CNG Dedicated Engine Oil: Driving Through Change

Apr 24, 2024
The development of CNG internal combustion engines is bringing new challenges. Fuel delivery in these engines has shifted from direct injector to port fuel injector. And the fuel itself has a different chemical composition. Dedicated CNG engine oil is specifically formulated to deliver the optimum level of ash-based and antioxidant chemistry. Learn about CNG engines and the importance of dedicated engine oils for these engines in this video:

For more information, please contact your Lubrizol representative.

Video Transcript

Fuel. Pressure. Temperature.

Although modern internal combustion engines are highly optimized to burn fuel as completely as possible, it's inevitable that some inefficiencies still exist.

The development of the CNG internal combustion engine is bringing new challenges. Fuel delivery has evolved, shifting from direct injector to port fuel injector. The fuel itself has a different chemical composition, burning as a dry gas. The combustion chamber is hotter, drier and prone to nitration, particularly in the latest breed of BS 6 compliant engines, all leading to an increased need for lubrication.

Engine oil is our first line of defense, but for the engine oil to deliver in CNG engines, it must survive these new harsh conditions and have the right balance of active chemistry.

Using a diesel engine oil in a CNG engine has the potential to cause catastrophic damage. That's because it's formulated with detergents an anti-wear chemistries that contain ash levels appropriate for diesel engines. 

At the high temperatures of a CNG engine, the ash can also become deposited in the combustion chamber and valves, bringing with it increased risk of pre-ignition and high levels of valve wear and ultimately wrecking engine components.

Modern BS 6 CNG engines utilize exhaust aftertreatment devices. Too much ash within the oil can significantly impair the efficiency of these devices, compromising exhaust out emission but not enough ash and it can't deliver the lubricating properties needed.

Dedicated CNG engine oil is specially formulated to deliver the optimum level of ash-based and antioxidant chemistry, resisting high oxidation and nitration levels to avoid excessive thickening and acidification.

Its anti-wear technology adheres to surfaces and reduces wear rates. 

Today's modern engines need modern thinking.

CNG dedicated engine oil delivers it.