(Please be Patient)

The Falex Pin & Vee Block test offers the serious student a method of comparing various oils and how they may be expected to perform in an engine. This test is virtually an industry standard and often times a direct correlation can be made between Falex test values and actual mechanical wear. Under normal conditions, the higher the Falex Direct Load number, coupled with a corresponding low torque number, the better the anti-wear and load bearing characteristics of the oil itself will be.


The following information is shown which is comparing 4 different name brand types of oils, two which are widely used in passenger cars, and two which are widely used in diesel engine applications. Of the oils in each category, one is mineral oil based, and the other is a synthetic.

Falex Pin & Vee Block tests were performed on each of the following oils to determine the actual “load carrying capacity” and anti-frictional capacity of the oil, which will then indicate the degree of wear that might be expected in an engine using that product.

After the first test was performed on the oil directly as purchased, the same oil was then mixed with 5% ENGINALL (advanced chemistry oil fortifier) and the Falex test was performed a second time to note the improvement, if any. The results can be found on the accompanying spread sheets.

Conclusion: The above Falex Pin & Vee Block tests were performed on several well known  commercial oils. As may be observed in the accompanying spread sheet, all of the tests demonstrated a significant improvement in overall performance of the base lubricant, more than doubling the oil’s load carrying capacity, reducing wear, and reducing overall oxidation of the anti-frictional components. The most significant improvement occurred in the oils formulated for use in diesel engines, which appeared to have very little anti-wear protection at all, as the Falex Dirct Pressure values were very low, with the Torque climbing rapidly. This is not to say that there was not also significant improvement in the oils designated for passenger car use, as these improvements were impressive as well An examination of the Pins and Vee blocks used in the testing of the base oils as purchased, prior to treatment with ENGINALL, showed extreme wear and galling, with welding of metal fines to the surfaces. The metal surfaces also exhibited minimal “bluing” which would indicate the Pins and Vee Blocks, without the additive, were unable to withstand the pressure and friction, therefore, no, or very little  "bluing" is noted. After the addition of 5% ENGINALL to each of the base stocks and again performing the Falex test, each of the oils were able to withstand a full 4500 lb. direct load with significantly lower torque, little pin and vee block wear, and signficant “bluing” of the metal... indicating superior anti-frictional properties as compared to an oil without ENGINALL.

 
Printable PDF Test Results