Oil consumption
"Is there evidence that supports the implied assertion in this report that low rpm / high mp will reduce oil consumption versus high rpm / low mp?"
Low rpm/high mp increases radial tension on piston rings reducing glazing and subsequently oil consumption.
• Atmospheric engines that have been ferried across the Pacific on delivery tend to have higher oil consumption in service, this is due to the low mp at high levels during delivery and reduced radial tension on piston rings and cylinder glazing during the important running in phase.
• Older Catepillar Diesel engines are notorious for high oil consumption if the engines are not loaded up, in fact the old 12E graders had a placard in the cabin stating not to "baby the engine".
If they were operated at low power settings for extended periods of time, accumulated engine oil would stain the exhaust stack.:cool