1986/01/20 Caterpillar

There have been numerous requests for a method of rapidly testing engine oil for its TBN. Such a test would help in maintaining an acceptable TBN. Typically, a sample of the used engine oil has to be sent to an oil test lab for analysis. This can be costly and time consuming.

Mobil Corporation has developed a portable TBN test kit. It provides a quick go-no-go determination of an oil's TBN. The kit is called the Mobil TBN Test Kit (SLM4484042) and costs $110. Depending on the TBN of the oil tested, the kit can be used for 10 to 20 separate tests. Instructions for performing the test are included with the kit. To order the test kit, contact:

Comments about the test kit.

1. The indicator pillows can be added together to create a higher TBN number. In other words, two 1 TBN pillows mixed with a 3 TBN pillow will result in a 5 TBN indicator. It helps to have an approximate idea of the TBN before testing.

2. The instructions with the kit recommend an oil temperature of 27 to 52°C (80 to 125°F). However, the test can be performed if the oil is at a lower temperature provided that it is shaken more vigorously and longer.

3. A flashlight makes it easier to see the color in the test tube. This is especially true when testing dark oils. If a flashlight is not readily available, the sample could be left undisturbed for 30 minutes or longer, after shaking, to facilitate the reading of the color.

4. For hard to read samples, the color should be read after shaking the sample once. Then the sample should be shaken once more and read 30 minutes later to assure that the color was properly read.