Euro-3 intervals may halve, warns Shell
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Shell says ifs all change for oil changes as Euro-3 intervals come under scrutiny. Brian Weatheriey reports.
LAST YEAR'S predictions on oil change intervals for Euro-3 engines running with "Euro-2" spec lubricants look like being way off and in the wrong direction too, according to Shell.
In an exclusive interview with CM. Shell UK's automotive lubricants technical manager, Les Dash. confirmed that recent analysis of the latest low-emission diesels running on -Euro-2 specification" oils has revealed some worrying trends.
He says that typical drain intervals of 50,000km could be halved or worse: "In practice having done sampling with various customers, intervals can be as little as 40% of the original 100% and that's with our lubricants." he says. The answer. reckons Dash, is to use specific Euro-3 oils with Euro-3 engines.
Dash admits that with little or no feedback coming from truck manufacturers, oil producers like Shell have had to "find it out ourselves".
Of particular concern with those Euro-3 engines using EGR to meet emission standards. Dash says the effect of putting exhaust gases back into the engine is significant, creating an acidic mixture and more soot in the oil.
The increased acidity attacks engine parts, reports Dash, while soot has to he kept in suspension otherwise it creates extra wear causing other materials to contaminate the oil.
To gain a handle on the problem Shell is conducting its own sampling project at the NEC for operators of Euro-3 engined vehicles.