Tear Down and Inspection of the Cummins VTA-903 Evaluated Using the Single Common Powertrain Lubricant SCPL

The U.S. Army TARDEC Fuels & Lubricants Technology Team has developed a Single Common Powertrain Lubricant (SCPL). After its initial development in high fleet density military engine applications, the SCPL was tested in other lower fleet density engines to confirm performance over the wide range of vehicles that make up the military fleet. As a result, the SCPL was evaluated by the U.S. Army TARDEC in the Cummins VTA-903, as used in the M3A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle. The engine was tested following procedures outlined in the 400 hour NATO hardware endurance test cycle. After testing, the engine was shipped to the U.S. Army TARDEC Fuels and Lubricants Research Facility (FLRF) for a full tear down and internal inspection. Upon teardown, the engine was found to be in acceptable overall condition. Detailed inspection, metrology, and component ratings were completed to document and quantify the engines condition. The candidate SCPL evaluated showed acceptable overall deposit control, consistent with results seen during the initial SCPL development. In addition, post test engine measurements verified that all components apart from four second ring end gaps were found to comply with the recommended rebuild ranges for the VTA-903 engine. This suggest acceptable performance and wear protection of the SCPL tested. It is the opinion of TFLRF staff that all results gathered from the Cummins VTA-903 teardown support the use of the tested SCPL in this family of engines.