Accelerated wear in babbit-coated journal bearings in internal combustion engines converted to LPG

This article presents an analysis of severe corrosion damage in trimetal journal bearings in truck engines after the conversion from conventional gasoline to liquified petroleum gas. Both economic and ecological arguments justify the conversion. Taking engine maintenance-related precautions helps to prevent the detrimental consequences of corrosion and wear described in this study-particularly true in Mexico, where fuels tend to be high in sulfur and maintenance is not always optimal. This study shows the importance of studying metallographic sections rather than worn surfaces in complex wear problems.