Q I am considering the use of colloidal graphite or molybdenum
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diste4dtide powder in the lubricating oil of the engines of my fleet of light vans. The majority of vehicles are powered by petrol engines and are engaged on stop-start work; two are equipped with diesels and cover bigger mileages at higher speed, including fairly lengthy runs on motorways. Do you consider that adding either type of substance to the engine oil would give a longer engine life?
AAccording to the Mobil Oil Co Ltd, both types of additive are excellent lubricants and can give extra protection of the working parts of the engine when loading is so excessive that it may cause seizure. Mobil points out that one or the other type is sometimes used during engine assembly. A company technician states that precautions should be taken against powder dropping out of suspension and clogging the filter.
It is pertinent to emphasize that detergent and other additives that are now blended with most recommended types of oil improve its lubricating properties at high and low temperatures compared with non-additive oils. Both colloidal graphite and molybdenum disulphide are claimed to give longer engine life. Undoubtedly the use of one or the other in an engine that was operating near its limit could (as the Mobil comment indicates) reduce the likelihood of seizure. It could also give protection of the valve gear in sustained high-speed operations. If applied to the lubricant of a new or reconditioned engine, it might prolong the running-in period but pay off in the long run.