Mobil Delvac engineer talks natural gas engine oil, low-viscosity trends

Lilo Hurtado

Prior to the Technology Maintenance Council’s annual Meeting, Overdrive sister site CCJ talked to Lilo Hurtado, applications engineer, ExxonMobil Fuels and Lubricants, about natural gas engine oil and the upcoming introduction of the low viscosity oil category. Here’s the question and answer session: 

CCJ: Tell us about the new engine oil for natural gas engines Exxon Mobil will introduce at TMC.

Hurtado: Mobil Delvac CNG/LNG 15W-40 is designed for use in spark-ignited compressed natural gas and liquefied natural gas engines.

The new oil protects against wear, oxidation and nitration, which can result from the high operating temperatures found in natural gas engines. Tests have also shown that CNG/LNG 15W-40 can help operators extend oil drain intervals.

CCJ: Is this a new area for ExxonMobil?

Hurtado: Actually, we have more than 50 years’ experience in engineering lubricants for natural gas engines. In fact, many fleets of varying sizes report great success in using our predecessor, Mobil GEO 15W-40 natural gas engine oil, which was introduced nearly 20 years ago.

CCJ: Do you think the trend toward low-viscosity synthetic engine oils will continue?

Hurtado:  Yes, we do. Today, fleets of all sizes including Schneider National of Green Bay, Wis., and Carleton Transport of Gretna, Neb., rely on synthetic and semi-synthetic offerings from ExxonMobil to help them improve efficiency and enhance fuel economy.

In the future, we anticipate even more fleets and owner-operators will begin to use low-viscosity synthetic and semi-synthetic lubricants as a way to improve fuel economy and overall performance.

CCJ: What is ExxonMobil doing to prepare for the low-viscosity Proposed Category (PC)-11 specifications?

Hurtado: Although the American Petroleum Institute’s PC-11 category is not scheduled for implementation until early 2016, we have been working closely with major commercial vehicle manufacturers and engine builders on this issue for many years, conducting extensive laboratory testing and field trials.

Our commitment to research and development, as well as our close working relationships with leading engine manufacturers and truck builders, enable us to meet challenging requirements as they come up, like PC-11.