OK, so I'm an engineer, not a chemist... but while stuck in traffic today behind yet another oil-burning minivan (guess the mfgr - go ahead) was idly wondering about something. Oil is basically a hydrocarbon, yes? So why, in this day and age of emission controls and oxygen sensors and closed-loop engine controls does an oil burner still emit voluminous clouds of noxious smoke? Would it not be possible to design a lubricant that meets the appropriate lubricant specs but also burns cleanly in a gasoline or Diesel ICE? Would be a lovely way to keep older vehicles on the road without destroying the environment or offending fellow commuters... Especially with Diesels I don't see the big issue, I thought a Diesel could run on damn near anything with an appropriate cetane rating. In fact, I've heard tell of Diesels "running away" when an older engine with a leaky head ingests enough oil to keep the process going without any actual fuel being introduced.
anyone with more knowledge or expertise care to comment?
nate