Testing Oil Efficiency with an Engine Dyno

Motor oil is a necessary component of any healthy vehicle engine function. Motor oil acts as a lubrication for the engine, and can also act as a coolant for some engines, like many motorcycle engines. Clean, contaminant-free motor oil with a high viscosity and strength is key to increasing engine performance, longevity, and efficiency. But with so many different types of motor oil on the market, all claiming to offer the best engine enhancement, how can you really tell how beneficial each kind of oil is for an engine?

The best way to test the performance of the engine with each different type of oil is through to use of engine dyno dyamometers. Engine dynos can easily measure engine speed, performance, and efficiency in a way that other tests cannot. This makes the machine the perfect tool for identifying the performance-enhancing ability of each type of oil. Engine dyno dyamometers can also test the efficiency and reliability of different engine oil filters, which can also affect the performance of the engine.

Here is a simple process you can use with a dyno machine to test oil and filter effectiveness:
Start with the original oil and filter. Place the engine on the dyno machine and bring the engine up to operative temperature. This will help establish the baseline of the engine.

Drain the oil and remove the filter. Replace the oil and filter with a different filter and oil. Run the dyno machine tests a few times just like before and record the numbers. Repeat the process with as many different oils and filters as possible.

Compare the horsepower outputs and torque outputs for each oil and filter type. Depending on the oil, you may see an increase of several horsepower output for the engine, which indicates better oil and filter performance.