TECHNICAL BULLETIN (TB-030305)

ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION WHEN

SWITCHING BRANDS OF ENGINE OILS

Oil consumption is normal and necessary for internal combustion engines to run properly.
All engines, whether they are diesel or gasoline powered, consume some engine oil. The
rate of oil consumption varies with engine loading, engine design, engine operating
conditions, maintenance, and operator habits. The causes of oil consumption in a normal
engine are:

• The engine oil is used to lubricate the pistons, piston rings and cylinders. A thin
film of engine oil is left on the cylinder wall when a piston moves downward in
the cylinder. High negative pressure generated when the vehicle is decelerating
sucks some of the engine oil into the combustion chamber. The high temperature
combustion gases burn this engine oil as well as some part of the engine oil film
left on the cylinder walls during the combustion process.

• The engine oil is used to lubricate the stems of the intake valves. Some engine oil
is sucked into the combustion chamber together with the intake air and is burned
along with the fuel. High temperature exhaust gases also burn the oil used to
lubricate the exhaust valve stems.

Though some engine oil consumption is normal and the different original equipment
manufacturers can provide general guidelines on acceptable oil consumption, it is not
unusual to see an increase in oil consumption after changing brands of engine oil.
When upgrading to a premium engine oil such as Schaeffer's #700 SAE 15W40
following the use of other engine oils, normally little difference in oil consumption rates
will be noted. This is especially true if the engine is new, has low mileage or is well
maintained. There is however a percentage of engines that will experience a noticeable
change in oil consumption rates. Increased oil consumption is due to several factors.

The previously used engine oil may have built up deposits in various areas in the engine.
These deposits, which in some cases act as a seal, can be removed when premium
performance engine oils that contain different additive systems, with additional
detergents/dispersants, anti-wear and anti-oxidants, are introduced into the engine.
This removal process can be enhanced if different brands of engine oil are mixed
together. Mixing of different brands of engine oils can result in the worst of both
worlds, instead of the best. The complex chemical reactions that occur in the
removal of existing deposits and in interactions between different types of additive
chemistries can lead to an increase in oil consumption. After these deposits are
removed and a balanced equilibrium is reached (where the new engine oil has
formed a full seal) oil consumption rates will return to or very near their original
levels.

The amount of time required for the engine to regain its previously observed oil
consumption rates with the use of the new engine oil can vary from one to three normal
drain intervals. This phenomenon is not unique to any one brand of engine and/or
engine oil, but is commonly reported when switching to a premium engine oil,
especially in older engines that may have high mileage or may not have had a
rigorous maintenance program.

With the use of a premium quality oil a marked increase in oil consumption not related to
the above mentioned circumstances is generally due to mechanical problems such as:

1. Piston ring breakage

2. Worn valve guides
3. Leaks
4. Worn bearings
5. A highly worn engine

A premium quality engine oil will not cause increased engine oil consumption in engines
that are well maintained and are in good condition.

One way to mitigate oil consumption when switching brands of engine oil is to flush
the existing engine oil before adding any new oil. When switching to Schaeffer
Mfg.'s engine oils, especially in older engines, it is recommended that the engine be
flushed and purged with either Schaeffer's #292 Purging Fluid or #131 Neutra Fuel
Stabilizer to gently remove and purge any existing deposits.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Use one ounce of #292 Neutra Purging Fluid or #131 Neutra Fuel Stabilizer to every
quart of engine oil. Run the engine for 500 miles or for 25 hours prior to change-
out.

To further ensure a thorough purge and flush of any existing deposits from the
engine, add #292 Neutra Purging Fluid or #131 Neutra Fuel Stabilizer to every
quart of Schaeffer engine oil for the first oil change interval.