Delphi Unveils Diesel Oil Sensor

oldnavy · **Posted:** Sun Sep 17, 2006 8:42 pm

From the VW TDI Forum:

Quote:

Delphi Unveils Diesel Oil Sensor

By Nancy DeMarco

Delphi Corp. is promoting a new diesel engine oil condition sensor for commercial vehicles that will alert the operator when oil quality falls outside specified parameters. Mounted in the oil pan or in a custom-designed engine location, the sensor detects soot and fuel dilution, measures viscosity and can be configured to measure oil levels.

Unlike the oil life monitors now common on General Motors passenger cars, which rely on algorithms to estimate remaining oil life, the Delphi sensor physically monitors engine oil.

Delphi’s sensor operates by measuring AC conductivity at frequencies between 2 to 5 MHz. It also measures dielectric constant and viscosity (in stationary oil only), and can detect fuel dilution, the company reports. Soot, which adsorbs oil additives and contributes to engine wear, is measured at zero to 5 percent, with plus-or-minus 0.5 percent accuracy. Viscosity is measured at 15 to 55 centiStokes, with plus-or-minus 3 cSt accuracy.

The sensor is intended for use in diesel engine applications ranging from light-duty passenger vehicles to commercial vehicles and off-highway equipment. Currently under development, the sensor will be marketed worldwide.

Benefits of the on-engine oil sensor, says the Troy, Mich.-based Delphi, include maximizing oil and filter life, enabling longer oil drain intervals, promoting proper oil level, protecting engines and reducing warranty issues.

I want one of those little dudes.

Jeger · **Posted:** Mon Sep 18, 2006 5:57 am

Now that is slick. Wonder how long befor I can afford one.

oldnavy · **Posted:** Mon Sep 18, 2006 9:06 am

Jeger wrote:

Now that is slick. Wonder how long befor I can afford one.

It will most likely be on some '07 or '08 diesels as an option that they will stick it to us for $1000 just for something that they spend $200 on. :roll:

no-blue-screen · **Posted:** Mon Sep 18, 2006 11:57 am

Heck, it's cheaper and a lot more fun to do UOA

vtdog · **Joined:** Fri Sep 30, 2005 11:27 am **Posts:** 640

Let me think: $ 30 bucks to do a shade tree oil change vs $ 1000 for a sensor that may tell me to wait a longer period of time to change the oil.
I'm not a math major, but I think I can figure this out (even if I was paying the dealer $ 80 for the change).

Jeger · **Posted:** Mon Sep 18, 2006 3:48 pm

I see what you all are saying, but remember this thing could also tell you if you are getting fuel in your oil, knowing that could easily save you $1000. I was thinking about an aftermarket add-on myself. It would interest me for around $200, not $1000.

vtdog · **Joined:** Fri Sep 30, 2005 11:27 am **Posts:** 640

I don't know how quickly I would need to know about fuel in the oil, but a $ 15 oil analysis would do it every 6-12k miles.

At 200 bucks it "maybe" worth it, but at 1000 the manufacturer would have to be on drugs to think he could sell enough to be worthwhile

Tinman · **Joined:** Mon Apr 10, 2006 10:45 am **Posts:** 308

[quote="vtdog"]I don't know how quickly I would need to know about fuel in the oil, but a $ 15 oil analysis would do it every 6-12k miles.

It can happen quickly. I've read accounts of injectors leaking or getting stuck open. In a period of a few hours of operation, the engine oil was nearly replaced by diesel before the drive noticed anything. Not good for the engine. Rare problem but this sensor could be engine saver for some rare events.

BiodieselJeep.com · **Posted:** Tue Oct 03, 2006 10:54 pm

With fuel quality changing, and some of us running various types of fuels, this little number would be very helpful. I'd especially think that home-brew guys would want this to track any sudden issues from a bad batch.

I should get an oil analysis from the next change. On this change almost all of the run was 100% commercial biodiesel.

jeep06 · **Posted:** Tue Oct 03, 2006 11:39 pm

if we could get these sensors cheap enough, maybe we could put one in our CAC hose too...to see what the condition of the oil is in there too.......

:)

RFCRD · **Posted:** Tue Oct 03, 2006 11:59 pm

Tinman wrote:

vtdog wrote:

I don't know how quickly I would need to know about fuel in the oil, but a $ 15 oil analysis would do it every 6-12k miles.

It can happen quickly. I've read accounts of injectors leaking or getting stuck open. In a period of a few hours of operation, the engine oil was nearly replaced by diesel before the drive noticed anything. Not good for the engine. Rare problem but this sensor could be engine saver for some rare events.

You came equiped with stuck injector sensors: called nose and eyes. If you are getting that much fuel contamination from a stuck common rail system you should know it long before a sensor will tell you. The contamination problem you describe is real but related to other Detroit Diesel products with "Unit injectors" and fuel lines running under the valve cover. A leaker will wash-down a motor quickly. I've seen a couple Detroits that failed so quickly that fuel was blowing out the crancase vent. :shock:

Tom_with_a_Dream · **Posted:** Thu Oct 05, 2006 9:52 am

The sensor seems useful enough, I can never get enough information. But what I really want (need) is a place to install my oil temperature sender. Right now only four of my five gauges work. Does anyone have any ideas where we might stick this new sensor or a temp sender?

Thanks.

DarbyWalters · **Posted:** Thu Oct 05, 2006 10:57 am

GROUP BUY with the VW and LOST forums....lol

Delphi Unveils Diesel Oil Sensor

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