A huge variety of oil mixtures produced for automobile engines allows motorists to choose the product that they subjectively like the most. These include motor oil with molybdenum, the exceptional qualities of which many have heard. With this additive, oily liquids of the German brand Liqui Moly are traditionally produced. As a rule, every medal has two sides. Therefore, let's try to figure out whether there are negative effects in the use of molybdenum disulfide, in addition to positive ones.

History of appearance

The use of molybdenum disulfide for internal combustion engines began in the US at the end of World War II. Initially, this substance, in addition to metallurgy, was used in aviation. Molybdenum is not found as a pure metal. But a compound such as the mineral MoS2 (molybdenite) is quite common. The Americans noted its anti-friction and anti-corrosion qualities, resistance to high temperatures and good viscosity. Experiments on the use of this compound as a dispersed additive to aviation oils showed amazing results.

Thanks to the lubricating properties of molybdenum disulfide, the aircraft engine could run without lubrication - though not for long. This was a kind of reinsurance - in case the oil lines or the crankcase were damaged. Then the pilot could reach a suitable place where he could land the plane.

The idea to use this powder for other purposes came to the German Hans Henle when he discovered Liqui Moly jars with powdered molybdenum (translated as “liquid molybdenum”). After learning what they were used for, Hans decided to use molybdenite for motor oils. The results exceeded all expectations. In 1955, he bought a patent for the use of molybdenum disulfide and the rights to this trademark, and by 1997 founded the company Liqui Moly GmbH.

At first, molybdenum additives were sold for oils of the Kfz series, intended for both motor oils and transmissions. Motor lubricants, which included MoS2, began to be produced only in the late 70s, after sensational promotions of Liquid Moli additives. Two small VW-Kaefer cars circled the Bodensee lake, having only molybdenum additive instead of oil inside their engines. This created a sensation and caused a real boom in molybdenum disulfide.

Main properties of MoS2

In scientific terms, molybdenum disulfide is a friction modifier. This is one of the main additives that make up any engine oil. Only for it different substances and their compounds are used - for example, manufacturers use graphite. MoS2 is similar to it in many of its qualities. Its molecular structure, being lamellar like that of graphite, consists of molybdenum and sulfur atoms, forming a very strong compound.

Good protective, anti-friction and extreme pressure qualities appear due to the fact that the atoms of molybdenum and sulfur are approximately the same in size. Thus, a uniform crystal lattice is formed. When added to motor lubricants, molybdenum disulfide creates a strong film at the points of contact of parts that can withstand very high pressure without breaking. MoS2 molecules are highly mobile with respect to each other. Therefore, the friction between the contacting parts is sharply reduced.

Molybdenum compounds perform well at high temperatures (300–400°C), which accompany the operation of the piston group. Other compounds, as a rule, lose their basic qualities under such temperature conditions.

In addition to the clearly positive effect, this friction modifier also has disadvantages: for example, the inability to dissolve in an oily liquid. That is, the state of the powder can be called dispersed, which is a suspension consisting of fairly large particles. Therefore, oils with molybdenum do not behave well in all engines. It should be wary of its use on powerful engines that develop very high temperatures inside the cylinders. As a result, deposits are formed and power units are coked, although such information has not been officially confirmed. It may well be that the reason for the formation of slags was different: calcium contained in other additives, especially detergents, actively affects MoS2, leveling all its good qualities. This process is facilitated by high temperature conditions. Therefore, there are recommendations to treat molybdenum-containing lubricants with caution.

Liqui Moly range of oils

Today, the German company produces a wide range of motor oils - from high-quality mineral oils to fully synthetic ones, called HighTech-Oel. Products have different price categories. Molybdenum is present in motor oils as a friction modifier. If molybdenite had a negative effect on some powertrains, oils would probably not be certified according to the API (American Petroleum Institute) classifier as energy conserving (EC), as well as ACEA (European Automobile Manufacturers Association).

The use of oils from a German manufacturer allows you to save from 1.5 to 2% of fuel. One of the legendary brands that brought an army of fans and recognition of molybdenite is MoS2 Leichtlauf SAE 10W-40 engine oil. This is a semi-synthetic product, based on 40% real synthesized synthetics based on polyalphaolefins (PAO). The remaining 60% is a high-quality purified mineral composition. In addition to MoS2, the composition of the lubricant contains additional anti-wear additives.

Thus, two layers are formed between the rubbing surfaces at once. When one of them stops working due to exhaustion, molybdenite takes its place. It has such a fine structure that it is not retained by oil filters, remaining in suspension. Thanks to him, the lubricant composition retains its main anti-wear qualities throughout the entire interval between replacements. The API classifier assigned the product SL / CF values, ACEA defined its categories as A3-04 / B4-04. The lubricant is suitable for both gasoline units and diesel engines.

Fully synthetic energy-saving lubricants include Special Tec Aa 5w-30. This is a modern lubricant composition that can be used with a replacement interval of up to 40 thousand kilometers! He was assigned the highest categories by API classifiers, as well as ILSAC - SN / CF and GF-5, respectively. The product has many official approvals from European and Asian automakers:

There are very few products in the world with such an impressive list of tolerances. All this speaks of the excellent performance of this engine oil.

Is there motor oil with molybdenum? Of course, because lubricants produced today contain this element. Organic molybdenum is a grayish substance commonly used in industrial and metallurgical applications. Molybdenum is heat-resistant, resistant to corrosion, viscous.

All this makes it possible to use it as an additive to engine oil. Motorists who are not too well versed in chemistry often wonder: what are the pros and cons of motor oil with molybdenum disulfide?

Description of molybdenum

Many brands of motor lubricants contain molybdenum components. Reviews of drivers who have used such oil products vary. This is due to the uneven effect of oil with molybdenum on motors / transmissions of different brands.

molybdenum effect

The action of molybdenum is similar to the effect that particles of graphite give. The substance contains 1 molybdenum atom and 2 sulfur. A strong bond is formed between them. Due to the fact that sulfur particles have the same size as molybdenum, the mixture has the best protection performance.

molybdenum molecules

It must be said that the mixture has anti-friction properties. Today, almost every manufacturer of motor oils adds similar substances (graphite, ester, ceramic components) to their own products.

Influence of molybdenum

Molybdenum motor oil is produced in compliance with strict requirements for technical characteristics. Among the advantages that a motorist receives when using machine oil with molybdenum, it is worth noting:

• in such a lubricant there are friction modifiers that form anti-friction layers. They ensure the integrity of the lubricating film;
• anti-seize properties that prevent equipment wear;
• reduction of friction and overheating of metal parts.

Motor oil with molybdenum in the engine

Sulfur particles form a weak bond, so molybdenum is added to them. The concentration of the mixture in the engine / transmission oil fluid is low. The additive cannot affect the workflow, as there are special gaps in the engine. An additional lubricating layer formed by molybdenum begins to act when the main oil film breaks.

Molybdenum additives are now produced as a separate product. They can be mixed with mineral/synthetic car oil, giving it improved properties. Molybdenum is able to protect a diesel engine even in low and high temperature conditions. The sulfur-molybdenum mixture retains its characteristics at temperatures up to four hundred degrees. The additive is used in the most severe operating conditions. Molybdenum oil is optimal for manual transmissions and diesel engines.

Features of lubricating fluids containing molybdenum

The bad thing is that molybdenum motor oils have certain disadvantages, which, however, do not negate their merits. The cons are:

1. Such lubricating fluids cannot be poured into power units that operate on fuels such as gasoline. This is due to the fact that molybdenum automotive oil is not the usual combination of components that interact chemically with each other, but a physical mixture. The size of the particles is very large, they even penetrate where it is not required, for example, into the piston rings.
2. Molybdenum grease under high temperature conditions leads to a significant increase in coking, increased formation of soot. Because of this, the cylinder block with pistons can be damaged. You have to repair the car. It is for this reason that few automakers recommend the use of such a petroleum product.
3. Friction reduction occurs only when certain synthetics are used. Synthetic esters in their own characteristics resemble castor oil. They are often used in sports cars, have the property of adhesion. Experts say that it is ethers that provide friction reduction, and not molybdenum elements.
4. Motor oils produced today contain a large amount of calcium components. They begin to react harshly and aggressively with molybdenum elements.

After reviewing the advantages and disadvantages of molybdenum oil, evaluating all its properties, the driver must decide whether this oil product will be the best choice for the car or not. Numerous problems can occur if the engine is filled with the wrong lubricant. To eliminate them, you will either have to delve into automotive parts yourself, or contact the employees of a specialized service center who are professionally engaged in car repairs. Molybdenum car oil can serve as both a cause of malfunctions and an excellent protection for the fuel-distributing complex of a vehicle.

There is an opinion that molybdenum greases perform best if cleaning additives are not added to them. This is argued by the fact that in the forties, during the Great Patriotic War, car oil was used to lubricate tank parts. If there was a leak, the engine could function for a certain time thanks to molybdenum.

Content Molybdenum Disulfide Powder

To date, there are many both positive and negative reviews from motorists about the use of special additives in motor oils in which molybdenum disulfide is present. Let's try to understand what molybdenum additives are in engine oil, and what function they perform when added to lubricants.

Today, the requirements for engine manufacturers and lube oil formulaters are becoming more stringent.

The use of friction modifiers, with the help of which anti-friction layers are created in the areas of damage to the oil film, is one of the options for ensuring the presence of energy-saving qualities in engine oils.

Molybdenum disulfide is a classic antiwear and extreme pressure additive for lubricants and oils. All motor oil companies, in any case, include various anti-friction solid or liquid components in their products, such as esters, ceramics, molybdenum disulfide, graphite and others.

The principle of operation of these funds

Low soluble molybdenum additives in motor oil act on a principle similar to graphite additives and based on the lamellar layered structure of the additives. The composition of molybdenum disulfide MoS2 molecules includes one molybdenum atom, with which two sulfur atoms are firmly bound, the sizes of which can be compared with the sizes of metal atoms, which allows sulfur to be firmly fixed on the metal surfaces of rubbing parts (pistons or bearings). The connection of molybdenum with sulfur is quite strong, while the connection of sulfur particles in nearby molecules is, on the contrary, weak.

As a result of the addition of molybdenum disulfide to the lubricant, both rubbing metal surfaces are coated with a protective layer consisting of molecules of this substance, freely sliding relative to each other. This makes it possible to exclude direct contact between metals, significantly reduce friction and overheating of parts in areas where it is present, especially in the case of extreme loads, which significantly reduces the wear of metal parts.

Molybdenum additive

Stabilization of molybdenum disulfide occurs in motor oils quite well, which ensures the maintenance of a suspended state of the substance throughout the entire service life, preventing spontaneous settling on the surface of engines, including hydraulic compensators. The protective film of this substance has a negligible thickness compared to the operating clearances of the motor, which allows it not to maintain free circulation of oil.

In connection with the numerous questions from users and customers of our store regarding the use of additives with molybdenum, here, we decided to dedicate an article to her. In this article, we will consider whether it is worth using this additive, and what is its effectiveness. What tests have shown on the application. And the main question: is it worth pouring this product into a car engine and why.

What is molybdenum additive (Mos2)

The history of LIQUI MOLY began with this product, and to this day it is still the leading oil additive. MoS2 was originally developed to keep parts well lubricated in reciprocating aircraft engines. The combination of molybdenum with sulfur has a minimum coefficient of friction and remains operational under high loads. Thus, the additive has earned the sympathy of customers for many years.

So why use MoS2 molybdenum?

For every mile you drive, you pay with a tiny piece of the engine through friction and wear. Usually the consequence of such operation is the presence of metal in the engine. It is practically impossible to produce a perfectly smooth metal surface, so when viewed under a microscope, any surface of an engine part looks like the surface of the moon, rough and uneven (as in the photo below).

How does the additive work?

Fortunately, the force of friction will be reduced by smoothing metal surfaces, pistons and cylinders, by impregnating the place of their contact.

With this surface treatment, using solid lubricants such as molybdenum disulfide, it will be possible to significantly reduce the friction force and reduce wear; On top of that, thanks to the active agents in the composition of engine oil, some damage is removed.

Efficiency of using MoS2?

Completely suitable for all automotive engines, MoS2 additive is specially formulated to significantly extend the life of your engine (especially if it suffers from temporary loss of oil pressure), giving it maximum protection at high speeds, good high performance.

Significantly reduces wear and extends engine life.

Less heat, smoother running, reduced fuel consumption.

Ideal for engines used under high load.

Can i use it in my car?

LIQUI MOLY MoS2 is suitable for all gasoline and diesel engines and is safe and effective for all turbocharged vehicles. It is poured during an oil change and is valid for the entire period.

How to apply the additive

LIQUI MOLY MoS2 is simply added directly to the engine fill port at any stage of the replacement.

A car is no longer a luxury, but a means of transportation. Moreover, the range of these products is expanding from time to time with new products. Consequently, the auto parts market is also replenished with new parts and consumables, which include engine oil. The compositions of such oils play an important role, since they have a direct effect on some components and assemblies of the car, allowing them to work as long as possible. The range of this product is quite wide and among all lubricants, oil with molybdenum is given special attention.

Around the product, which contains molybdenum disulfide, there is a lot of controversy. We, as outside observers, should find out what the opponents base their suspicions on, and how the oil attracts its admirers.

Two camps - supporters and opponents

The people were immediately divided into two camps. Some do not like it, others, on the contrary, praise it and almost sing odes. Usually supporters rely on the facts of scientific research of laboratories. Opponents' conclusions are based on their sources, which are usually some kind of "authoritative" auto shop consultant with limited knowledge, but with a strong desire to sell something. They also value advice from a semi-literate amateur mechanic.

I would like to believe more in official institutions in this regard. But let's not get ahead of ourselves and start, so to speak, our own investigation into what kind of product this is - oil with molybdenum.

Molybdenum disulfide

First of all, it is worth figuring out what kind of animal it is. The molybdenum disulfide molecule is a compound of one metal atom with two sulfur atoms - MoS 2 . The silver-black substance occurs naturally as the mineral molybdenite, which is the main ore for molybdenum. Obtained using different methods:

• open way;
• side collapse method.

As a lubricant, the compound has been familiar to people since the 16th century. The appearance of MoS 2 resembles graphite, so molybdenum disulfide could not be distinguished from it until the 18th century.

The MoS 2 compound has a hexagonal crystal lattice and has excellent adhesion to metal surfaces. By polishing or spraying the material is applied to pistons, bearings, valves.

The use of molybdenum disulfide is relevant for systems that operate in conditions of low O 2 content. In addition, it can be used at elevated temperatures with the inclusion of oxygen.

A little historical background

Any vehicle owner, no matter how much it costs, has always wondered what oil is best for his car. It is also important to know how often to change the lubricant. And in the process of choosing, I came across such a tool as oil with molybdenum. And perhaps someone has not heard about this automotive product at all.

In fact, the MoS 2 connection has been used since the 50s, at first in aircraft construction. The liquid in which the dispersion powder (a type of molybdenum disulfide) was present was added to the oil. The resulting lubricant was poured into aircraft engines of American military fighters.

This was done in order to preserve the engine's performance in the event of a breakdown of the crankcase and loss of oil. In the event of such an emergency, the pilot had some time left to fly to the nearest airfield. All this is feasible due to the unique lubricating properties of the additive.

Enterprising German

In 1955, an enterprising German citizen named Hans Henle bought the right to use the Liqui Moly brand and a patent for an additive using molybdenum disulfide. Prior to that, under this name, just the lubricant described above was sold.

Two years later, a company called Liqui Moly GmbH was founded in Ulm, it was to her that oil with molybdenum owed its birth. Since then, the company has established the production of additives in motor oil. At first, all products were supplied to the market, in which the MoS 2 compound was present:

• Kfz-1 - for engine oil additives;
• Kfz-2 - for gear oil additives;
• Kfz-3 - for the production of universal grease;
• Kfz-4 - for mounting pastes.

Currently, the company has a wide range of products supplied to the automotive markets in almost all countries of the world. At the same time, in Germany, the Liqui Moly brand is recognized as the best and was awarded the "Best brand in the category of lubricants" according to many German magazines.

Unique properties

Molybdenite, in addition to the automotive industry, is also widely used in metallurgy in the production of alloyed steels. Due to its chemical properties, the compound does not dissolve in a liquid medium. Therefore, Liqui Moly specialists introduce molybdenum disulfide into engine oil using a special technology, which is a real achievement of the company.

Molybdenum disulfide is ground to microparticles and then mixed with oil. However, they do not precipitate, but are always in suspension. And then the opponents would say that these particles will clog oil filters! However, this assumption is fundamentally wrong, since the size of MoS 2 microparticles is much smaller than the through holes of any filter element. In this connection, the contact zone of the rubbing surfaces of parts is always under reliable protection.

The motor additive does not lose its properties even at high temperatures and pressures. In addition to the engine, other vehicle components are also protected:

• main gearbox;
• transfer box;
• planetary mechanism of the rear axle;
• CV joints.

For planetary and gear drives, less extreme operating conditions are typical, for an engine they are many times greater. However, these mechanisms also have their own characteristics - the so-called contact patch, where a lot of pressure is concentrated. Therefore, the use of oil with molybdenum disulfide in order to significantly reduce the coefficient of friction is more than justified.

military purpose

The use of molybdenum disulfide in the early years was of a military nature. The fact is that during the Vietnamese conflict, the product was used to lubricate weapons. Thanks to molybdenum disulfide, the bullet easily passed inside the barrel and was less deformed. And its ballistic properties improved significantly, which favorably affected accuracy.

American pilots added molybdenum additives to helicopter transmissions. This made it possible, when receiving damage, not to fall immediately like a stone, but to fly to the base for repairs and replenishment of ammunition.

Now the bullets themselves are coated with molybdenum disulfide during their production.

Benefits of oils

The unique properties of the MoS 2 compound endow the motor oils produced with molybdenum with excellent qualities. Reviews confirm this once again. This is largely achieved due to the structure of the crystal lattice, which consists of sulfur and molybdenum atoms of the same size. The film between the rubbing surfaces is created so strong that neither high temperature (300-400°C) nor high pressure can destroy it.

The effectiveness of engine oil can be felt almost instantly after pouring it into the engine. Mechanical losses are reduced, which is reflected in the change in the tone of the sound of the power plant.

Currently, one of the suppliers to the automotive markets of many countries of the world is the already well-known brand Liqui Moly. The American Petroleum Institute has confirmed the high quality of the company's products, which meet the high energy saving standards - API EC.

This means that fuel savings can be up to 1.5% when the vehicle is driven moderately with a warm engine. In urban traffic and when the engine is first started, the percentage can be even higher.

How does oil work?

A modern car contains components and assemblies in which a considerable number of rubbing parts. For this reason, they need timely lubrication. And since the engine is powered by fuel combustion, friction is accompanied by exposure to high temperatures. The purpose of any lubricant is to reduce friction. Motor oil with molybdenum does a good job with it, and the reviews of many owners show how the car's behavior has changed for the better.

Rubbing surfaces only at first glance seem perfectly smooth. In fact, they have some degree of roughness, it's just measured in microscopic units. When engine oil touches rubbing surfaces, it creates a microscopic film layer on their roughness, due to which friction is reduced. The thin layer is constantly renewed by a continuous supply of pressure lubricant. By the way, the potential competitor, Manol Molybdenum engine oil, has the same qualities.

And since the oil contains suspended solid particles, albeit of a very small size, the meaning of everything is immediately clear. If all these microscopic irregularities and pores are closed with some kind of solid filler, then the surface will become smoother. As a result, friction is reduced, which in turn leads to reduced wear on parts.

Public opinion

Most experienced drivers and service station specialists note positive trends in the operation of motor oil with a molybdenum additive. In particular, quiet and smooth operation of the engine. In addition, the amount of consumables for the entire period of use remains unchanged. Sometimes molybdenum in engine oil can lead to at least an insignificant, but an increase in compression in the cylinders, which is officially registered.

Molybden Gasoline

However, the world-famous manufacturer Liqui Moly is not the only one who produces high-quality motor oils. Since recently, worthy competition in the face of the oil concern "Mannol" can no longer be avoided. A product called Molibden Benzin 10W40 was released to the consumer's judgment.

Semi-synthetic lubricant made for gasoline engines. A characteristic feature can be considered a complete adaptation to urban road conditions in the "start-stop" mode. The products have been tested and generally proved to be the best. As many people note, Molybdenum Gasoline "is not inferior to Liqui Moly products in its characteristics. But this does not mean that it is superior to the previous product. After all, as other reviews show, Molybdenum Gasoline engine oil does not surpass its counterpart in quality. In this they hold on equal.

There is one important caveat - the oil must be changed every 7000 km. Otherwise, an oxidative reaction will inevitably occur, which negatively affects the performance of the engine.