RV owners are well aware of the advantages of diesel-powered motorhomes and tow vehicles, including good fuel economy, longer service life and longer intervals between regular maintenance. For the past two decades, cleaner-operating diesel engines have been on the drawing boards and have been phased into use, with the biggest improvement coming in 2007.

 

Last year, the EPA introduced new legislation to further control exhaust emissions from on-road diesel engines. This legislation, known as US EPA 07 stipulates that all 2007 and later model year vehicles must emit lower levels of oxides of nitrogen gases (NOx) and particulate matter (PM).

 

NOx and PM

Oxides of nitrogen gases (NOx) are invisible gases regarded as carcinogens and greenhouse gases. Particulate matter (PM) is the unburned combustion matter that is found in exhaust gas, often seen as soot particles. Under US EPA 07, both have been drastically reduced from the last generation of diesel engines manufactured from 2002 to 2006. Further emissions reductions will be implemented for 2010 model year vehicles, but changes in engine design alone are not sufficient to reduce emissions to the levels required by this new legislation.

 

Reducing Emissions

Diesel engine manufacturers need technology to bridge the gap between current engine emissions and the new limits. Their investigations led them to treating the exhaust gas after it leaves the engine. This is known as “aftertreatment”. The principle methods in use today for exhaust aftertreatment are Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) and Advanced Combustion Emission Reduction Technology (ACERT™) for the reduction of NOx. Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs) are used to reduce particulate matter or soot emitted into the environment.

 

For diesel engines model years 2002-2006, EGR and ACERT™ had been used exclusively to meet the reduction of NOx. However, for model years 2007 and beyond, a combination of EGR or ACERT™ and DPFs are required to meet both the NOx and PM levels.

 

How EGR Reduces NOx

During EGR, a controlled quantity of exhaust gas is directed into the engine intake system, reducing the formation of NOx at its source, the combustion chamber. The down side: engine efficiency is lowered which may result in increased fuel consumption compared to other aftertreatments. Soot level can be increased, resulting in an increase in wear, oil viscosity and corrosion. This technology has been used on a majority of engines in order to meet US EPA 02 legislation. EPA 07 will demand more EGR be implemented.

 

How DPFs Reduce PM

DPFs capture particulates in a catalytic filter, which periodically burns off the carbon-based particulates, converting them into harmless water, carbon dioxide and nitrogen. These filters require cleaning every 150,000 to 250,000 miles; however, if the wrong lubricant is used, then this interval will be drastically reduced. This technology is now standard on 2007 and later model year vehicles, which require specialized lubricants like Castrol Hypuron Diesel Engine Oil.

 

Setting the New Standard

Castrol Hypuron redefines the standard for super high performance diesel engine oils and offers maximum protection for engines of all ages. Castrol Hypuron has undergone over 8 million miles of testing in more-demanding 2007 engines and countless more miles of testing in many of today’s leading trucking fleets.

 

The Semi-Synthetic Advantage

At the core of any high performance diesel engine oil is the base stock. Castrol Hypuron starts with semi-synthetic base oils that provide natural advantages over traditional mineral base oils.  Some of these benefits are:

 

•Improved piston deposit control for reduced cylinder scuffing

•Better soot management for less soot-related wear

•Better low temperature performance

•Improved volatility, meaning less top-off oil is required

•Better oxidation control to help fight sludge buildup

 

Low Ash Technology

Castrol Hypuron also exceeds new API CJ-4 specifications that now dictate Low Ash formations to prevent the premature clogging of the exhaust after treatment by the DPF. This lowers levels of piston deposits and reduces cylinder scuffing to reduce engine wear.

 

Outstanding Soot Protection

Castrol Hypuron API CJ-4 formula has been boosted with more active dispersing qualities to better manage damaging soot which accelerates engine wear. Soot, if not managed properly, forms abrasive particles that wear away vital engine components such as camshaft lobes, pistons, piston rings, cylinder walls and all critical metal-to-metal contact surfaces, leading to premature engine failure.

 

Oxidation Control

Castrol Hypuron’s semi-synthetic base stocks are not only important in the superior handling of soot, but also in providing oxidation control. Oxidation is accelerated by heat, light, water, acids or solid contaminants. Most of these accelerants are generated by EGR systems. If not properly controlled, oxidation will cause rapid viscosity increases, sludge, varnishing and in some cases engine failure.

 

 

 

Shear Protection

Diesel engines of all ages require Total Base Number (TBN), which works like an antacid in your engine, balancing and fighting the corrosive effects of EGR. Today’s new diesel engines also have tighter clearances between moving parts and more powerful forces of piston rings in motion that can cause permanent viscosity loss, also known as “shear”.

 

Many engine oils use viscosity improvers that employ long-chain polymers which shear easily, resulting in permanent viscosity loss. Once viscosity is lost, oil thinning, reduced film strength and increased oil consumption can raise maintenance costs and decrease the life of your diesel engine. Castrol’s radial polymer, found in its viscosity improver, is the reason Castrol Hypuron can stay in-grade better than other engine oils. Castrol Hypuron is formulated with the highest TBN and unsurpassed shear stability in the semi-synthetic category, giving you the peace of mind that your engine is protected.

 

Leading the Industry

Castrol is known as the technology leader in the lubricants industry, providing premium products and services for passenger cars, over-the-road trucking fleets, refuse removal fleets and the construction market for on-road and off-road vehicles. Their technological expertise and global experience well equips Castrol to meet the diverse needs of customers all over the world, including the owners of diesel motorhomes and tow vehicles.

 

Catsrol Hypuron Diesel Engine Oil is available at Camping World, along with other Castrol products.

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