Using an open engine simulator, we test a variety of motor oils and popular additives, examining their level of resistance to high temperatures and damage to metal surfaces, and their ability to prevent engine seizure.

The engine simulates the metal to metal contact between the rod bearing and the engine crank (pictured below left and right, respectively). The simulator's "crank" is a spinning bearing that is placed in contact with a small steel dowel pin called the "rod". The dowel pins are composed of a slightly softer steel than the crank, and readily depict any damage due to friction. Dowel pins are easily replaced after each test run, providing a fresh testing surface for each new lubricant.

The pressure at the point of contact can be manipulated by adding or subtracting 1 lb. weights to the simulator's boom. The initial weight is 5 lbs, generating a pressure of 300,000 psi. This amount of pressure simulates an engine under extreme heat, heavy loads, or low levels of oil. Weight is increased one pound at a time while a laser temperature gun records temperature variations at time intervals of 20, 40, 60, 90 and 120 seconds. The stress of a 10 lb load is equivalent to an engine running without oil.