Low Speed Pre Ignition (LSPI)
The use of turbocharged, gasoline-direct-injection (T-GDI) engines has increased in the automotive car and light truck segment in recent years. Low Speed Pre Ignition (LSPI) has emerged as a side effect in T-GDI engines. In a nutshell, LSPI is a form of regular engine knock that can occur under low-speed, high-torque conditions, like when taking off from a stop light. Under normal operation, spark-triggered ignition is timed to work in tandem with downward piston momentum. LSPI occurs when an oil/fuel droplet hiding in the piston crevice launches into the combustion chamber and ignites the fuel/air mixture too early. The resulting force clashes with the upward moving piston and can cause damage.
In fact, preventing LSPI is such a concern that it’s the primary reason for the updated API and ILSAC specifications set to take effect in the fall of 2019. The automakers can’t wait that long, however. In a July letter to the American Petroleum Institute, Ron Romano of Ford* Motor Co. urged the API to create a supplement to the ILSAC GF-5 specification “as soon as possible” to measure LSPI protection.
Despite their early resistance years ago, the automakers have come to rely on synthetic lubricants to protect their increasingly demanding engines. Today is no different. It takes a finely balanced, innovative oil to fight wear, resist extreme heat, neutralize contaminants, last throughout today’s longer drain intervals and, now, prevent LSPI. And here is AMSOIL with an answer.
AMSOIL has reformulated the Signature Series Synthetic Motor Oil, XL Synthetic Motor Oil and OE Synthetic Motor Oil. All three oils deliver 100 percent protection against low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI) in the engine test required for the GM* dexos1® Gen 2 specification, helping automakers realize their goal of achieving the best fuel economy possible and engine life.
AMSOIL has engineered Signature Series oil to fulfill the dexos1 Gen 2 requirements, then moved way past them. A passing score in the GM test is five LSPI events – our oil had zero occurrences. We reached that level of protection by incorporating a unique detergent system [TBN (total base number)]. You might think of TBN like Tums® for your engine. Taking Tums prior to a large meal will likely stop your heartburn before it starts. We’ve fortified Signature Series with an abundance of the right kind of detergents to pre-emptively neutralize the coming acids and fight LSPI. We’re stocking our passenger car motor oil with the amount of detergents once only common in diesel oil – in fact, Signature Series has more detergents than you’ll find in diesel oils.
OEMs like GM* have addressed the issue by designing tests to determine a motor oil’s ability to prevent LSPI. The GM test allows up to five LSPI events to receive a passing score. Signature Series Synthetic Motor Oil, XL Synthetic Motor Oil and OE Synthetic Motor Oil provided 100 percent protection against LSPI 2 – zero occurrences were recorded.
If you have a new gasoline turbo engine use AMSOIL motor oil to ensure that you will not experience the ‘Super Knock’ that is LSPI.
Use the AMSOIL look up guide to determine what AMSOI engine oil is recommended for your turbo car.
2 Based on independent testing of AMSOIL XL 5W-30 Motor Oil in the LSPI engine test as required for the GM dexos1® Gen 2 specification
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