Myth test0 productsMyths & Experiments

Engine Lubrication Failure: The Test Results

A head-to-head test of 0 engine lubrication failure options with the measured results for each. See how they ranked and watch the full test video.

The verdict

How it was tested

  • diagnosing an engine knock by rotating the flywheel and inspecting the connecting rod and crankshaft for play
  • running a cutaway small engine without oil until it locks up or throws a connecting rod, monitoring RPM, time, and internal temperature
  • post failure teardown inspecting the piston, cylinder wall, and broken connecting rod

it was pretty cool to really see firsthand why you never want to drive a vehicle for long that has an engine knock because at some point the connecting rod is going to come loose, it's going to break apart and it could potentially throw a piston through the side of an engine

From the test video verdict.

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