. The detergent additives also clears up deposits that have built up inside the engine.

A common detergent additive present in many engine oils is calcium sulfonate which leaves a residue when burned. The residue is largely not problematic as it can be removed in the next oil change. It can become a problem when oil changes are frequently ignored or the period between oil drains are overextended.

Every engine oil starts with an initial base number. This base number is proportional to the amount of detergent additives contained in the oil. The higher the initial base number, the more detergent additives are present in the oil.

Just like any lubricating oil, engine oil deteriorates with time. The deterioration results in the production of acids which causes the base number to drop. The drop in base number becomes a threat when it drops to around fifty percent of the initial value. It is at this point that an oil change must be performed. If the oil change is delayed, the oil can start to become more acidic and can cause corrosion of engine components.

What Is Break-in Wear?

Break-in wear is what happens during the initial uses of the brand new machine. The moving components wear against each other to make the final shape and size adjustment that will help settle them into a stable relationship for the rest of the machine's operating life.  This is an essential stage in the life of the machine that can greatly influence its performance throughout its lifespan.

There are many conflicting principles when it comes to breaking in new machines.  Most machines are recommended to be broken in under light operating loads but there are also experts that advocate breaking in under normal or heavy load. There is also the issue of what lubrication products to use. There are industrial grease and lubricating oil that are specially formulated for breaking in engines and other equipment that some experts recommend against.

An argument for starting light and slowly increasing the power or load is to not work the machine too hard which can result to excessive wear. On the other hand, those that recommend heavy load argue that it is the best way to set the components, like pistons and cylinders.

With regards to the lubricant, those that are against the use of break in products argue that the break-in process should exposed the machines to its normal operating conditions, of which the special lubricants are not used on.

Because of how all evidences are mainly anecdotal, it can be confusing to know which method of breaking in best. The safest bet is to follow whatever is instructed by the manufacturer with regards to the break-in process so that if something goes wrong, you're likely protected by warranty.

In Search Of A Lubricant Supplier

There are many things to consider when searching for a lubricant supplier that can cause some confusion. The best place to start is with knowing what you need. Many of the current lubricant suppliers offer a wide range of goods and services. There are suppliers offering full service that allows companies to reduce the number of personnel in their lubrication team or unit. There are plenty that offer basic goods like lubricating oil and grease.

Being able to determine your exact lubrication needs can greatly narrow down the choices for a lubricant supplier. This also helps minimize unnecessary costs. If you only really need the lubrication products, paying for a package or program that includes technical support or analysis can significantly increase your expenses more than you have to.

Changing to a new lubricant supplier is a major undertaking and thus requires a careful deliberation that includes stakeholders and technical experts. It is during this deliberation in which the exact needs are discussed and the criteria and process for the selection of the supplier are formulated and reviewed. It is during this stage that specifications for the products, services and costs are laid down.

After this, the representatives from potential supplier are interviewed and their proposals are studied and evaluated based on the set of criteria that was previously agreed on.