Locomotive Engine Oils
Synonyms
Definition
The properties and performance of oils suitable for use in diesel engines that power railroad locomotives are described. This includes discussion of oil chemistries, oil performance demanded by railroad users, oil properties and performance required by the engine builders, and tests used to create and qualify these lubricants.
Scientific Fundamentals
Most diesel-electric railway locomotives in North America are manufactured either by General Electric Transportation Systems (GE) or ElectroMotive Diesel (EMD, now part of Progress Rail Services, a subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc.), with power outputs in the 2,235–4,470 kW (3,000–6,000 bhp) range. Railroads continue to demand greater efficiency and cost effectiveness in the operation of their locomotives. Some newer engines with increased power output and reliability are used at the rate of 400–600 MWh/month. This and the desire for reduction of operating costs...
References
- D.A. Hutchison, Chlorine-Free Silver Protective Lubricant Composition (II), U.S. Patent 4,871,465, 3 Oct 1989, to Amoco CorporationGoogle Scholar
- D.A. Hutchison, J.L. Thompson, Railroad diesel engine oil with improved viscosity and alkalinity control. Lubrication Engineering 46(7), 467–473 (1988)Google Scholar
- R. Lindenmuth, Teardown shows efficacy of non-chlorinated engine oils. Progressive Railroading 22–25 (1995)Google Scholar
- V.R. Small, Lubricating Oil Compositions for Railroad Diesel Engines, U.S. Patent 5,397,486, 14 Mar 1995, to Chevron Chemical CompanyGoogle Scholar
- J.D. Smalling, “I. High VI Diesel Engine Oil In the Railroad Industry”, Report of Fuel and Lubricants Committee, Locomotive Maintenance Officers Association, Annual Proceedings, Enterprise Printing Service, Chicago, 1980, pp. 188–202Google Scholar
- N.K. Smrcka, W.A. Middleton, Chlorine-Free Diesel Engine Lubricating Composition, U.S. Patent 5,370,805, 6 Dec 1994, to Chevron Research And Technology CompanyGoogle Scholar