Effect of Soot on Piston Deposits and Crankcase Oils–Infrared Spectrometric Technique for Analyzing Soot

This paper reports the effects of diesel engine soot on piston deposits and the crankcase oil in a Mack Multicylinder engine. Its authors found in their study: (1) that diesel engine soot can be a predominant factor in the formation of piston deposits at high exhaust smoke density, (2) that the exhaust smoke density correlates with the soot content in the deposits and in the crankcase oil, and (3) that the soot content of deposits correlates with carbon deposit rating; and that the oxidized resin content of the oil correlates with lacquer ratings. The authors also report on an infrared spectrometric method they developed for quantifying soot in piston deposits, crankcase oil insolubles, or directly in the oil, where it can be quickly and easily monitored.