Transmission oil of the Kama Automobile Plant
Gear oils produced in accordance with the technical requirements of GOST 17479.2-85 guarantee the reliable operation of all automotive transmission units. Among the types of such oils, an important place belongs to TSP-15k (TM-3-18) oil, which is used in gearboxes of vehicles that transmit significant torque. These are mainly heavy vehicles and trailers.
Features
The main factors that determine the operating conditions of automotive mechanical transmissions are:
- High temperature on contact surfaces.
- Important couples with a very uneven distribution over time.
- High humidity and pollution.
- Change in used oil viscosity during periods of inactivity.
On this basis, transmission oil TSP-15k was developed, which is effective precisely in mechanical transmissions, when contact stresses are the predominant types. Brand decoding: T - transmission, C - lubricating, R - for automobile transmissions, 15 - nominal viscosity in cSt, K - for cars of the KAMAZ family.
Gear oil consists of two components: base oil and additives. Additives impart desired properties and suppress unwanted ones. The additive package is the foundation of lubrication performance, and a strong base provides the driver with the necessary engine performance, reduces torque loss due to friction and protects contact surfaces.
The characteristic properties of TSP-15 oil, as well as other lubricants of this class (for example, TSP-10), are considered to be increased thermal stability and oxidation resistance at elevated temperatures. This prevents the formation of sludge of solids or tar, the inevitable harmful products of high temperature oxidation. These possibilities depend on the application temperature of the gear oil. Thus, for every 100°C increase in the temperature of the lubricant to 60°C intensifies the oxidation processes by about two times, and even more at higher temperatures.
The second characteristic feature of transmission oil TSP-15k is the ability to withstand higher dynamic loads. Due to this, the teeth of the gears in the gear mechanisms prevent the contacts from chipping. Not recommended for use in vehicles with automatic transmission.
Application
When using TSP-15k lubricant, the driver must be aware that the oil has a demulsifying ability, the ability to remove excess moisture by separating layers of immiscible components. The difference in density allows the gear oil to successfully remove water in the gearbox. It is for this that such oils are periodically drained and updated.
According to the international classification TSP-15k belongs to oils of the API GL-4 group, which are necessary for use in heavy-duty automotive transmissions. Such oils allow longer intervals between routine maintenance, but only with strict adherence to the composition. Also, when replacing or monitoring the condition of the oil, it is necessary to monitor changes in the acid number, which determines the oxidizing ability of the lubricant.
To do this, it is enough to take at least 100 mm3 of already partially used oil and check it with a few drops of potassium hydroxide KOH dissolved in an 85% aqueous solution of ethyl alcohol. If the original oil has a higher viscosity, it must be heated to 50 ... 600C. Next, the mixture must be boiled for 5 minutes. If after boiling it retains its color and does not become cloudy, then the acid number of the starting substance has not changed and the oil is suitable for further use. Otherwise, the solution acquires a greenish tint; this oil needs to be replaced.
<font><font>Materials</font></font>
Performance characteristics of transmission oil TSP-15k:
- viscosity, cSt, at a temperature of 40 ° C - 135;
- viscosity, cSt, at a temperature of 100 ° C - 14,5;
- pour point, ºС, not higher than -6;
- flash point, ºС — 240…260;
- density at 15°С, kg/m3 — 890…910.
With regular use, the product should not erode seals and gaskets and should not contribute to the formation of tar plugs. The oil should be a uniform straw-yellow color and transparent to the light. Corrosion test within 3 hours must be negative. For safety reasons, the product must not be misused.
When disposing of TSP-15k gear oil, it is necessary to remember about the prevention of environmental pollution.
The closest foreign analogues are Mobilube GX 80W-90 oils from ExxonMobil, as well as Spirax EP90 from Shell. Instead of TSP-15, it is allowed to use other lubricants, the characteristics of which correspond to the conditions of TM-3 and GL-4.
The current price of the lubricant in question, depending on the region of sale, ranges from 1900 to 2800 rubles for a 20 liter container.
