Volume 48, No 3, 2026, Pages 496-506
Download full text in PDFInvestigating the Impact of Start-Stop Cycles on Gas Engine Oils Using a 4-Ball Tester
Authors:
Rupesh Roshan 
,
Siddhartha Sharma
DOI: 10.24874/ti.1924.03.25.11
Received: 29 March 2025
Revised: 18 June 2025
Accepted: 16 November 2025
Published: 15 September 2026
Abstract:
The increasing integration of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar has increased the need for modern power generation systems to operate with enhanced flexibility to manage variable electricity demands. However, frequent start–stop operations in these systems expose engine components and lubricants to severe thermal and mechanical stresses. To ensure long-term reliability, understanding the performance of gas engine oils under both steady and variable conditions is crucial. This study investigates the tribological characteristics of gas engine lubricants using a 4-ball tester to simulate realistic start–stop cycles. Friction coefficients and wear volumes were measured to evaluate oil performance. Results indicate that intermittent start-stop operation nearly doubled the friction coefficient to 0.075–0.11 compared with 0.04–0.055 during continuous running, particularly in transitional stages before complete oil film formation. Moreover, repeated start–stop cycles resulted in elevated wear rates, as used oil analysis revealed higher concentrations of wear metals, including iron, copper, and tin.
Keywords:
Gas engine oil, Continuous run, Cold start, Start-stop operation, Friction, Wear, Additives
