This invention relates generally to lubricating compositions and more particularly relates to a composition for lubricating an internal combustion engine and sealing any leaks which may be present in one or more chambers of the engine, thereby causing a reduction in oil consumption and providing more efficient engine operation.
Fuel economy and engine efficiency have attracted the attention of many scientists and engineers. Over the years, it has become more desirable to increase fuel efficiency in vehicles and other devices and also to reduce the emissions thereof. This has occurred as a result of a number of factors including the escalating cost of natural resources and the potential health concerns due to increased environmental pollution, including air, land, and water, which in part is due to an increase in fuel consumption by vehicles and other devices being driven by internal combustion engines. This increased awareness is evidenced by newly enacted government legislation and regulations governing vehicle emissions and preservation of the environment.
Often engine wear in various locations, such as cylinder rings, valve stems, and bearings, is responsible for excessive oil consumption. This results in diminished engine performance and also can result in engine oil leaks which likewise results in excessive oil consumption, increased operating costs, and is a direct source of pollution. Furthermore, engine wear and inefficient engine operation will result in increased emissions which causes an increase in air pollution. In general, the diminished engine performance is a result of a number of factors, including but not limited to:
(1) combustion gases passing through the rings of the piston instead of the gas being used to generate mechanical energy within the engine, etc.;
(2) lubricating oil entering the combustion chamber and interfering with the fuel air combustion process which results in an increase in pollution; and
(3) the presence of worn engine bearings which facilitates oil consumption by diminishing the effectiveness of the engine seals. The wearing of the engine bearings diminishes engine performance because a loss of mechanical efficiency is realized due to the presence of excess gaps in the bearing assembly such that energy goes into vibration, etc., instead of being used to power the engine.
Thus, there is a perceived need to provide a lubricating oil which will not only provide desirable lubricating characteristics but will also provide increased engine performance in engines which are marked by engine wear.
According to the present invention, a lubricating/sealing composition is provided for use in internal combustion engines and the like. Advantageously, the present lubricating/sealing composition is designed to not only to lubricate engine components but also to provide a seal at locations in the engine where lubricating oil is seeping into the combustion chamber or leaking out of the engine itself. For example, such locations include but are not limited to annular spaces located around the pistons, valves, and the seals at the ends of the crank-shaft, etc. The continued wear and tear in the internal combustion engine will cause bearings, rings, valves and seals to wear such that lubricating oil seeps into the combustion chamber and renders mechanical inefficiency. In addition, leakage of lubricating oil can occur as a result of a number of other events. For example, leakage at the head gasket location often occurs as a result of engine over-heating and this can cause compression loss as well as the loss of lubricating oil.
By sealing these leak-prone locations in the engine, an improvement in the fuel efficiency of the internal combustion engine is realized. Accordingly, the lubricating/sealing composition of the present invention improves wear of the rings, bearings, valves and seals and also renders increased engine performance by providing a substance which not only lubricates but also serves to seal areas in the engine which are prone to fluid leaks.