Western Canadian growers know that cold weather isn’t ideal for operating diesel engines. D-MO® Synthetic products are developed and thoroughly tested to tackle the challenges of working in subzero temperatures.
Cold Weather Testing
“Low temperatures can cause diesel oil to thicken, making it more difficult to flow through the engine at startup,” said Darren Chartier, Lubricant Operations Advisor at Federated Co-operatives Ltd. “If the oil is too thick, critical components may not have the proper lubrication to coat the necessary parts that keep the engine durable and running at peak performance levels.”
To ensure the lubricant will resist the effects of the cold and perform regardless of the temperature, Co-op completed a series of tests on its D-MO Synthetic Blend and D-MO Synthetic products. The testing evaluates three critical aspects that are vital to cold weather engine operation:
- Pour point — the lowest temperature at which the oil pours
- Starting efficiency — speed and ease of ignition during cold engine starts
- Pumpability — speed and ease of oil flow in low temperatures after a cold engine start
These tests were performed on a Mack MP-8 test diesel engine, with horsepower ranging from 415 to 505. Product was placed into a cold chamber environment that simulated different subzero temperatures over 24 hours. The engine was started daily, with no assistance from a block heater, and was evaluated on how quickly it started, the time it took the oil to begin flowing through the engine and the lowest temperature at which the oil could operate.
Performing these cold weather tests provides the necessary data for local Co-ops to confidently recommend synthetic products to their customers, who operate in extreme and unpredictable weather conditions within Western Canada.
D-MO Synthetic Blend
Grades: 5W-30, 5W-40, 10W-30
D-MO Synthetic Blend was developed for heavy-duty, four-stroke on and off-road diesel engines. “The formula delivers exceptional protection and performance in severe conditions, and especially in cold temperatures,” said Chartier.
Low-temperature performance metrics:
- Cold Cranking (CCS) cP at °C — Cold Engine Starts
- Mini Rotary Viscosity (MRV) cP at °C — Oil Flow Rate in Low Temperatures
- Pour point °C — Degree Temperature Oil will Flow
- MORE: Field-ready with D-MO 10W30 Synthetic Blend
D-MO Synthetic
Grades: 0W-40, 5W-40
100% synthetic diesel engine oil manufactured with the highest-quality base oils and industry-leading chemistry packages. D-MO Synthetic is a premium, all-season product that delivers exceptional engine startup and pumping abilities, even in extreme conditions.
Low-temperature performance metrics:
- Cold cranking (CCS) cP at °C — Cold Engine Starts
- Mini Rotary Viscosity (MRV) cP at °C — Oil Flow Rate in Low Temperatures
- Pour point °C — Degree Temperature Where Oil will Flow
To learn how to choose the right lubricant product for your needs, contact your local Fuel Team member.