EUROTEC M-14D2 DOUBLES OIL LIFE IN GEORGIA’S MEDIUM-SPEED DIESEL FLEET

Industry: Rail & Locomotive

Location: Georgia

Client: National Railway Operator Managing EMD and M62 Class Diesel Locomotives Related Product: Eurotec M-14D2

Client Background

Georgia’s national railway system covers over 1,300 km of track and operates both freight and passenger services. The fleet includes medium-speed diesel locomotives (EMD and M62 classes), which are exposed to long idle periods, steep gradients, and varying ambient conditions from humid coastal to high-altitude dry zones. Each unit logs over 25,000 kilometers annually, and oil reliability is a cornerstone of uninterrupted national service.

Operational Challenge

Oil drain intervals were restricted to just 800 hours, leading to high lubricant consumption, increased maintenance labor, and repeated engine performance complaints. Specific issues included:

• High soot content and oil thickening under fuel-rich idle conditions
• Ring sticking and liner polishing, contributing to oil consumption and power loss
• Excessive fuel dilution (up to 4%)
• Turbocharger carbon buildup

UOA (Used Oil Analysis) showed rapid TBN depletion and shear-induced viscosity drop-off with the current oil, which could not meet the extended service needs.

Solution

Eurotec proposed Eurotec M-14D2, formulated to meet the high soot loading, oxidation, and nitration resistance required in medium-speed railroad diesel engines. Key attributes:

• High TBN reserve (>12) to neutralize combustion acids
• Excellent detergent/dispersant balance for soot handling
• Highly shear-stable base oils with superior oxidation control
• Rail-specific additive pack compatible with low-emission systems

Implementation Process

• 6 locomotives were selected for pilot testing.
• Oil was drained and replaced with Eurotec M-14D2.
• UOA sampling was done every 100 engine hours, tracking TBN, viscosity, fuel dilution, and wear metals.
• Results were benchmarked against historical data for decision-making.

Measured Results 

• Drain interval increased from 800 to 1,400 hours, cutting annual oil consumption by 42%
• TBN retention improved by 65%, reducing the risk of corrosion and ring wear
• Fuel dilution impact minimized; viscosity remained within SAE 40 grade for full interval
• No turbocharger fouling or cold-start failures observed
• Estimated yearly maintenance savings: $22,500, including reduced labor and spares

Customer Statement

"We used to budget for mid-trip oil changes. Now we can plan our service windows predictably, thanks to Eurotec M-14D2."