Engine Protection

Comprehensive Analysis: How Extreme Oil Film Strength (4-Ball Test) Translates to Overall Engine Performance

Quick Summary: The Synergy of Ultimate Metal Guard Engine

In lubrication engineering, a product’s effectiveness is assessed in terms of its ability to maintain a durable oil film under extreme conditions. Certified 4-ball tests prove that the Ultimate Metal Guard Engine additive increases the mechanical strength of the lubricating film by 25%. This core property forms the foundation from which all other benefits recorded in the tests derive: power and torque recovery on the dynamometer, combustion cleanliness safe for DPF systems (Low SAPS), and unparalleled anti-corrosion protection during cold starts. Below, we present an in-depth analysis of the relationships between these parameters.

Detailed Analysis and Correlation of Laboratory Tests

The key to understanding the innovation of the Ultimate Metal Guard Engine additive is to trace how one fundamental physicochemical parameter – resistance to extreme pressure (Extreme Pressure) – contributes to the reduction of operational issues in modern internal combustion engines.
Foundation: The 4-Ball Apparatus and a 25% Increase in Strength

The 4-ball apparatus is a standard tool in tribology, used to determine the welding load (the total torque required to break the lubricating film under pressure).

Reference base: A pure, modern synthetic oil (Motul 8100 X-CLEAN EFE 5W-30) achieved a break load of 196 daN. This is a standard result for technologically advanced commercial oils.

UMG modification: After adding just 6% of Ultimate Metal Guard Engine to the same oil, the breakaway load increased to as much as 245 daN.

This 25% increase in the load-bearing capacity of the oil film serves as a starting point for analysing the other benefits the additive generates in a running engine.

Correlation 1: Oil Film Load-Bearing Capacity and Dynamometer Measurements (Power Increase)

Higher resistance to lubricant film breakdown means, in practice, a drastic reduction in internal frictional resistance (e.g. between the piston and cylinder or the cam and tappet). An engine that does not lose energy overcoming its own mechanical resistance transfers it directly to the drivetrain. This relationship is precisely illustrated by dynamometer tests:

Commercial vehicles (Fiat Ducato 2.3 JTD): An increase in power from 95.9 HP to 110.7 HP was recorded. Optimising slip had a direct impact on the stability of the injection system – injector corrections improved significantly, reducing deviations from the range of -0.44/+0.83 mg to values close to zero (-0.14/+0.31 mg).

Passenger car engines (Mercedes E250 CDI): The result improved from a baseline of 191.3 HP to 214.4 HP.

High-performance engines (Mercedes S63 AMG 6.3 V8): In this optimally tuned, sports-oriented unit, a surge in torque was recorded from 494.6 Nm to 541.5 Nm.

Dynamometer measurements provide direct road verification of the fact that raising the welding threshold to 245 daN measurably reduces engine parasitic losses.

Correlation 2: Extreme Protection (EP) vs. Chemical Purity (Low SAPS)

Traditional anti-wear additive packages (AW/EP) were often associated with high ash content, which ruled them out for engines with DPF, GPF or advanced EGR systems. Laboratory analysis proves that Ultimate Metal Guard Engine is a technological breakthrough. Whilst maintaining exceptional mechanical strength (245 daN), the ready-to-use mixture (Motul oil + 6% UMG) generates sulphated ash at an extremely low level of 0.70% (m/m). From the user’s and service technician’s perspective, this means an end to compromises – we achieve maximum protection for the crank-piston system whilst maintaining absolute safety and rigorous cleanliness of the exhaust after-treatment systems (Mid/Low SAPS).

Correlation 3: Film Durability and Corrosion Protection during Cold Starts

The durability of the oil film, tested on a 4-ball apparatus, is not only about resistance to pressure but also the ability of chemical adhesion (bonding) to the metal structure. This phenomenon directly explains the outstanding results from the salt spray chamber.

Raw steel succumbed to corrosion processes after just 15 minutes in a highly aggressive, salty environment.

The surface protected by a layer of Ultimate Metal Guard Engine maintained full integrity for 18 hours.

In the engine, this means that the lubricating film does not drain by gravity into the sump when the ignition is switched off. It forms an active, continuous barrier that neutralises acids and repels moisture resulting from water vapour condensation. As a result, during the most critical phase of a cold start, you gain immediate lubrication and protection against the ‘sandpaper effect’ even before the oil pump has had time to build up sufficient pressure.

Correlation 4: Safety and Reinforcement of ‘Wet Belt’ (BIO – Belt-in-Oil) Timing Systems

Modern engine designs increasingly utilise timing belts that operate directly in engine oil. The aggressive chemical environment and high temperatures are the main causes of rubber flaking, oil pump clogging and, consequently, engine seizure. An official report on ageing tests conducted at the Sanok Rubber Company S.A. laboratory (in a temperature chamber for 72 hours at 90 degrees Celsius) proves that the Ultimate Metal Guard Engine additive revolutionises the protection of composite components:

• Tensile strength (Uncompromising increase): In pure reference oil, the belt’s tensile strength increased by +3.3%. However, after using oil with the Ultimate Metal Guard Engine additive, the belt’s tensile strength increased by as much as +6.8%. This means that the additive actively conditions the belt’s structure, making it even more compact and resistant to breakage under dynamic load.
• Stability of the belt body’s elasticity (Prevention of rubber degradation): In pure oil, a decrease in the hardness of the belt’s back was observed (by -4 to -5 IRH-M units), which heralds a process of slow structural delamination. In an environment with Ultimate Metal Guard Engine additive, the change in hardness was exactly 0 (zero). The composite retains its factory-set, ideal elasticity, eliminating the risk of fraying and micro-cracks.
• Protection of tooth geometry and stiffness: In both pure oil and oil with the Ultimate Metal Guard Engine additive, the hardness of the belt teeth remained at an almost unchanged, safe level (slight fluctuations of around 1–2 IRH-M). The belt teeth retain their profile, mesh perfectly with the sprockets, do not wear out and do not pose a risk of timing misalignment, which is critical for the engine. 

For the user, this means the complete elimination of the biggest drawback of Belt-in-Oil systems. The engine gains complete protection against timing chain flaking, ensuring the unobstructed flow of oil through the oil passages and the pump’s suction tube. 

Final Conclusions: Technology Backed by Facts

Analysis of the collected research reports unequivocally confirms the technological consistency of the Ultimate Metal Guard Engine formulation. Output parameters – such as a 25% increase in oil film load-bearing capacity and the absolute stability and reinforcement of rubber composites (+6.8% timing belt strength) – constitute verifiable foundations for tangible operational benefits. 

A measurable increase in performance on the dynamometer, complete safety for DPF/GPF filters (0.70% ash), powerful anti-corrosion protection and protection for the ‘wet’ timing belt make Ultimate Metal Guard Engine a complete, advanced tribological solution that protects every area of a modern internal combustion engine.