Mobilgard™ 1 HSD 5W-40 engine oil provides longstanding protection for Cummins marine main engine

Voyager Newsletter

How do you determine a lubricant’s effectiveness? Look inside the engine!

Results from an inspection of one of two main engines on a US inland waterways vessel showed that Mobilgard™ 1 HSD 5W-401 diesel engine oil provided outstanding cleanliness and protection for a Cummins KTA38 marine diesel main engine after nine years of continuous use.

The engine had accumulated 21,782 running hours with an initial fill of Mobilgard™ 1 HSD 5W-40 engine oil. Mobil Serv℠ Lubricant Analysis was used to closely monitor the health of the engine throughout this period, with support from the ExxonMobil field engineering team.

ExxonMobil engineers evaluated the cleanliness of the Cummins KTA38 engine using the Coordinating Research Council (CRC) method as per Deposit Rating Manual 20. After nearly a decade of use, Mobilgard™ 1 HSD 5W-40 synthetic diesel engine oil delivered exceptional results, posting scores of 9 and above across a range of testing categories.

There was also a significant lack of wear on common wear components, such as piston skirts, piston wrist pins, liners, crankshaft and gears. All parts showed minimal signs of distress.

Oil drains were extended to a 3,000 hour interval2 – over 10 times longer than the engine builder’s recommendation – while maintaining Cummins’ recommended filter intervals. This can help lessen total operating costs by minimising total lubricant consumption, thereby also reducing waste oil. Additionally, oil drain extension can help to promote productivity and safety by cutting down on human-machine interactions (HMI) and equipment downtime.

These results demonstrate that Mobilgard™ 1 HSD 5W-40 synthetic diesel engine oil can help enhance the performance and protection of today’s high-speed marine engines.

1 Previously branded Mobil Delvac™ 1ESP 5W-40

2 Based on the experience of a single customer. Actual results can vary depending upon the type of equipment used and its maintenance, operating conditions and environment, and any prior lubricant used.