Pilot Field Test of Multiviscosity/Synthetic Engine Oil in Army Combat/Tactical Vehicles at Fort Bliss, Texas

摘要

Military lubricant orders for combat and tactical equipment specify use of a single-viscosity grade lubricant. The use of this type oil results in frequent oil changes caused by seasonal climatic temperature changes. Since the development of a multiseasonal MIL-L-2104 tactical/combat engine oil has been one of the major thrust areas for U.S. Army Mobility Equipment Research and Development Command (MERADCOM) (currently U.S. Army Belvoir Research and Development Center), a pilot fleet test using multiviscosity diesel engine oils was initiated at Ft. Carson, CO in January 1977 and later expanded to Ft. Lewis, WA in 1978-1979. Based on the successes achieved with these two tests, MERADCOM then decided to determine the effects of multiviscosity diesel engine oil on equipment readiness and proper engine lubrication/protection during very warm weather operations. To this end, a pilot field test was initiated in August 1980 at Ft. Bliss, TX involving E and H Troops of the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment. The test utilized M60A1 tanks and M113A1 Armored Personnel Carriers (APC). Although the consensus among the commanding officers, maintenance, and operating personnel was that a OW-20 multigrade oil or a 10W-30 multigrade oil would not adequately lubricant/protect the tactical/combat engine at the warm ambient temperatures involved, the test oils appeared to function in a satisfactory manner.