Evaluation of a Radiometric Method of Determining Engine Oil Economy 690155
This paper discusses the adaptation of the Bromine 82 radiometric method of measuring oil economy to piston ring research and development testing.
Comparisons are made with the conventional drain and weigh measurement method, showing that the radiometric method decreases testing time, while giving more and precise data.
The radiometric method is uniquely capable of measuring the oil economy of each bank of a V-8 engine separately. Two banks of an engine do not have the same oil economy, but by establishing proper oil economy baselines for each bank, split engine tests could be conducted.
Using data obtained by the radiometric method, it was found that the engine break-in period can be reduced from 11 to 6 hr.
The radiometric method shows high oil economy under steady state low speed, high manifold vacuum engine operating conditions. Initially such data appeared questionable, but comparisons with drain and weigh oil economy, plus the use of an exhaust afterburner, shows the radiometric data to be correct.
The use of special nonleaded fuel is discussed, as well as personnel radiation exposure experiences.
