Lubricants at Low Temperatures
Abstract
Lubricants represent the single most critical problem encountered by vehicles in cold regions. A vehicle lubricated for use in temperature regions will simply not operate in an extremely cold environment. A chunk of heavy gear oil can be used to pound nails at -40C. Thus it is of the utmost importance to ensure that all lubricants used in the vehicle be chosen with low-temperature operation in mind, including engine oil, gear oil, grease transmission fluid, hydraulic fluid and brake fluid. Lubricants must have a sufficiently low viscosity for low-temperature use and must also be able to diffuse over all surfaces requiring lubrication and to permeate the pores and surface cracks of metals. The use of unsuitable lubricants may result in channeling, dry gears and bearings, difficult starting and shifting, quick wear, and deterioration of engines, engine attachments and chassis.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA234536
Entities
People
- Deborah Diemand
Organizations
- Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory